A few years ago, seeing an electric bike would’ve been a rare occurrence. But who would’ve thought that riding an e-bike is now the hottest new way to get around town? Aside from being a great way to decrease your carbon footprint, e-bikes can give you an extra boost when you need it and make it easier to travel up hills and longer distances. Especially in nicer weather, they’re a great alternative to taking a car! Since many people are currently looking for one, now there are plenty of fresh e-bikes for you to choose from. But if you need some help, we recommend getting one of the Backcountry electric bikes. Backcountry e bikes include those made by Pinarello, Gazelle, Santa Cruz Bicycles, and more! They’ll make commuting more enjoyable and life easier! Below, we’ve selected some of the best options, so why don’t you give them a look?
Disclaimer – We may earn a commission for purchases using our links
Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus e-Bike
13
The first of many Backcountry electric bikes on this list is the Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus e-Bike. This Backcountry electric bike is a bit of a mouth full for a bike name, but the keyword to focus on is “Ultimate.” Most of the time, this word is an excessive and vain addition to a product title, but it fits incredibly well for the C380+. This is the brand’s Class 3 e-bike, and it comes with a belt drive.
While the pedal assistance of up to 28mph might be the headline grabber, there are still many other features that this bike offers. There are the integrated lights, fenders, and rear rack. But what steals our attention is the drivetrain. This bike uses an Enviolo 380 internally geared hub with stepless shifting and a Gates carbon belt drive. These features would be pretty cool on their own, but then this bike tops it all off with a reliable Bosch Performance Line Speed motor. It provides 85Nm of torque and a 500Wh battery. All of this adds up to quite the ultimate city bike.
What We Love:
The ultimate commuter e-bike that’ll have you effortlessly zipping along at up to 28mph.
Pros:
- Pedal assistance of up to 28mph
- Enviolo 380 for a hassle-free ride
- Strong stopping power
- Reliable Bosch Performance Line Speed motor
- Great for commuting
Cons:
- Pretty costly
Haibike Trekking 1 e-Bike
12
Looking for sporty-looking Backcountry electric bikes that are built for distance and everyday use? Then maybe the Haibike Trekking 1 e-Bike is what you need. Out of all famous brands and leaders in the cycle industry, one can quite easily identify Haibike’s electric bikes due to their horizontal tube attached to both ends. The shrouds, welded well on the seat’s tube, complement the whole frame of the bike.
The electric power of the bike is also thought through quite nicely. You can’t put any doubts on the imposing and powerful Bosch Active line engine. This line was redesigned and had its second generation of CX performance engines. Meanwhile, the battery is semi-integrated into the lower tube and can be removed by a simple key turn.
What We Love:
A heavy-duty and sturdy bike that’s made for serious bikers.
Pros:
- Premium build
- Great battery life
- Various levels of motor assistance
- Great performance on both road and gravel
- Comfy seat
Cons:
- Long charging time
Wilier Cento 1HY Ultegra e-Bike
11
Looking for Backcountry e bikes that don’t look like one? Then you should take a look at the Wilier Cento 1HY Ultegra e-Bike. That’s because it has a concealed battery that provides 250Wh of power, which is equivalent to one hour of assistance at full power. On top of that, it’s deemed as one of the lightest and best-specced road e-bikes you can find on the market.
Meanwhile, turning the system on and off as well as accessing its 3 power-assist modes is an easy affair thanks to a control button that’s built right into the top tube. Plus, the bike’s electric motor can connect to your smartphone via the Ebikemotion app, allowing you to track riding metrics such as speed, distance, time, and battery life. The app also provides route navigation, weather alerts, and Strava integration.
What We Love:
It’s great fun to ride both on hills and the flat, with plenty of power on tap and sleek looks.
Pros:
- Doesn’t look like an e-bike
- Simple, one button interface
- Comes with a companion app
- Plenty of assistance on hills
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The rear wheel might slip when climbing damp roads
Pinarello Dyodo eRoad Bike
10
The Pinarello Dyodo eRoad Bike is the brand’s most popular endurance bike ever! It’s a high-end carbon road bike with an efficient Ebikemotion X35 motor with 250W of nominal power and a 250Wh battery. The system is compatible with a smartphone app and lets you track the most important statistics.
As this is a class 1 bike, the motor will assist you in pedaling up to 20mph. However, this beauty can certainly go much faster than that if you push it! The battery life depends on many factors, including elevation, rider weight, wind, and more. However, a good approximation is around 4,000 feet of elevation gain in maximum support mode.
“The Pinarello Dyodo performs well on the road, it’s comfortable and a pleasure to ride. Frame and components are first class. The pedal assist is awesome, helpful going up hills and riding into the wind. Good value, really getting your money’s worth.”
By Lenny Rosendorf
What We Love:
A well-built and powerful road bike that’s suitable for group rides or commutes.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Awesome pedal assist
- Durable
- Long battery life
- Highly popular
Cons:
- Only available in one color
Gazelle Ultimate T10 Plus e-Bike
9
Sure, the ride to work is nearly all downhill at the start. However, we all know that uphill on the way back will be a tough one! That’s why you should ride the Gazelle Ultimate T10 Plus e-Bike. It’s a speedy take on a modern design with nimble handling and exceptional agility. Not to mention, it features 80mm of travel for surviving the potholes and bumps along the way.
Seen as one of the best Backcountry electric bikes, it has many great features. For instance, the Suntour Mobile 45 suspension front fork offers smooth sailing over choppy surfaces. Meanwhile, the integrated Bosch battery provides a massive power boost. It gives you a sleek aesthetic for a more minimalistic design, combined with the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor, making for a buttery smooth ride where you can effortlessly reach speeds up to 28mph.
What We Love:
It’s a high-quality bike that feels and looks premium.
Pros:
- Great for everyday use
- Sleek design
- Smooth, effortless ride
- Available in both high and mid-step options
- 500Wh battery
Cons:
- The handlebars don’t have quick-release
Pivot eVault GRX Carbon Wheel e-Bike
8
In case you didn’t know, Pivot was an early producer of high-end e-bikes back when skepticism was rampant, and most people hadn’t had the chance to ride one yet. But now that e-bikes are incredibly popular, many people are looking for one from this brand. That said, we think the Pivot eVault GRX Carbon Wheel e-Bike is one of its top products. This Backcountry electric bike is designed with a discreet internal motor and battery system that provides a welcome power boost when your tired legs still have miles left to go.
We wouldn’t classify this bike in the same category as your typical heavy, clunky e-bike. It has a lightweight feel with spritely handling and clean aesthetics that resemble some of your favorite high-end Backcountry electric bikes. The pedal assistance doesn’t feel like a throttle at all, but rather a smooth power curve that feels like a generous tailwind propelling you forward at speeds up to 28mph. And by buying a Pivot, you know you’re getting the best when it comes to the overall quality and craftsmanship!
What We Love:
A top-of-the-line option that’s ideal for long commutes, sporty road rides, and unbounded dirt road exploration.
Pros:
- Available in many sizes
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Offers you tons of power boost
- Premium construction
Cons:
- Lacks color options
Bianchi Impulso GRX600 e-Bike
7
Another Backcountry electric bike that you’ll want to have is the Bianchi Impulso GRX600 e-Bike. Getting away from the house, and we mean far away, is much easier on this awesome bike! This motorized bike holds tons of juice for epic rides on the weekends and quicker for days after work. It’s equipped with the gravel-ready Shimano GRX drivetrain built to last through the toughest miles of gravel road we can find.
The awesomeness doesn’t end there! As one of the best-selling Backcountry electric bikes, it also has 38mm tire clearance so you can equip plush rubber that easily handles unruly terrain as well as a comfortable saddle. Whether it’s a ride through flint rock gravel or churning through steep ski hill access roads, this Backcountry electric bike is up to the task, so long as you (and it) have a full battery.
What We Love:
A nice all-rounder that makes riding much easier.
Pros:
- Steady handling
- Has a great range
- Offers plenty of power
- Pretty lightweight
- Comfy seat
Cons:
- Some people think it’s overpriced
Diamondback Current e-Bike
6
Apart from making mountain bikes, Diamondback also produces e-bikes. What makes the Diamondback Current e-Bike compared to other Backcountry electric bikes is that it’s down to tackle any challenge. This e-bike was born from a desire to explore. We love how it handles smooth roads with speed. Don’t be fooled by its sleek, integrated styling, as this extremely capable adventurer can handle just about anything!
Offering a similar feel to other Backcountry e bikes but with a serious boost in power, this bike might be your favorite purchase! Thanks to the powerful Bosch motor, this bike offers pedal assistance for speeds up to 28mph, far above your typical Class 1 e-bike. Tasteful details like the hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano GRX 11-speed drivetrain, and aluminum frame with tidy internal cable routing give this bike the high-end finish it deserves.
“That’s a lot of watts! The ride is smooth and the tires really dampen the road compared to a 25c roadie tire. It makes the tough Seattle roads more enjoyable. The motor is near silent and the GRX shifting has a very light touch. This thing is a tank.”
By Nodair R
What We Love:
One of the best choices when you’re looking to cover mileage as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Pros:
- Can tackle any terrain easily
- Reliable hydraulic disc brakes
- Bosch motor offers pedal assistance up to 28mph
- 500Wh integrated battery
- Durable aluminum frame
Cons:
- It’s a bit challenging to remove the battery for off-bike charging
Gazelle Medeo T9 e-Bike
5
The Gazelle Medeo T9 e-Bike is a fantastic option in value, performance, and design. You have 3 frame sizes, 3 color options, and both a high-step/low-step option available. With a 48.9lbs average weight, this is a significantly lighter Backcountry electric bike. Plus, we love how comfortable it is as it has an ergonomic saddle and grips with an adjustable seat post and handlebars. Speaking of comfort, you should also have the best padded bike shorts for a more enjoyable ride!
Moreover, this Backcountry electric bike features a strong Bosch Active Line Plus 3.0 50 Nm motor, and in conjunction with the 400Wh lithium battery, you can travel between 55 to 60 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, the drivetrain is just as reliable as the premium mid-drive motor, featuring a 9-speed Shimano Acera/Altus drivetrain with additional support from plastic fenders and a chain guide.
What We Love:
A nice option that allows you to have an enjoyable ride every single day.
Pros:
- Available in 3 distinct colors
- Aluminum alloy frame
- Bosch Purion display
- Plenty of stopping power
- Comes with many accessories
Cons:
- The small size of the Bosch Purion is too small for some people
Pinarello Nytro Grinta Apex e-Bike
4
Did you know that the Pinarello Nytro Grinta Apex e-Bike is the company’s first attempt at an e-road bike? However, this doesn’t stop it from being one of the best Backcountry electric bikes. This bike is fun to ride, the motor gives useful assistance, and the range is good enough for a decent day’s riding! One of our favorite features is the Fazua Evantion engine that supports you to overcome the obstacles between you and the fun!
Wondering who is this bike for? Quite simply, it’s for those that want to ride but need a little extra something. This includes everyone from newbies wanting to get out with faster people to learn group etiquette to those wanting to see places that are further away from what they’d usually get to. Yes, given the spec level, it feels a bit expensive compared to some of the best Backcountry electric bikes. However, the overall experience has been nothing but positive.
What We Love:
A high spec and premium option that’s both classy and comfortable.
Pros:
- Good assistance from the Fazua motor
- High-quality frame
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Offers a comfortable ride
Cons:
- Expensive compared to some of its competitors
Santa Cruz Bicycles Bullit Carbon CC MX X01 Eagle AXS Coil Reserve e-Bike
3
When you’re searching for Backcountry electric bikes, chances are the Santa Cruz Bicycles Bullit Carbon CC MX X01 Eagle AXS Coil Reserve e-Bike will catch your attention. As one of the best Backcountry e bikes, it can get up to the top of the mountain faster than ever and eats up terrain on the way back down. Additionally, this range-topping model comes with XO1 AXS wireless shifting, top-of-the-line FOX and RockShox suspension, and Reserve carbon wheels, which are a build kit that leaves nothing to be desired or upgraded.
Furthermore, this bike’s geometry has been modernized to be as progressive as possible, giving you confidence and traction when the trail points downwards. Besides that, this bike also boasts the STEPS EP8 motor, giving you maximum climbing power in trail mode and getting you over the steepest of chutes and terrain.
What We Love:
A high-end model with high-end components that offer you high-speed confidence.
Pros:
- Suitable for big mountain days
- STEPS SEP8 motor is tuned for perforamnce in teh mountains
- 630Wh battery
- 4-piston brakes and large rotors for maximum stopping power
- Strong but lightweight frame
Cons:
- Super expensive
Diamondback Union 1 e-Bike
2
What we have here is the Diamondback Union 1 e-Bike, an entry-level model for those wanting to spice up their daily commute with a little electrification. As one of the best-selling Backcountry e bikes, this one doesn’t disappoint. this is a Class 3 electric bike, meaning it offers you an electric pedal assist for up to 28mph. That assist is powered by a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and PowerTube 400 battery, which is tucked into the bike’s downtube.
Apart from that, we also love how well built this Backcountry electric bike is. It has an aluminum alloy frame and handlebar setup, and it rides on 27.5-inch tires. Changing gears is a snap as well, as it features a 10-speed Shimano Deore derailleur that shifts cleanly. When it comes to stopping, this bike is outfitted with Shimano MT240 4-piston front and 2-piston rear hydraulic disc brakes that bring the bike to a halt quickly and smoothly. And in case you’re wondering, it can go up to 35 miles on a full charge!
“I am a mom of two small kiddos (F, 5”6’, 130lbs). I got a size M to pull my 70lb Burley bike trailer with our kids and baggage that goes with small kids. It pulls like a DREAM. We live in a hilly area and I can easily adjust the bike assist to go up and down each hill. It’s been the best purchase so far of 2021!”
By Kasey Nay
What We Love:
A reliable, entry-level bike that provides a smooth and easy way to get around the city.
Pros:
- Durable aluminum frame
- Powerful Bosch motor offers pedal-assist up to 28mph
- 400Wh integrated battery
- Smooth Hydraulic brakes
- Comes with useful accessories
Cons:
- No integrated front or rear lights
Niner RLT E9 RDO 4-Star GRX e-Bike
1
The Niner RLT E9 RDO 4-Star GRX e-Bike is the electric version of the brand’s RLT gravel bike that does far and fast. The Niner RDO carbon frame features Bosch Performance that provides up to 28 miles per hour of pedal assistance with a 500Wh battery for longer distances. The frame is specifically designed for durability and versatility, and it features rack mounts so you can carry your supplies with you.
Deemed as one of the best Backcountry electric bikes, it comes with a Shimano GRX600 11-speed drivetrain. This includes a cassette that has a wide-range 11-42T gear that makes climbing and pedaling through rough terrain hassle-free. Meanwhile, the Shimano GRX400 hydraulic disc brakes provide confidence-inspiring stopping power so you can descend under control. Plus, the tubeless-ready sims and tires are ready to give you a smoother ride, better traction, and fewer flats.
“I was a bit hesitant to buy a bike online, but since there were no Niner dealers near me, I decided to take a chance. I have not been disappointed. The bike was securely packaged. It was simple to assemble. About all I needed to do was install the handlebars, seat post, wheels, and mount the computer. The bars were beautifully taped and all the mechanical components were adjusted perfectly and torqued to the proper specs.”
By Frank Mendonca
What We Love:
A versatile and multipurpose e-gravel bike that’s made for any adventure.
Pros:
- Suitable for all adventures
- Bosch Performance offers speeds up to 28mph and a 500Wh battery
- Shimano GRX drivetrain and brakes
- Interchangeable wheels
- Comes with rack mounts
Cons:
- Only available in one color
How To Choose The Best Backcountry Electric Bikes
Unlike bikepacking bags and saddle bags for bikes, e-bikes are far from cheap. So, now that you’ve seen our top picks, it’s time to know the important features you should consider when getting Backcountry e bikes!
Motor type
Less expensive electric bikes traditionally use a rear hub motor. Mid-drive motors located in the center pedal crankshaft tend to be more expensive but offer better overall balance and smoother shifting. Apart from that, motors are also rated based on their power, measured in Watts. Typically, the least powerful motor will be 250 Watts. However, unless you’re a very large person or planning to go up steep hills, the motor size shouldn’t be a major determining factor for your purchase.
Battery
The capacity of a battery is measured in Watt-hours (Wh), and the most common values you can see associated with e-bikes are 250Wh, 300Wh, 400Wh, or 500Wh. The more, the merrier! Nowadays, most electric bikes have a minimum range of around 20 miles, whereas the maximum range can exceed 100 miles if all conditions are right. Things that can affect the battery range include the rider’s weight, the level of pedal-assistance, temperature, terrain, and so on.
Disc brakes
As e-bikes are heavier than regular and develop high speeds more easily, they need good brakes to slow down and stop. That said, disc brakes have become the go-to solution as they provide the most braking power and the best precision.
Safety features
If you’re planning to ride your electric bike in traffic or low-light conditions, it’s worth looking for an electric bike with a built-in head and taillights. While increasingly common, it’s not a standard feature on all models.
Are e-bikes worth the money?
E-bikes can go faster than regular bikes and are easier to ride uphill. You won’t sweat as much when riding in warm weather, and they make it possible to continue riding after an injury or into old age. So, the answer is yes, wee-bikes are worth the money.
Will e-bikes come down in price?
E-bikes will certainly become cheaper in the end, like any other gadget or piece of technology. However, don’t expect their prices to settle down in just a matter of a few months or even years.
Are e bikes street leagal?
Electric bikes are as street-legal as traditional human-powered bikes. You can use them on roadways, bike paths, and bike lanes. However, the maximum speed of a motor-powered electric bike must not exceed 20 mph.
