Outdoor Gear Lab tested 25 eMTB models over hundreds of miles and 300,000 vertical feet, naming the Amflow PL Carbon Pro as the top overall pick for 2026. These lightweight electric mountain bikes balance power and agility, delivering natural handling without the bulk of traditional e-bikes. Whether you’re tackling technical climbs or flowing descents, these 12 picks represent the cutting edge of eMTB technology.
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12. Amflow PL Carbon Pro
The crowned champion that sets the bar for lightweight eMTB excellence.
Outdoor Gear Lab’s 2026 tests crowned the Amflow PL Carbon Pro as the top overall pick, and the specs back up the hype. This eMTB combines lightweight construction with high power delivery, creating the perfect storm for trail domination. The quiet operation means you can sneak up on wildlife—or your riding buddies who didn’t hear you coming.
The impressive range ensures longer adventures without battery anxiety, while the overall value proposition makes it a smart investment. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of eMTBs: versatile, reliable, and surprisingly refined.
11. Ride1Up TrailRush
Your gateway to eMTB adventures without breaking the bank.
Outdoor Gear Lab calls the Ride1Up TrailRush the best value hardtail eMTB option of 2026, making it perfect for riders testing the eMTB waters. The hardtail design means you’ll feel more connected to the trail, turning every root and rock into tactile feedback rather than obstacles.
This bike proves that entry-level doesn’t mean entry-weak. The responsive handling makes technical sections manageable, while the straightforward maintenance keeps your wallet happy long after the initial purchase.
10. Focus JAM2 SL 9.9
Trail chameleon that adapts to everything from climbs to technical descents.
At £7,499, the Focus JAM2 SL 9.9 packs a Fazua Ride 60 motor delivering 60Nm of torque with a 430Wh battery. This combination creates agile handling that doesn’t sacrifice the natural MTB feel for electric assistance. The 150mm travel smooths out trail imperfections while maintaining responsiveness.
The stock tires might need upgrading for serious enduro work, but the foundation is solid. Consider it your blank canvas for customization—already impressive, but ready for your personal touches.
9. Orbea Rise H10
Natural feel meets climb power in this perfectly balanced trail companion.
BikeRadar praises the Orbea Rise H10 for offering “natural feel and climb power” at £6,623. The 540Wh battery pairs with a Shimano EP8 motor throttled to 60Nm, creating enough boost for technical ascents without overwhelming the ride experience.
This bike strikes the sweet spot between assistance and authenticity. Anyone wanting to keep their workout honest while enjoying strategic power boosts will appreciate how the Rise H10 enhances rather than replaces rider input.
8. Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL
Premium engineering meets adjustable geometry for the ultimate trail weapon.
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL commands £13,000 for good reason. The Turbo SL 1.2 motor produces 50Nm with a 320Wh battery, while 160/150mm travel handles everything from smooth flow trails to chunky technical sections. The adjustable geometry lets riders fine-tune handling for specific terrain.
Think of the head angle adjustment like dialing in a golf club—small changes create dramatic improvements in how the bike responds. This level of customization transforms good riders into trail whisperers.
7. Whyte ELyte 150 Works
Advanced geometry and suspension engineering create trail magic.
At £9,999, the Whyte ELyte 150 Works impresses with sophisticated geometry, suspension design, and component specification. This bike turns technical terrain from a wrestling match into a dance, where rocks and roots become rhythm rather than obstacles.
Whyte focused on real-world rider needs, balancing climbing efficiency with descending confidence. The result feels like having a trail guide that knows every secret line and shares them freely.
6. Haibike Lyke CF 11
Fazua power meets natural handling in this trail-ready package.
The Haibike Lyke CF 11 costs £6,799 and features a Fazua Ride 60 motor producing 60Nm of torque with a 430Wh battery. This setup prioritizes natural bike feel over raw power, making it ideal for riders transitioning from traditional MTBs to electric assistance.
The balanced power delivery feels more like a tailwind than a motor, enhancing your effort rather than replacing it. Anyone seeking eMTB benefits without sacrificing the pure joy of pedaling will appreciate this approach.
5. Forestal Cyon Neon
High-performance engineering with responsive power delivery.
The Forestal Cyon Neon carries a £10,999 price tag and packs a Bafang EonDrive motor delivering 60Nm with a 360Wh battery. This combination creates responsive power that transforms challenging terrain into flowing singletrack, making tough climbs feel manageable.
The bike rewards aggressive riding with composed handling and reliable performance. Anyone seeking an eMTB that rises to match their ambition will find the Cyon Neon delivers on its performance promises.
4. Scott Lumen eRide 910
TQ motor technology delivers smooth power in a lightweight package.
The Scott Lumen eRide 910 costs £6,499 and features a TQ HPR50 motor generating 50Nm of torque with a 360Wh battery. The lightweight construction creates sharp, intuitive handling that responds immediately to rider input, making technical sections feel more manageable.
The bike’s agility shines on twisty singletrack where quick direction changes separate fun from frustration. Think of it as having a conversation with the trail rather than fighting through it.
3. Canyon Neuron:ON
Mullet wheel configuration meets versatile trail performance.
The Canyon Neuron:ON sports a 160mm fork and mullet wheels for enhanced agility and control across varied terrain. The optional 800Wh battery extends range for longer adventures, while the versatile suspension adapts to everything from smooth flow trails to technical rock gardens.
Transitioning between different trail conditions feels seamless, like switching playlists to match the terrain’s mood. The bike’s adaptability makes it perfect for riders who refuse to limit themselves to one trail type.
2. Orbea Wild
Enduro-focused customization meets aggressive trail performance.
The Orbea Wild targets enduro enthusiasts with extensive customization options and aggressive trail capabilities. YouTube reviewers consistently praise its descending prowess and the ability to fine-tune everything from suspension to components for personal riding preferences.
This bike serves riders who view customization as part of the fun, creating a truly personal trail weapon. The extensive tuning options mean the Wild grows with rider skill and preferences over time.
1. Santa Cruz Heckler SL
Fazua power meets Santa Cruz descending DNA.
The Santa Cruz Heckler SL combines a Fazua Ride 60 motor with a 460Wh battery in Santa Cruz’s proven trail platform. The lightweight design maintains the brand’s legendary descending characteristics while adding strategic climbing assistance for longer adventures.
The natural ride feel preserves the joy of mountain biking while eliminating the suffering of extended climbs. Anyone who loves descending but tolerates climbing will find this bike shifts the balance dramatically.
