How much money do you actually have to spend to get a decent e-mountainbike? Is it really necessary to fork out € 10,000 or more to get good performance? And what do you need to look out for when buying a more affordable eMTB? We tested 5 eMTBs under € 7,000 for you and gained some very exciting insights.
Table of contents
- What should the best e-mountainbike under € 7,000 be capable of?
- Which type of e-biker are you?
- Our test field: 5 e-mountainbikes under € 7,000
- The motor systems of our e-mountainbikes
- How and where did we test our e-mountainbikes?
- Our e-mountainbike test crew
- Our eMTB test in numbers
- The pros and cons of affordable ebikes
- The tops and flops of our e-mountainbike comparison test under € 7,000
- An overview of all the models in our 2024 eMTB group test under € 7,000
- The best e-mountainbike under € 7,000: The Canyon Strive:ON
- Our Best Buy Tip: The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY
Whether it’s a Porsche, Ferrari or Mercedes G-Class, luxury cars have long been (and will always be) the ultimate wet dream for many people. But let’s be honest: for most of us, it will always remain nothing more than a dream. And the situation isn’t much different with e-mountainbikes either. Not everyone can afford or justify spending € 10-15,000 on an eMTB, which is more or less the average price of the 27 bikes in our huge 2024 high-end eMTB comparison test. That’s why we decided to test 5 eMTBs under € 7,000 for you. In our opinion, this is a very reasonable price limit, below which you can find some very exciting bikes. Without a doubt, that’s still a hell lot of money! That’s why it’s all the more important that you spend it wisely to avoid wasting your cash on a lemon. An e-mountainbike is a long-term investment and one that should make you happy in many ways for many years to come, so buying the wrong bike isn’t an option! That’s why we’re not just going to tell you which sub-€ 7,000 eMTB we think is best, but also what you should look out for when buying your new bike, so you can choose the characteristics and features best suited to your riding. Cool? Cool!
What should the best e-mountainbike under € 7,000 be capable of?
The biggest battery, the most powerful motor, the one bike to do it all! E-mountainbiking is full of jargon and misleading marketing claims, which makes it hard to find your way through this ever-growing and rather confusing market. But at the end of the day, when choosing your bike, it all comes down to your personal preferences! Simply put, what exactly do you need?
And that’s why we release our annual reader survey, in which over 14,000 participants answer 80 questions, year after year, to tell us what exactly matters to them when it comes to eMTBs. After all, as much as we enjoy it, we don’t test bikes for our own sake, but rather for our readers. The results of our survey tell us, among other things, where and how you ride your bikes, and what sort of budget you’re considering for your next purchase. This allows us to adapt our test criteria more specifically, and to arrange our test fields based on your interests.
Everyone uses their e-mountainbike in different ways and faces new, different challenges every day. That’s why we’re not looking for a specialist bike, but for the best all-rounder money can buy – the one bike that covers as wide a range as possible. The best eMTB under € 7,000 doesn’t necessarily have to be the best in all disciplines. Instead, it should offer the most convincing overall package. Like in team sports, success is the result of a harmonious interaction between different elements (or team members) and there’s no room for soloists! But victory can only be decided on the pitch – or on the trail in our case – and not on the basis of individual parameters that are viewed and compared in isolation. The most powerful motor – which many associate with the maximum torque – is worth nothing if it just causes wheelspin or the software is badly tuned. The most sophisticated suspension components can feel like a pogo stick or a bouncy arm chair if they don’t harmonise with the suspension kinematics, which destroys the bike’s overall performance. For these and many other reasons, there’s no way around testing a bike in real-life scenarios. Our eclectic and very experienced test crew packed 5 of the most exciting eMTBs under € 7,000 in the back of a van and put them through the wringer in the most diverse scenarios.
When developing a new e-mountainbike, manufacturers have to squeeze countless different requirements into one package, finding the right compromise between opposing characteristics. For example, a modern eMTB should combine conflicting riding characteristics like composure and agility to deliver maximum riding fun while at the same time inspiring confidence. Of course, intuitive handling is crucial too, because it allows both newbies and experienced riders to enjoy the bike to the full.
The motor should be powerful enough to negotiate nasty uphill sections, yet easy to modulate, which, together with a finely responsive rear suspension design, ensures that the power is reliably transferred to the trail. Of course, the best e-mountainbike should also have a comfortable pedalling position and suspension to master long days in the saddle. Furthermore, a good eMTB should also deliver away from the trail, with practical features like an integrated lighting system or hidden mini-tool allowing you to enjoy your bike in everyday life. Clever connectivity solutions like navigation tools, anti-theft devices and setup guides provide the proverbial icing on the cake – and if they’re easy and intuitive to operate, you’ll also get a cherry on top! Don’t worry, some of the bikes in our test field fulfil all these criteria, standing out clearly from the competition. But which ones are they?
We know that not all of you are looking for the perfect all-rounder – you might have some specific expectations for your new bike – but even those with very niche requirements will find a suitable option amongst the specialists in our test field. To give you the best possible overview, we wanted to work out the character of each bike in this test to show you their individual strengths and weaknesses, so that everyone can find a suitable riding companion in this test field, regardless of whether you’re looking for a specialist or the best all-rounder.
Which ebike type are you?
Although nobody knows you better than you do, assessing your rider type isn’t easy. That said, our personalised E-MOUNTAINBIKE buyer’s guide will help you ask yourself the right questions to find the eMTB models that best suit your riding style and needs. With just a few clicks, you’ll get several personalised eMTB recommendations, along with some suggestions for further reading material based on your interests.
Our test field: 5 e-mountainbikes under € 7,000
The bikes in this eMTB comparison test all fall into the same price category and also share many similar parameters on paper. In terms of weight, there’s a difference of just 2.4 kg between the lightest and heaviest competitors, which tip the scales at 23.7 kg and 26.1 kg, respectively. As far as motor power and battery capacity go, all of the bikes play more or less in the same league, with battery capacities ranging between 626 Wh and 750 Wh. Interestingly, four manufacturers rely on an 85 Nm motor while one delivers a whopping 90 Nm. If you were to just look at the numbers, it would be easy to assume that the e-mountainbikes in this test are very similar. But as usual, the numbers don’t quite tell the full story. The test field in our eMTB comparison reflects a wide range of different concepts, and the bike’s characters couldn’t be more different from each other. In fact, our test field includes a huge variety of concepts, from the leisurely tourer to the rowdy trail ripper, and even the eclectic jack of all trades that wants to bridge the gap between the trail and everyday life. This makes it all the more important to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the individual e-mountainbikes. This way, we hope to help you figure out what really matters when buying, and help you avoid some costly mistakes along the way.
| Brand | Model | Motor system | Motor power (Nm) | Battery capacity (Wh) | Weight (Kg) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BULLS | SONIC EVO AM 3 | Bosch Performance Line CX | 85 | 750 | 26.1 | € 6,299 |
| Canyon | Strive:ON CFR | Bosch Performance Line CX | 85 | 750 | 24.3 | € 6,999 |
| MERIDA | eONE-SIXTY 875 | Shimano EP801 | 85 | 750 | 26.1 | € 6,599 |
| Propain | Sresh CF | Shimano EP6 | 85 | 626 | 23.8 | € 6,894 |
| Specialized | Turbo Levo Comp Alloy | Specialized 2.2 Custom Rx Trail Tuned | 90 | 700 | 23.7 | € 6,400 |
Now that you’ve seen the numbers, here’s a little introduction to each of the bikes featuring in the test:
While the BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3 ABS might seem the least capable on paper with its 150 mm of travel (f/v), it has several clever safety features tucked up its sleeve to make everyday use much easier. Alongside the integrated lights, there’s also a Bosch ABS system, which prevents the front wheel from locking up. But is the BULLS all about safety, or does it have a fun side too? Just like the BULLS, the Canyon Strive:ON CFR comes equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor which delivers 85 Nm of torque and draws its power from a 750 Wh battery. At € 6,999, it’s the most expensive bike in our test, butting right up against the € 7,000 limit, but promises to deliver maximum trail performance with its carbon frame and high-quality spec.
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875 relies on an exciting geometry and sizing concept and comes equipped with an 85 Nm Shimano EP801 drive, which draws its power from a big 750 Wh battery. It aims to combine first-class handling with plenty of range. The Propain Sresh CF relies on a Shimano motor system too, though it’s the cheaper EP6 drive. The motor is combined with a 626 Wh battery, which is the smallest in the entire test field. Propain’s configurator allows you to customise the spec and look of your bike down to the smallest detail. But does the Sresh CF fit in with your idea of a dream bike?
The Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy is an old acquaintance. It aims to impress with its motor, which was developed in-house by Specialized and offers the most power in the entire test, churning out a whopping 90 Nm of torque. But how does the Specialized fare against the competition?
The motor systems of our e-mountainbikes at a glance
When you buy a new e-mountainbike, you’re not just buying the bike, but also the motor system that comes with it. However, with so many different concepts to choose from, it’s hard to understand which will suit your needs best. Just like with the e-mountainbike itself, the quality and performance of a motor depends on countless factors and parameters, which can’t be viewed or compared in isolation. Once again, we use our three magic little words: successful overall concept! But which motor system suits you and your requirements best? You might be able to find your answer in our big motor comparison test, which includes 13 of the most relevant and exciting motor systems currently available on the market. As well as teaching you all the basics and terminology, we’ll go into great detail with all the different concepts. You’ll also find out why a lab test can’t be compared with real-life tests, and why there is no such thing as the best ebike motor.
How and where did we test our e-mountainbikes?
Why travel for hours and hours when we have some incredible trails on our doorstep? Not everyone can afford a two-week riding holiday in a dream MTB destination, like Finale Ligure or Madeira. And anyway, there’s so much to discover in our own area, with plenty of adventures to experience. From fairytale forests to picturesque backroads, with the spring weather alternating flashes of sunshine, wind and rain. As usual, we tested the eMTBs in several locations to push even the most versatile all-rounders to their limits and explore their full range of applications. From flowing trails with lots of berms and jumps to technical singletrack with root carpets and tight switchbacks, to fast, rough enduro tracks. Needless to say, we also pushed the bikes (and ourselves) to the limits on technical climbs, as well as testing their everyday features and all-round capabilities in real-life, everyday scenarios, such as on our way to work.
Our e-mountainbike test crew
When I ride my eMTB, I prefer to do it at a leisurely pace, although I still enjoy the odd technical trail from time to time. I’m particularly fond of the BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3, which, with its cleverly integrated lighting and ABS system, helps me get back to the car park in one piece after a long day in the forest.
It’s important for me to have a good-natured eMTB that doesn’t try to throw me into the bushes if I make a little mistake. With its intuitive handling and plush suspension, the Specialized Turbo Levo delivered a safe and comfortable riding experience.
I love exploring new trails and always look forward to a new challenge. I appreciate intuitive handling and a good mix of composure and agility, which allow me to negotiate unexpected trail features without breaking a sweat. The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY also allows me to expand the battery with a big range extender if required, giving me enough range for long tours.
E-mountainbikes are expensive and I don’t want to blow my bank account without good reason. That’s why I want to make sure that I’m investing my money wisely. I love the fact that I can customise the spec and look of the Propain Sresh CF right down to the smallest detail.
The trail performance of an e-mountainbike is crucial to me, and the Canyon Strive:ON CFR has more than enough of that. At the same time, it has very good all-round qualities, which allows me to ride it to work in the morning.
Our eMTB test in numbers
Average price in this test: € 6,638.
Average price has remained the same since last year’s comparison test.
- At € 6,999, the Canyon Strive:ON CFR is the most expensive eMTB in this test.
- With its € 6,299 price tag, the BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3 is the cheapest contestant.
- 4 bikes roll on a mullet wheel setup with a 29” wheel at the front and a 27.5” wheel at the rear.
- Just one bike relies on two 29” wheels.
Suspension travel ranges from the whopping 170/174 mm
of the MERIDA to the trail-friendly
150/150 mm
of the BULLS.
The bikes weigh an average of 24.1 kg.
- At 23.7 kg, the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy is the lightest bike on test.
- The heaviest bikes are the BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3 and MERIDA eONE-SIXTY, tipping the scales at 26.1 kg.
- 2 e-mountainbikes rely on an alloy frame.
- 2 of them employ a full carbon frame.
- 1 bike pairs a carbon main frame and an alloy swingarm.
- The smallest battery has 626 Wh capacity.
- The biggest one has 750 Wh.
- All batteries can be removed from the frame.
- 4 motors deliver 85 Nm of torque.
- The most powerful motor churns out 90 Nm.
Four of the bikes we tested came with the standard spec, while one allowed us to customise the spec down to the smallest detail.
What mishaps happened during this test?
For once, we managed to go through a test without a single problem, except for some teething problems with one of the Shimano bikes. This proves that affordable bikes aren’t necessarily less robust than expensive ones.
What are the pros and cons of affordable ebikes?
Why cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean worse
Our high-end comparison test shows that manufacturers try to outclass each other with superlatives – lighter, faster, blinger! However, while carbon wheels might look great, they’re often paired with flimsy lightweight tires, which comes at the expense of durability and can lead to costly damage. Cheaper bikes usually strike a better price-performance ratio and come equipped with alloy wheelsets, which are sturdier and far cheaper to replace in case of irreversible damage. Of course, everything has its pros and cons, and cheaper bikes often call for compromises, especially in terms of style and design. While top-tier eMTBs often come with fancy one-piece stem/handlebar units and expensive wireless components, cheaper models rely on conventional cockpits and cable operated shifters, which can make for a rather cluttered cockpit.
Long live versatility!
Affordable e-mountainbikes are generally aimed at the masses rather than a specific target group. As a result, they often focus not just on trail performance but also on versatility and everyday suitability. For practical reasons, the batteries of all the bikes in this test can be removed for charging. While the flagship carbon models of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY have a permanently integrated battery and focus on maximum performance, their affordable aluminium counterparts are far more suitable for everyday riding situations and even come with a hidden kickstand mount and integrated lighting system. Some eMTBs even have trailer approval, which means that you can take your furry friend on a weekend excursion in a dog trailer. Speaking of which: if you want to go on an adventure with your four-legged friend, you should read the dog trailer comparison test in our sister magazine DOWNTOWN. The BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3 also integrates a couple of taillights into the frame.
Motor system ≠ Motor system
Many bike manufacturers use the same motor system for both their affordable and more expensive bike models. This means that you should get the same connectivity features regardless of whether you get the flagship model or a cheaper variant. However, if you take a closer look, there are often differences in the software and hardware components. The Canyon Strive:ON CFR, for example, comes equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, while the LTD flagship model we reviewed in our high-end comparison test features the CX Race version. Both versions are based on the same basic design and deliver 85 Nm of torque with 600 watts peak power. However, in the Race version, the maximum pedal assistance jumps way up from 340 to 400%, giving you more of the power, more of the time. Propain use a Shimano EP6 motor for the Base model of the Sresh CF. Using the configurator, you can upgrade to a Shimano EP801 motor for an extra charge, which is the same one you get with the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY. The two motors look exactly the same, but the housing of the EP6 is made of aluminium rather than magnesium, which makes it around 300 g heavier. In terms of power, both churn out 85 Nm of torque, though the Shimano EP6 has a slightly lower peak output.
The tops and flops of our 2024 e-mountainbike comparison test under € 7,000
Tops
Flops
An overview of all bikes in our 2024 eMTB comparison test under € 7,000
The BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3 in our 2024 eMTB comparison test under € 7,000
The BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3 comes with countless useful, cleverly integrated everyday features, like the Bosch ABS system and discreetly hidden tail lights in the seat stays. It shows its strengths above all on leisurely tours and flowing to moderate trails. On technical trails, the BULLS requires an experienced rider and quickly reaches its limits on demanding terrain.
150/150 mm (f/r) | 26.1 kg | € 6,299 | Click for review
The Propain Sresh CF in our 2024 eMTB comparison test under € 7,000.
On the trail, the Propain Sresh CF impresses with intuitive handling and combines excellent climbing qualities and touring capabilities, keeping up in most scenarios with the best bikes in this test. Both the high-quality spec and the look can be customised down to the smallest detail using Propain’s extensive online configurator.
160/150 mm (f/r) | 23.8 kg | € 6,894 | Click for review
The Specialized Turbo Levo in our 2024 eMTB comparison test under € 7,000
Even after all these years, the Specialized Turbo Levo still holds its own against the competition, impressing above all with its balanced handling and Specialized’s trademark feel-good factor. On the trail, however, it can’t quite keep up with the support of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY or Canyon Strive:ON CFR.
160/150 mm (f/r) | 23.7 kg | € 6,400 | Click for review
The best e-mountainbike of 2024 under € 7,000: the Canyon Strive:ON
The LTD version of the Canyon Strive:ON CFR has already secured the coveted Best Buy Tip in our huge 2024 high-end eMTB comparison test. Now the Strive:ON CFR comes out on top of the competition in our 2024 eMTB test under € 7,000. It impresses above all with its first-class suspension and strong trail performance, while the super intuitive handling makes it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced riders. It also delivers a tremendous performance uphill and on leisurely tours, and can handle pretty much any situation with ease. It is hands down the best all-rounder, with the best trail performance in the entire test field, and therefore secures a well-deserved Best in Test.
170/160 mm (f/r) | 24.3 kg | € 6,999 | Click for review
Our Best Buy Tip: the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY
Our Best Buy Tip: the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY keeps up with the best bikes in this test and is super intuitive to ride. It skilfully combines composure and agility. At the same time, the high level of comfort and countless clever features ensure excellent everyday and touring qualities. The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY features the right spec for its intended use and combines it with a great trail performance, and all of this at a very fair price – a well-deserved Best Buy Tip!
170/174 mm (f/r) | 26.1 kg | € 6,599 | Click for review
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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Mike Hunger, Antonia Feder
