Electric mountain bikes are a fantastic way to get out and explore the outdoors through all kinds of terrain. But finding a bike that can easily handle off-road trails without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Luckily, models like this do exist, and we’re here to help you sort through your different options to find the ride that’s best for you. There are a number of eMTBs around or under $3000 that offer a versatile and capable ride both on and off the pavement while meeting the needs of a variety of budgets and riding styles.

Denago eXC1 - $2399

Battery: 48 Volt, 10.4 Ah (499 Wh) Bafang

Motor: 250-Watt Bafang M410 Mid-Drive Motor (80 NM torque)

Range: 87 Miles

Speed: 20 MPH

Speed Shifter: Shimano 9-Speed

Sensor: Torque Sensor

Brakes: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Suspension Fork: SR Suntour XCM32 NLO, 100 mm Travel, 1.5 to 1 1/8-inch Tapered, Thru-Axle with 100 mm Spacing

Warranty: Two-year Warranty

The Denago eXC1 is our pick for the best electric mountain bike under $3000. Its powerful yet efficient mid-drive motor, long range, and ability to be upgraded make it the perfect companion for all kinds of off-road adventures. It even comes with torque and shift sensing technology that keeps rides smooth at every turn. Its sturdy and powerful build combined with its affordable price point make it the perfect electric mountain bike for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Ride1UP Prodigy XC - $2095

Battery: 36V, 14Ah (504Wh) Samsung

Motor: Brose TF Sprinter German-Made Mid-Drive Motor (90 NM torque)

Range: 30-50 Miles

Speed: 28 MPH

Speed Shifter: Shimano 9-Speed

Sensor: Torque Sensor

Brakes: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Suspension Fork: Simple Front-End Set-Up

Warranty: One-year Warranty

The Ride1UP Prodigy XC serves as a lightweight and maneuverable ride that combines practicality and power to deliver a fun mountain biking experience. However, some reviewers have noted that the lowest PAS level can feel like it’s sputtering from time to time. On top of that, the 30-50 mile range is a bit low for an eMTB, and the one-year warranty is shorter than the two-year warranty offered by a number of other brands.

SuperHumanBikes F5 Trail eMTB - $2699

Battery: 48V 17.5Ah (840WH) Samsung

Motor: m600 Bafang 500W Mid-Drive motor (120 NM Torque)

Range: 50+ miles

Speed Shifter: Shimano 10-Speed

Sensor: Torque Sensor

Brakes: Magura Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Suspension Fork: Suntour XCR

Warranty: One-year Warranty

Thanks to its large battery and high-power motor, the F5 electric mountain bike makes for an exciting off-road ride. However, the bike is pretty heavy for a mountain bike, and it takes a while to charge back up once it runs out of power, which can limit the scope of your adventures. 

Giant Talon E+ - $2300

Battery: Giant EnergyPak 400Wh (Side Release)

Motor: Giant SyncDrive Core, Powered by Yamaha (50 NM)

Range: 34-93 Miles

Speed: 20 MPH

Speed Shifter: Shimano Alivio, 9-Speed

Sensor: Features Six Sensors, Including an Accelerometer and Slope Detection Sensor

Brakes: Tektro M275 Hydraulic Disc (180/160 mm)

Suspension Fork: SR Suntour XCM ATB Coil (100 mm Travel)

Warranty: Two-year warranty

The trail-friendly design of the Talon E+ provides riders with an excellent off-road experience, and its sleek aluminum frame is pleasing to the eye. However, the motor doesn’t offer as much torque as other options, which impacts the bike’s performance on hills, and many riders cite issues with the bike’s front suspension fork.

Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0 - $3250

Battery: Internal, Specialized U2-530,alloy casing, state of charge display 530Wh

Motor: Specialized 2.0E mid 250W 50 NM torque

Range: 68 Miles

Speed: 20 mph

Speed Shifter: Shimano 9-speed

Sensor: 8.8 Speed Sensor Magnet

Brakes: Shimano Hydraulic disc brakes

Suspension Fork: SR Suntour XCM32 110 mm travel, 44 mm offset fork

Warranty: Two-year warranty

The Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0 is a practical eMTB that offers a range of convenient features to enhance every ride. On top of that, the MasterMind smartphone app allows you to adjust some of the smallest details of the motor’s performance, creating a truly customizable riding experience. That being said, riders have voiced complaints about the motor’s excessive noise level, especially at low speeds. On top of that, a few people have noted that the bike’s front fork doesn’t hold up the best to rougher riding, which is a disappointment given its high cost compared to some of our other options. 

Our Choice of the Best

When it comes down to it, the Denago eXC1 is the best option for a mountain eBike in this price range.  Its mid-drive motor, torque and shift sensing capabilities, and sturdy build make it feel more like a standard mountain bike, while its ability to be upgraded allows riders to adjust their bike to suit their needs. It’s an incredible ride both on and off the road, and we really can’t recommend it enough.