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Forgive us if it sounds like we’re tooting our own horn, but around here we consider ourselves experts on all things ebike. Catch us out of the office on a sunny afternoon or with a weekend without chores on our hands and you can bet that we’re unreachable and off the grid, deep in the woods on our ebikes.
So composing a list of the best ebikes of 2021 is not only a piece of cake, but one that’s deliciously exciting: as ebike technology continues to advance, all that means to us is that there are more reasons to adventure.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, we have to pay homage to where we’ve been and crown a champion:
What is the best EMTB 2020?
And the winner is…the RidgeRunner Electric Mountain Bike!
With full suspension, a high-powered 1000w BAFANG Ultra Mid-Drive Motor, Tektro 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes, and a staggering range up to 50 miles, it’s hard to beat this impressive electric mountain bike. No matter the contender—whether they’re known for speed, range, power, climbing capability, or downhill performance, the RidgeRunner can hang with (and beat out) even the very best.
But, here’s the list we’ve been waiting for: our 10 best ebikes of 2021.
We thought the 2020 version was great, but just wait until you see what we have in store for 2021. Designed to get you further into the backcountry and more safely down steep pitches (we’d even trust it in a downhill mountain bike trail system), this bike is built to thrive in the most trying conditions imaginable.
The 2020 version of the Warrior featured the all-new integrated battery and motor system. Now, the 2021 edition delivers more of a good thing. Sophisticated frame geometry makes for smarter weight distribution and ultimately better ride quality and handling for this backwoods-ready powerhouse. Adjustable dropouts make it easy to adjust the wheelbase or swap between a single-speed drivetrain for simplicity, and an eight speed for maximum efficiency and climbing.
Among road bikes, the 2021 Sherpa stands out. A cargo rack in the back doubles as a child seat for seriously high powered family fun. It’s also well-loved and known for having the lowest standover height in the industry, allowing for easy access on and off the bike. Plus, the dual post kickstand keeps the whole situation incredibly stable while loading and unloading.
Jeep®—among many other high-bar-setting things—is known for ruggedness and innovation. The 2021 Jeep® EBike flawlessly hits this mark with a high-quality full suspension build crafted for exploring the far corners of the earth. Among the top-shelf specs, the Fire-Link suspension system stands out. It’s a true four-bar linkage, providing the ultimate traction and capability while four piston hydraulic disc brakes allow for maximum control on steep descents and hard-to-navigate terrain.
The Quantum EBike is a real 2021 standout with a combination of advanced technology and geometry plus 150mm of front and rear suspension travel. Four piston hydraulic disc brakes allow you to keep control in the roughest terrain, and the 27.5” tires and upgraded components are designed to climb the steepest hills and descend any terrain with confidence and performance.
Carefully designed to meet the challenges of transportation in cities, the 2021 Villager features a step-through frame design for ease of hopping on and off even when wearing jeans or more restrictive clothing. A 500-watt hub drive motor paired with 203mm disc brakes has enough power to climb steep hills without compromising on braking power to inspire confidence on steep streets. A suspension fork and 3” plus-size street tires make for a smooth and comfortable ride.
A true standout among hardtail mountain bikes, the Ranger was completely overhauled for 2020 and refined to perfection for 2021. Carefully constructed frame geometry meets focused weight distribution for optimal ride quality and handling. Plus, with the performance build kit—including adjustable coil suspension, mechanical disc brakes, and an eight-speed drivetrain—it’s built to go anywhere.
With the addition of the all-new integrated battery and motor system in 2020, the Apex Electric Mountain Bike easily became our most popular fat tire bike. A12mm through-axle on the rear and sealed bearings in both front and rear hubs make for smooth operation in all weather conditions.
For people living in the city and for whom public transportation is an inevitability, there’s hardly a more effective mode of transportation than a collapsible bike. We took the concept and turned it into an e-bike, completely transforming some people’s commute to work. Built on a 20-inch wheel so it makes it really easy to go anywhere, the new Voyager features a 750-watt hub drive motor and is compatible with our trailers and a ton of other accessories.
What’s cooler than adventuring with your kids? We contend that there's very little. That’s why we made a commitment to pushing forward the top-quality design of the Ripper Kids EBike so it can keep up (and sometimes even outpace) the grown-up bikes. The performance-focused build kit features an adjustable coil suspension, mechanical disc brakes, and a single-speed drivetrain for power and performance.
