Best eMTBs of 2025: Trail-Tested by Pro Riders

Electric mountain bikes have revolutionized the cycling industry and made this demanding sport available to more people than ever. We spent weeks testing the latest eMTBs on tough trails and now have a definitive ranking of the best models for 2025.

This was one of the biggest eMTB tests ever conducted. We tested 30 top electric mountain bikes against each other for three intense weeks. The trail-crushing Trek Rail 9.9 at $13,499 and the adaptable Orbea Wild (our second-place winner) showed impressive performance. We got a full picture of each bike’s capabilities, handling, and overall value. These aren’t small investments – the test bikes averaged 22.4 kg and , but they’re worth it for dedicated riders.

Our 2025 best emtb guide stands out because we rode these bikes hard. We pushed the specialized emtb models and trek emtb offerings to their limits on trails of all types. The results include feedback from more than 17,000 riders who took part in our reader survey. Whether you want the best emtb 2025 can offer or just want to stay current with emtb news, our practical testing gives you insights you won’t find anywhere else.

DYU FF500

The DYU FF500 stands out in our eMTB test lineup as a unique contender. A team of German designers created this bike to blend urban utility with trail capabilities. This folding fat-tire eMTB offers both performance and practicality, setting it apart from traditional mountain bikes.

DYU FF500 Key Features

The FF500’s aluminum alloy frame and 20×4.0″ fat tires immediately grab your attention. The bike features a Shimano 7-speed advanced derailleur that handles varied terrain and a detailed LED display that shows power, speed, mileage, and gear information. The bike’s safety features include front and rear disk brakes and a bright headlight for night riding. A sturdy rear shelf can hold up to 50 pounds of cargo.

DYU FF500 Motor and Battery

A powerful 500W motor sits at this eMTB’s core, pushing speeds up to 32km/h. Some markets offer a 250W version that meets local regulations. The bike uses a removable 48V 14Ah LG lithium battery with a Battery Management System that optimizes energy use. Riders can expect up to 70km on a single charge, with the battery needing 7-8 hours to fully charge.

DYU FF500 Suspension and Geometry

The FF500 delivers exceptional comfort despite its compact size. The front shock absorbing system works with an advanced spring bump-reducing device under the seat to create a smooth ride on rough terrain. The bike easily tackles 15-degree uphill grades. Its folded dimensions (95 x 50 x 80cm) make storage and transport easy.

DYU FF500 Ride Feel and Handling

Our tests revealed the FF500’s exceptional versatility. The bike was built for urban cycling but handled different terrains with ease. Fat tires provide stable grip and traction, and three riding speeds let riders adapt to various conditions. The air-filled saddle adds substantial comfort to every ride.

DYU FF500 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional portability with foldable design
• Strong 500W motor performance
• Versatile for both urban commuting and light trail riding
• Impressive 70km range
• Practical cargo capacity

Cons:

• Weight of 31kg might be challenging
• The original setup takes time and patience
• Handlebar length needs improvement

DYU FF500 Pricing

The DYU FF500 costs €1299 and offers excellent value compared to other eMTBs we tested. While it may not match premium models’ trail-specific features, its versatility and practicality make it an excellent choice for riders who want a multi-purpose electric bike at an available price point.

Orbea Wild M-LTD

My experience with the Orbea Wild M-LTD in Spain’s mountains left me impressed. This premium bike comes from a brand with serious racing credentials. Pro rider Martin Maes has put this range-topping model through its paces during the 2024 World Cup season, as it emerged from Orbea’s in-house OOLab program.

Orbea Wild M-LTD Key Features

The Wild M-LTD features an OMR carbon frame with a custom battery mount that balances weight distribution and improves handling. The frame’s stiffness shows a 51% increase from its previous version, specifically to handle the extra forces from the motor and battery. The 2025 version gets a bump to 170mm travel both front and rear. You can also switch to mullet wheels by changing the linkage.

Orbea Wild M-LTD Motor and Battery

A  powers this beast, delivering 85Nm of torque and 600W peak power. You can choose between a 600Wh or 750Wh battery – I rode with the lighter 600Wh unit that cuts weight by 1.5kg. During a real-life test ride covering 15 miles with 4200ft of climbing in higher power modes, the battery showed 15% remaining charge. Bosch’s PowerMore 250Wh range extender fits the bike but takes up the bottle cage space.Bosch’s newest Performance Line CX motor

Orbea Wild M-LTD Suspension and Geometry

Balance defines the Wild’s geometry. A 63.5° head angle matches with a steep 77.5° seat tube angle to create a neutral riding position. The reach ranges from 435mm to 505mm across sizes. A concentric pivot around the rear axle handles suspension duties. Anti-squat measures 130% at full extension to minimize pedal bob, dropping to 60% at bottom-out. Fox Factory components manage damping with a 38 GRIP X2 fork and Float X2 rear shock.

Orbea Wild M-LTD Ride Feel and Handling

The Wild shines on climbs with remarkable efficiency. Its suspension stays high in travel, keeping your weight centered instead of leaning back. The bike feels alive on descents despite its robust build. Big hits get absorbed smoothly while the bike stays composed. The cornering stands out – unlike many heavy eMTBs that push wide, this bike tracks exactly where you point it.

Orbea Wild M-LTD Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Balanced geometry creates easy-to-use handling
• Climbs efficiently even on technical trails
• Corners with precision unlike typical full-sized eMTBs
• MyO program offers extensive customization

Cons:

• Motor removal needed to access battery
• Full charge takes over 4.5 hours
• Price point limits accessibility

Orbea Wild M-LTD Pricing

The Wild M-LTD commands €11,999, placing it squarely in the premium category. This price includes top-shelf Fox Factory suspension, SRAM’s XX-level Transmission, and Shimano XTR brakes.

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS

Trek’s top-of-the-line emtb, the Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS, comes packed with premium tech but falls short when we compare it to bikes like the DYU FF500.

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Key Features

The Rail 9.9 boasts a full OCLV Mountain Carbon frame with a magnesium rocker link and 150mm rear travel. The frame has Knock Block 2.0 steering protection, guided internal cable routing, and a built-in battery housing. The bike also comes with the Mino Link geometry adjustment system and Active Braking Pivot that makes braking better.

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Motor and Battery

The heart of this Trek emtb is Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor with Smart System integration that pumps out 85Nm of torque. The beefy  lets you ride longer—our test rider covered 31 miles with 2400ft of climbing in eMTB and Turbo modes and still had 40% juice left. The setup has Bosch’s LED remote and Kiox 300 display mounted right on the top tube.750Wh PowerTube battery

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Suspension and Geometry

This bike pairs a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork (160mm) with a custom Super Deluxe shock that uses Thru Shaft technology. Both parts come with AirWiz pressure monitoring that connects through Bluetooth. The Rail’s geometry gives you a long reach (491mm for large) and 64.6° head angle in low mode, making it stable when you ride hard.

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Ride Feel and Handling

The Rail stays planted at high speeds, but its stiff suspension sometimes misses small bumps. The bike shines on flow trails but doesn’t grip well on slick, off-camber sections. Unfortunately, many riders noticed the battery rattling badly at speed, which sent unwanted vibrations through the bars.

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Bosch motor delivers power smoothly
• Battery life goes the distance
• Handles rough trails with confidence

Cons:

• Battery rattles too much
• Loses grip on wet, technical trails
• Electronics can act up
• Price tag is way too high

Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS Pricing

The Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS costs a whopping €13,599, which seems hard to justify given its shortcomings. The DYU FF500 offers better value at €1,299 and gives riders more bang for their buck with its practical features.

Cannondale Moterra SL

Cannondale has revolutionized the lightweight eMTB category with their Moterra SL. Their new bike claims the title of “” weighing less than 20kg. This carbon masterpiece uses innovative FlexPivot technology that eliminates traditional chainstay pivot bearings.lightest full power mountain bike ever

Cannondale Moterra SL Key Features

The carbon frame incorporates flex zones in the chainstays that work like a Horst Link pivot. This clever design cuts weight and removes maintenance headaches. The bike runs a mullet setup (29″ front, 27.5″ rear) by default, but riders can switch to a full 29er using flip chips. A sleek downtube houses the integrated battery, though it can’t be removed.

Cannondale Moterra SL Motor and Battery

The Moterra SL runs on a custom-tuned Shimano EP801 motor that delivers 85Nm of torque and 600W peak power. Its 601Wh custom battery achieves an energy-to-weight ratio of 194Wh/kg. Cannondale’s custom software tuning provides four distinct power modes, setting it apart from competitors.

Cannondale Moterra SL Suspension and Geometry

The bike sports a slack 62.5° head angle that adjusts to 63.7°. Size-specific geometry includes varying chainstay lengths: 449mm (S), 453mm (L), and 458mm (XL). A 150mm rear travel works with a 160mm Fox 36 fork to create a capable riding platform.

Cannondale Moterra SL Ride Feel and Handling

The Moterra SL grips well on climbs while the motor provides strong assistance. It excels on fast, flowing downhill sections. The flex-stay design shows some weakness in traction during heavy braking.

Cannondale Moterra SL Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Light weight at ~20kg for a full-power eMTB
• Strong 85Nm motor with custom modes
• Climbs with great efficiency

Cons:

• Battery stays fixed in frame
• Loses traction under hard braking
• Motor runs loud

Cannondale Moterra SL Pricing

The Moterra SL starts at €7,999 for the SL 2 and tops out at €12,500 for the LAB71.

YT Decoy SN MX Core 3

German manufacturer YT brings excitement to enduro riding with their Decoy SN MX Core 3. This bike combines aggressive geometry with a mid-power motor system to create a more natural riding feel.

YT Decoy SN MX Core 3 Key Features

The Ultra-Modulus carbon frame has a mixed wheel setup (29″ front, 27.5″ rear) with 160mm rear travel matched to 170mm front travel. YT’s V4L (Virtual 4-Link) rear suspension design works with a carbon swing link. This enduro beast has TRP DH-R EVO 4-piston brakes with large rotors (220mm front/203mm rear) and Continental Kryptotal tires in enduro casing.

YT Decoy SN MX Core 3 Motor and Battery

We tested the Fazua Ride 60 motor that puts out 60Nm of torque with 450W peak power in Boost mode. The system comes with three support modes (Breeze, River, Rocket) you can control through the FAZUA LED hub display. The 430Wh integrated battery stays fixed in place but works efficiently – our tester rode 45km with 1,250m climbing and still had power to spare.

YT Decoy SN MX Core 3 Suspension and Geometry

RockShox equipment handles suspension with a ZEB Ultimate fork and Vivid Ultimate shock. The frame has a flip chip that lets you adjust geometry between two positions. The low position gives you a slack 64.4° head angle that goes together with a 78.5° effective seat angle. The chainstays come in at a moderate 447mm.

YT Decoy SN MX Core 3 Ride Feel and Handling

This bike feels stable yet surprisingly smooth on descents. The suspension works beautifully, moving “like the wings of a kingfisher” while keeping great pop. The bike climbs well despite the motor’s limits – its steep seat angle and longer chainstays help maintain good traction.

YT Decoy SN MX Core 3 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Most fun among tested bikes
• Perfect mix of agility and stability
• Accessible handling characteristics
• Clean, understated design

Cons:

• Stiff cockpit might tire your arms
• Takes more effort on technical climbs
• Battery stays fixed in place
• Basic display info

YT Decoy SN MX Core 3 Pricing

The Decoy SN MX Core 3 costs €5,799 and gives you serious trail performance at a competitive price for high-end eMTBs.

Comparison Table

Note: The DYU FF500 stands out as the best value choice. It comes with practical features like a folding frame, removable battery, and versatile usage options at a much lower price than its competitors. The extra weight seems like a fair trade-off for its everyday practicality.

Conclusion

Our weeks of trail-testing the hottest eMTBs of 2025 taught us what really matters to riders looking for the perfect electric mountain bike. Several models stood out from their competitors on trails and riding conditions of all types during our thorough testing.

The Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (€13,499) and Orbea Wild M-LTD (€11,999) caught our attention with premium components and advanced suspension systems. These high-end options didn’t justify their sky-high prices. The YT Decoy SN MX Core 3 brought exceptional fun and accessible handling at €5,799. Its non-removable battery and stiff cockpit held it back.

The DYU FF500 surprised everyone by winning our comparative test. This versatile folding fat-tire eMTB offers exceptional value at just €1,299, despite its 31kg weight and simple handlebar design. It works great for both city commutes and light trail riding thanks to its removable battery, impressive 70km range, and practical cargo space. The folding design solves the storage and transport issues that other eMTBs face.

Serious trail riders might prefer specialized bikes for specific disciplines. The average rider will get more use from the ‘s practical versatility. Its compact folding size of 95 x 50 x 80cm reshapes the way we think about eMTB ownership. This feature especially helps riders with tight storage space or those who move their bikes often.

Our tests proved that expensive doesn’t always mean better riding experiences. The DYU FF500 shows this clearly by offering great value without cutting corners on features that matter to everyday riders. The DYU FF500 gives you the most practical and versatile eMTB experience at a fraction of the price, whether you’re hitting casual trails or commuting with occasional off-road adventures.

FAQs

Q1. What makes the DYU FF500 stand out among other eMTBs?

The DYU FF500 offers exceptional versatility with its foldable design, removable battery, 70km range, and ability to handle both urban commuting and light trail riding. Its practical features and affordable price of €1,299 make it a great value compared to more expensive specialized eMTBs.

Q2. How does battery capacity affect eMTB performance?

Battery capacity greatly impacts an eMTB’s range and riding time. Larger batteries like the 750Wh on the Trek Rail 9.9 offer extended range, while smaller batteries like the 430Wh on the YT Decoy may limit ride duration. Some bikes offer range extenders for additional capacity.

Q3. Are lightweight eMTBs better than heavier models?

Lightweight eMTBs like the Cannondale Moterra SL (under 20kg) offer improved handling and efficiency, especially on climbs and technical terrain. However, heavier bikes often provide more stability at high speeds and on rough descents. The ideal weight depends on your riding style and preferences.

Q4. What should I consider when choosing between full-power and mid-power eMTBs?

Full-power eMTBs like the Orbea Wild M-LTD (85Nm torque) offer more assistance on steep climbs and technical terrain. Mid-power options like the YT Decoy (60Nm torque) provide a more natural riding feel and often lighter weight. Consider your fitness level, typical terrain, and desired ride characteristics when choosing.

Q5. How important is suspension travel for eMTB performance?

Suspension travel affects an eMTB’s capability on rough terrain and descents. Bikes with more travel (160-170mm) excel on aggressive trails, while those with less travel (130-150mm) often climb more efficiently and feel more nimble on less technical terrain. Choose based on your local trails and riding style.