The best full-suspension e-bikes for 2024

Mountain biking has modified loads over the previous couple of a long time due to a mixture of more and more refined design and the addition of electrical motors. A full-suspension electrical mountain bike is extra like a spaceship than the Huffys we used to mess around on as children. An electrical bike with suspension isn’t any small funding, nonetheless, and whether or not you’re an avid rider or simply an occasional fanatic, you should select a motorbike that you just’ll proceed to take pleasure in by means of numerous miles on the path. Below, you’ll discover a information to choosing the proper mannequin for your wants, in addition to our picks for the best full-suspension e-bikes of 2024. 

How we selected the best full-suspension e-bikes

As a lifelong bike owner—each street and path—I supply some 30 years of expertise using beneath all situations. In current years, I’ve relentlessly examined acoustic and electrical bikes of all makes and varieties, and I’ve reviewed them for publications like Popular Science, Bicycling, Popular Mechanics, the Manual, and extra. For this checklist, I explored current releases from an especially wide selection of manufacturers, testing bikes for totally different using wants, expertise ranges, and budgets. My firsthand checks have been bolstered by enter from the Popular Science editors and different professional reviewers. 

The best full-suspension e-bikes: Reviews & Recommendations

Trail bikes have gotten extremely light-weight, succesful, and sturdy, and eMTBs have taken energy and efficiency to an entire new degree. These are our prime suggestions.

Best general: Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8

Specs

• Motor: 250W nominal / 500W peak
• Torque: 85Nm
• Battery capability: 900Wh

Pros

• Versatile geometry
• Big battery
• Lots of motorcycle for worth

Cons

• Awkward energy plug
• Included tires are simply so-so

The Canyon Spectral:On CF 8 excels at just a little little bit of every little thing, then goes the additional mile—actually—by having an infinite 900Wh battery capability. Let’s put it this fashion: when examined over the course of a protracted day on the paths with pals, when their bikes gave up, mine may have simply stored going for for much longer. I solely give up as a result of they had to. And whereas its motor’s 250W nominal output is merely high-quality, its 500W peak for bursts of additional energy and 85Nm torque is fairly spectacular. 

In phrases of design, its carbon body is gentle and compliant, and its geometry falls in between relaxed and aggressive. That means you get a cushty using place as you’re merely pedaling down the path, nevertheless it gained’t really feel unstable when it’s time to bomb a steep hill. This leads to a responsive, secure using expertise that the majority riders will take pleasure in throughout a spread of situations. While it’s maybe best for navigating trails, its balanced, assured stance is nice for downhill, too. Considering its stable e-specs and versatile design, it’s an incredible bike for the worth. 

My solely actual criticism is that its model-specific plug is a bit awkward. And whereas the tires are high-quality, it’s possible you’ll need to change them out for one thing grippier when using on extra aggressive terrain. But past these nitpicks, that is an all-around stable bike that may meet nearly any and all MTB wants. 

Best worth: Trek Fuel EXe 8 XT

Specs

• Motor: 250W nominal, 300W peak
• Torque: 50Nm
• Battery capability: 360Wh

Pros

• Great suspension
• Adjustable geometry
• All-trail versatility

Cons

• Underpowered motor and battery

For a motorbike that may carry out with excellence beneath just about any path situations, the Trek Fuel EXe 8 XT delivers. Thanks to this chameleon-like means to go well with any MTB state of affairs, it packs super worth. Highly adjustable, it provides two geometry choices, suspension adaptability, and mullet compatibility for drop-style handlebars like these you’d discover on street or gravel bikes. In different phrases, that is the type of bike you need for those who often leap between downhill, cross nation, and even enduro and wish one bike that may do all of it. 

While the motor and battery capability each might be a bit increased, the tradeoff is that its lighter electronics maintain the burden down. That lighter weight plus its top-of-the-line, buttery clean FOX suspension end in a maneuverable, responsive using expertise that you just’ll take pleasure in it doesn’t matter what the path throws at you.

Best for girls: Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite

Specs

• Motor: 250W
• Torque: 85Nm
• Battery capability: 400Wh

Pros

• Women-oriented geometry
• Great electronics
• Lightweight

Cons

As many ladies within the MTB realm have identified, most bikes are designed with males in thoughts. The women-centric model Liv has corrected this with its lineup of light-weight bikes that includes geometry higher suited for female our bodies. The Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elites are the corporate’s lightest eMTBs but—round 20 kilos, relying on the package deal and {hardware}. It additionally has well-centered, secure geometry that gives an improved attain for most girls. Its 85Nm motor supplies loads of get-up-and-go, and the controls are effectively laid out and intuitive. 

The battery capability isn’t excellent, however I guess its diminished weight offsets the necessity for extra energy. If you need a bit extra, the corporate provides a 200Wh expander. The Intrigue X Advanced E+ is at present obtainable in three efficiency packages providing totally different suspension and wheel setups, and so they’re all nice picks relying in your wants. 

Best design: Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C90

Specs

• Motor: 250W nominal, 700W peak
• Torque: 108Nm
• Battery capability: 720Wh

Pros

• Great geometry
• Wild peak energy and torque
• Beautiful bikes

Cons

• A number of reviewers report motor points

For bike design geeks, the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C90 is actually a factor to behold. If judged by mere aesthetics alone, it will win by most measures, however when it comes to extra sensible issues, its geometry is about as completely thought-about as could be, leading to supreme stability and confidence in surmounting even essentially the most professional of path circumstances. 

What’s extra, its electronics are completely out of this world. Its 250W motor leaps as much as 700W if the state of affairs calls for, and its ample 108Nm torque is an absolute hill killer. The 720Wh battery ensures all-day vary, and the elements all through are as premium as could be. A handful of early testers encountered points with the engine shedding energy on account of a misplaced wire through the manufacturing course of, however I rode my tester lengthy and exhausting and by no means had any issues. 

Best rated: Nukeproof Megawatt 297

Specs

• Motor: 250W nominal, 500W peak
• Torque: 85Nm
• Battery capability: 630Wh

Pros

• Good electronics
• Smooth suspension
• Versatile geometry

Cons

While it’s realistically unimaginable to seek out one bike that outrates all of them, one which I can report having persistently stellar opinions is the Nukeproof Megawatt 297. I feel that’s as a result of whereas it’s not likely blowing away the competitors in anybody realm, it doesn’t actually fall quick in any realm both. It’s only a actually nice bike all-around, from its stable digital specs, to its well-balanced, versatile geometry, to its eye-pleasing design. 

Its backside bracket is just a little low which will increase its tendency for pedal strikes for those who’re frequently traversing tremendous rocky terrain, and if the climate will get chilly the inventory tires appear to lose a little bit of grip. But for all sensible functions that is only a very nice bike.

Best splurge: Santa Cruz Heckler MX

Specs

• Motor: 250W nominal, 500W peak
• Torque: 85Nm
• Battery capability: 720Wh

Pros

• Solid digital specs
• Confident experience
• It feels like a luxurious bike

Cons

• Charging port cowl is breakable

It’s not exhausting to spend some huge cash on an electrical full-suspension bike, however it’s exhausting to seek out fashions which are really value paying prime greenback. The Santa Cruz Heckler MX delivers aggressive digital specs—particularly with its above-average battery capability—and it has excellent geometry that leads to a balanced, assured experience, however what makes it a stable splurge decide entails the way it feels. It’s exhausting to place my finger on it, nevertheless it simply feels like an expensive experience. 

Maybe that’s as a result of it’s comparatively light-weight contemplating its higher-end motor and battery? Maybe it’s as a result of the suspension is so clean and the geometry is so effectively centered? Whatever does it, the Heckler offers off luxurious vibes, even when it rides like a beast. 

Best funds: Cannondale Montero Neo 4

Specs

• Motor: 250W nominal, 500W peak
• Torque: 85Nm
• Battery capability: 630Wh

Pros

• Good battery capability
• Drop seat
• Good inventory tires and brakes

Cons

The Cannondale Montero Neo 4 is a stable eMTB in nearly each approach you may need it to be. Its 250W motor is completely ample for most riders, whereas its 630Wh battery is surprisingly massive for the worth. Its TRP Slate 4-piston disc brakes are glorious for stopping from excessive speeds, and the inventory tires are good for typical different use. There’s even a top quality drop seat, which raises and lowers on the contact of a button to match your using place over totally different terrain. You need it increased whenever you’re pedaling and decrease whenever you’re descending. That’s an unusual function at this worth.

I’d say its largest downside is the aluminum body, which isn’t a dealbreaker, however it’s a bit heavier than carbon and has barely diminished responsiveness. The geometry is a bit uncommon, with the seat to handlebar attain being a bit nearer than what most riders would possibly sometimes favor, nevertheless it makes up for it due to the truth that the motor and battery are low within the body, giving it a secure middle of gravity to offset the stiffer body within the turns. All informed, it is a nice bang-for-your-buck bike.

What to contemplate when selecting a full-suspension electrical bike

While it’s tempting to purchase the shiniest, springiest bike you will discover, that gained’t all the time fit your wants. There’s completely such a factor as an excessive amount of suspension. Before you plunk down your bank card for a brand new experience, listed below are some important variables to contemplate:

Bike motor

Arguably, your first consideration ought to contain the motor. On paved or flat surfaces, a motor’s power may not matter fairly as a lot, however whenever you’re counting on it to energy up a steep incline and enormous technical options, you want it to ship loads of wattage and torque. 

For mountain trails, you’ll by no means need a sub-250-watt motor. 250W is an ample output for most riders, although for those who frequent particularly steep climbs it’s possible you’ll need to step as much as 500 and even 750 watts. 

An e-bike motor’s torque represents its means to ship rotational energy to the again wheel, extra of which not solely bolsters its hill climbing functionality however makes it simpler to rise up to hurry from a full cease. E-bike torque is measured in neuton-meters, with the common ranging between 50-60Nm. New eMTBs can go a lot increased, sometimes between 70-85Nm, or much more. 

You additionally need to look for a mid-drive motor fairly than a hub motor. While the latter is simpler to keep up, extra reasonably priced, and completely ample for most street using, a mid-drive motor distributes energy and weight extra evenly, leading to extra energy and management on inclines and tough terrain. All of the bikes I’ve beneficial are mid-drive.

Battery

Batteries could be difficult relating to path using; on one hand, you need as a lot capability as potential, however on the opposite, with greater batteries, the burden can shoot up quick. Currently most bikes supply someplace between 500-900 watt hours, and how briskly it goes by means of that relies on how exhausting you’re using the bike. If you count on to be using all day utilizing the bike’s extra highly effective help modes, you’ll in all probability need 700Wh or above. But for those who’ll solely be at it for a couple of hours and don’t want the additional juice, you would possibly recognize the decreased weight of a smaller battery. 

Design

Whether you name it “design” or “geometry,” the structure of the bike could have a serious influence in your using expertise. This contains components just like the seat, prime, and down tube lengths, the attain between seat and handlebars, the wheelbase, standover top, and so forth. Which is true for you relies upon largely in your physique kind and the way a specific bike matches you. Bikes with shallower (or “raked out) head tube angles present extra stability throughout descents, however wrestle on climbs. More upright geometry makes climbing and normal pedaling extra comfy however makes bombing hills really feel sketchier. Consider the sorts of trails you’re going to experience most.

Frame & weight

The materials of the bike body performs a serious function in your using expertise when it comes to the bike’s weight, stiffness vs. compliance, and sturdiness. Aluminum frames are sometimes extra reasonably priced and comparatively light-weight, however they’re additionally pretty stiff, rising the tough feeling on rugged terrain and lowering traction and dealing with in turns. Carbon fiber bikes, however, are very light-weight and ship extra compliance fairly than stiffness. They do value extra and are usually tougher to keep up.

Sensors

Most e-bikes have both cadence or torque sensors which decide how the motor’s energy is engaged. With cadence sensors, the motor engages anytime the pedals are moved in any respect, and it stops after they cease. Torque sensors reply to the quantity of power utilized to the pedals, rising or reducing the motor’s output accordingly. Cadence sensors are normally extra reasonably priced and easy and supply a “charging forward” really feel that some riders take pleasure in. Torque sensors value extra and require that you just use extra pedal power, however they provide a smoother, extra “natural” really feel, and lots of riders say they’re extra responsive with higher dealing with.

Intended use

Something you all the time should query when selecting a motorbike is, what sort of rider are you? Are you extra into circulate trails or technical trails? Beginner, professional, or someplace in between? Do you experience often or often? A motorcycle that’s excellent for one could also be flat-out flawed for the opposite. Typically, the producers will make it pretty clear what a motorbike is meant for. 

Suspension journey and sort

All bike suspension isn’t created equal, and also you’ll should resolve how a lot and how much sproing you need. Most of those higher-end bikes depend on air suspension, whereas some older and extra reasonably priced fashions nonetheless use oil and comes. Most mountain bike suspension forks (which maintain the entrance wheel) supply roughly 150mm of journey. That’s a stable all-around providing that’s good in quite a lot of terrain. Mor downhill-oriented fashions can go as much as 200mm. Most rear shocks supply journey within the 140mm vary. Again, some DH setups supply ore to soak up the massive blows that come from drops or rock impacts.

FAQs

 Final ideas on the best full-suspension e-bikes

While full-suspension e-bikes actually aren’t low-cost, eMTBs present a implausible experience on nearly each terrain. The further oomph supplied by a built-in electrical motor helps make climbing extra pleasing and in the end interprets into much less time spent off the bike. The suspension gained’t make you a greater rider all by itself, however it can present simply the correct quantity of squish to allow you to really feel the path when you’re using, however not a lot the following day whenever you’re recovering.

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Popular Science began writing about know-how greater than 150 years in the past. There was no such factor as “gadget writing” after we revealed our first difficulty in 1872, but when there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for on a regular basis readers means we’d have been throughout it. Here within the current, PopSci is absolutely dedicated to serving to readers navigate the more and more intimidating array of units available on the market proper now.

Our writers and editors have mixed a long time of expertise protecting and reviewing client electronics. We every have our personal obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video video games to cameras and past—however after we’re reviewing units exterior of our rapid wheelhouses, we do our best to hunt out reliable voices and opinions to assist information folks to the very best suggestions. We know we don’t know every little thing, however we’re excited to reside by means of the evaluation paralysis that web buying can spur so readers don’t should.