Electric Mountain Biking: Affordable Power is Here
Electric mountain bikes have been a popular and expensive option for adventurous riders. They allow you to tackle challenging trails, climb steep hills with ease, and experience the thrill of mountain biking with electric assistance. However, the cost of entry has often been a barrier for many. Thankfully, this is starting to change.
For years, a capable, safe, and trail-ready electric mountain bike typically cost $4,000 or more. Some of the premium models can even exceed $8,000. This high price tag is due to significant components like quality mid-drive motors for balanced power, high-end suspension systems for rough terrain, durable shifters and derailleurs, and powerful hydraulic brakes for reliable stopping power.
This high cost has made electric mountain biking feel inaccessible to many who would otherwise enjoy riding trails.
But now, a new wave of companies selling directly to consumers (D2C) is offering high-quality eMTBs at significantly lower prices. Companies like Ride1Up and Aventon are leading the way, demonstrating that you don’t have to choose between affordability and performance.
Their latest models, such as the Ride1Up TrailRush launched recently and the Aventon Ramblas launched last year, are both mid-drive electric mountain bikes with robust features. They are available for well under the $4,000 price point.
The Ride1Up TrailRush
The Ride1Up TrailRush is the company’s first true electric mountain bike and doesn’t skimp on features. It features a powerful German-made Brose mid-drive motor, delivering smooth and strong performance. This motor is positioned to provide optimal weight distribution and torque where it’s needed most – at the crank, not just at the rear hub. This is crucial for tackling technical climbs and navigating challenging singletrack, where balance and responsiveness are key. The TrailRush is equipped with a 10-speed Shimano Deore M6000 derailleur, a high-end Rockshox air suspension fork, a dropper post, and powerful quad-piston hydraulic brakes.
While not as top-of-the-line as $7,000 Specialized or Trek bikes, these components are well above entry-level and suitable for most recreational and moderately technical riders. Ride1Up’s approach strikes a balance: durable, real-world trail performance at an accessible price.
The Aventon Ramblas
The Aventon Ramblas, launched last year, is a hardtail eMTB with Aventon’s own A100 mid-drive motor system, producing 250W nominal power and 750W peak power. The 100 Nm of torque is 10% higher than the Brose motor on the Ride1Up TrailRush. It also features a 708 Wh battery, approximately 40% larger than the TrailRush’s.
The Ramblas comes standard with a RockShox suspension fork, a SRAM 12-speed NX Eagle derailleur, and SRAM DB8 quad-piston hydraulic disc brakes – solid components indicating a real mountain bike, not just a city bike with added electric assistance.
A key difference is the use of a mid-drive motor, which is a significant upgrade from cheaper rear hub motors often found on budget eMTBs. Mid-drive motors offer better weight distribution, improved climbing ability, and more effective gear use, all essential for more demanding off-road riding.
Why the D2C Model Matters
The shift towards direct-to-consumer sales is a major factor in making electric mountain bikes more affordable. Unlike traditional bike shops that have multiple layers of distribution, D2C companies sell directly to customers, cutting out middlemen and saving money.
While this means you won’t get in-person service or a test ride at a local shop (unless you utilize the growing network of independent bike shops many D2C companies partner with), it’s a trade many riders are willing to make. Many D2C brands now work with hundreds of independent bike shops across the US, meaning the e-bike you see online might be available for a test ride nearby. This also provides local service and support options.
The D2C model also allows these brands to be more agile, quickly adapt to trends, and deliver valuable products without the overhead of large, traditional companies. This has resulted in a growing number of genuinely capable electric mountain bikes costing half as much as the competition.
While high-end electric mountain bikes still exist for serious downhillers and racers, mid-range options like the TrailRush and Ramblas are making electric mountain biking accessible to a much wider audience – weekend riders, trail enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore local parks and backcountry routes with a bit of an electric boost.
Electric mountain biking is finally becoming a more accessible sport. With models like the TrailRush and Ramblas proving that solid performance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, the trails are becoming more welcoming to everyone.
I’m Rohan Mehta, the voice behind KhelRe—a trusted and steadily growing blog dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) in India. With over five years of experience as a tech and automotive blogger, I turned my frustrations with owning an EV into a mission: to help others make more intelligent choices in this fast-evolving world of electric mobility.
I’ve been an early adopter of EV technology—I repurchased my first electric scooter in 2019. That experience opened my eyes to both the promises and the pitfalls of this new mode of transport. From slow charging times and range anxiety to misleading specs and hidden costs, I’ve faced it all. But instead of walking away, I decided to write about it.
That’s how KhelRe was born—a no-nonsense, hands-on blog where I share practical, real-world reviews of EV cars, bikes, and scooters. I break down features, range, performance, and pricing from a user-first perspective. I take pride in simplifying complex tech into clear, valuable insights—offering tips, ownership stories, and advice you won’t find in flashy press releases or sales brochures.
Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just a curious auto enthusiast, my goal is to help you navigate the EV landscape with confidence. My motto: “EV knowledge should come from experience, not just brochures.”
When I’m not test-driving the latest e-scooter or comparing charging networks, you’ll probably find me tinkering with my garage EV setup, chatting with fellow enthusiasts online, or sipping chai while writing my next blog post from a cosy local café.
