Electric gravel bikes, or E Gravel Bikes, are rapidly gaining traction, merging the thrill of off-road gravel riding with the added power of electric assist. This exciting combination amplifies your cycling adventures, offering the capability to tackle challenging terrains and extend your explorations further than ever before. If you’re considering venturing into the world of electric gravel biking, you’re in the right place. This guide delves into the best e gravel bikes available, helping you navigate the options and understand what makes these bikes so compelling.
Just like their mountain bike counterparts – the best electric mountain bikes – e gravel bikes excel in conquering uphill challenges, particularly on loose or steep gravel paths. The motor assistance provides a significant advantage when climbing, transforming arduous ascents into enjoyable parts of your ride. Conversely, the extra weight from the motor and battery is hardly noticeable when descending, allowing you to maintain stability and control.
Understanding the legal aspects is crucial. Electric bike regulations stipulate that in regions like the UK, EU, and Australia, motor assistance is limited to speeds up to 15mph / 25kph. In the US, this limit is slightly higher at 20mph. For a deeper dive into the specifics, resources on electric bike laws offer comprehensive information.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated electric gravel bikes, evaluated by our expert testers. We’ll also guide you through the key features to consider when choosing your ideal e gravel bike, from motor types to battery life.
Editor’s note: This article reflects updates with the latest gravel ebike models as of January 22, 2025.
Top Electric Gravel Bikes: Expert Picks
GT Grade Power Series Amp
Pack shot of the GT Grade Power AMP gravel eBike
Price: £2,900 / €3,200 (as tested)
Pros:
- Responsive handling akin to a traditional gravel bike
- Effective and smooth power assistance from the Mahle ebikemotion motor
Cons:
- Ride can feel firm, especially on very rough gravel surfaces
Specifications:
- Weight: 14.8kg
- Motor: Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor
The GT Grade Power Amp is built around an aluminum frame and features the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor system. It cleverly mirrors the geometry of the non-electric GT Grade Carbon, ensuring a familiar and responsive feel. Despite its 14.8kg weight, the bike remains agile and enjoyable, even when ridden without motor assistance.
Testers have praised the shape of the GT Grade’s handlebars, noting their slight flare which enhances control. However, the stiffness of the bars, combined with a firm fork and alloy frame, can transmit more vibrations to the rider on uneven terrain. The 42mm WTB Resolute gravel tires are a practical choice, offering a good balance of speed on paved roads, confident grip on dry trails, and reasonable performance in muddy conditions, making them versatile all-rounders for varied gravel adventures.
Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro
Ribble AllRoad SL R e Pro All-Road/Gravel eBike
Price: £5,999 / $6,995 / €8,380 (as tested)
Pros:
- Exceptional range, especially on road surfaces
- Remarkably fast even without motor assistance
- Precise and responsive handling
Cons:
- Steering limitations at very low speeds due to steering stops
- Untaped handlebars might not appeal to all riders
Specifications:
- Weight: 12.27kg
- Motor: Mahle X20 rear-hub motor
The Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro draws inspiration from Ribble’s Ultra SL R aero road bike, integrating aerodynamic principles with gravel capabilities. It features a lightweight Mahle X20 rear-hub motor and a compact internal battery, resulting in a bike that’s impressively fast and efficient.
Weighing in at just 12.27kg, the Allroad SL R e Pro is surprisingly light for an e gravel bike. It performs admirably even without the motor engaged, easily exceeding the 15.5mph/25kph assistance limit thanks to its aerodynamic design and sporty riding position.
When the motor is active, the Mahle system cleverly measures cadence and power output at the bottom bracket to optimize assistance levels in any power mode. The Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro stands out as a superb electric all-road bike, offering a blend of speed and enjoyment whether the motor is on or off. For enhanced off-road performance, upgrading to wider tires to utilize the frame’s 38mm clearance is highly recommended.
3T Exploro RaceMax Boost
Pack shot of the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost gravel eBike
Price: £7,200 / $6,999 / €6,999 (as tested)
Pros:
- Seamlessly integrated motor and battery for a clean aesthetic
- Maintains the geometry of the non-electric Exploro model
Cons:
- Premium components and construction lead to a high price point
Specifications:
- Weight: 12.5kg
- Motor: Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor
Similar to the GT Grade Power Amp, the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost utilizes the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor. 3T has masterfully integrated the battery into the Exploro frame without altering its original design. This results in a bike that not only looks sophisticated but also retains the acclaimed geometry of the standard Exploro.
The combination of the motor, low gear ratios (featuring a 40t chainring and 11-42t cassette), and a weight of 12.5kg makes even steep 20 percent gradients manageable. The RaceMax Boost is equipped with wide, aerodynamic 3T carbon wheels with varying front and rear depths, paired with 35mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tires. These tires offer a fast roll on roads while providing reliable grip on off-road trails.
However, the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost is a significant investment. Another point to consider is the forward-facing charging port located on the bottom bracket, which can be susceptible to collecting dirt and debris.
Cairn BRAVe 1.0
Pack shot of the Cairn Brave 1.0 gravel eBike
Price: £2,789 / $3,632 / €3,334 (as tested)
Pros:
- Exceptional off-road capabilities, approaching e-mountain bike performance
Cons:
- Can feel heavy and less efficient on paved roads
Specifications:
- Weight: 18.9kg
- Motor: Shimano Steps E7000 mid-mounted motor
The Cairn BRAVe 1.0 redefines the e gravel bike category, venturing into territory typically associated with electric mountain bikes. It’s equipped with a powerful Shimano Steps E7000 mid-mounted motor and substantial 2.35in tires, making it a true off-road machine.
Unlike Cairn’s E-Adventure model, which uses a Fazua motor, the BRAVe features a Shimano motor delivering up to 70Nm of torque. This bike blurs the lines between categories. While its weight and tire size may reduce its speed on roads, the Cairn BRAVe is perfectly suited for riders seeking a drop-bar bike capable of handling seriously rugged off-road conditions.
Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty
Pack shot of the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty gravel eBike in green
Price: £8,000 / $9,500 / €8,999 (as tested)
Pros:
- Highly competent off-road performance, thanks to front and rear suspension
Cons:
- Component spec, particularly handlebars and dropper post, could be better for the price
Specifications:
- Weight: 17.8kg
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor
Featuring 30mm of suspension both front and rear, courtesy of its Lefty Oliver fork and Kingpin rear linkage, the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty provides exceptional comfort and control on rough terrains. It packs considerable power with an 85Nm Bosch motor paired with a 500Wh battery, ensuring you can conquer almost any incline.
The bike is equipped with high-end components, including a SRAM eTap AXS electronic groupset in a mullet configuration, combining SRAM Force road and SRAM Eagle mountain bike parts. This setup offers a massive gear range with a 42-tooth road chainring and a 10-50t MTB cassette.
Despite its impressive features, the Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty is a premium-priced option. For a bike designed with such robust off-road intentions, some might expect upgrades like a dropper post and higher-quality handlebars at this price point. Cannondale has also introduced the Topstone Neo SL, a more affordable alternative with a lower-powered Mahle ebikemotion motor and an alloy frame.
Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9
Canyon Grizl:ON CF 9 eGravel bike
Price: £6,499 / $5,599 / €7,099 (as tested)
Pros:
- Impressive battery range for extended rides
- Excellent component specification as standard
- Stable and comfortable handling characteristics
Cons:
- Gear shifting is dependent on the motor system being active
- Less engaging ride feel on highly technical trails
Specifications:
- Weight: 16.25kg
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX mid-drive motor
The Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9 combines the geometry of Canyon’s popular Grizl gravel bike with a RockShox suspension fork and Bosch’s lightweight Performance Line SX motor, powered by a 400Wh internal battery. This e gravel bike is designed for comfortable and capable off-road exploration.
The Grizl:ON excels as a competent off-roader with a comfortable riding posture. The Bosch SX motor provides ample assistance, especially in ECO+ mode, quickly reaching the 15.5mph/25kph limit with minimal drag. However, it’s important to note that gear shifting relies on the motor system; turning off the motor also disables the AXS rear derailleur, which draws power from the Bosch battery.
Overall, the Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9 is best suited for adventurous trekking and exploring varied terrains at a relaxed pace, rather than aggressive singletrack riding. It’s built to handle rough conditions, making it an ideal companion for wilderness rambles.
Giant Revolt E+
Pack shot of the Giant Revolt E adventure eBike
Price: £4,999 / AU$7,999 (as tested)
Pros:
- Generous 53mm maximum tire clearance for enhanced off-road capability
- Agile handling despite its e-bike nature
Cons:
- Considerably heavy compared to non-electric gravel bikes
Specifications:
- Weight: 18.17kg
- Motor: Shimano EP8 mid-drive motor
Despite sharing a similar name, the Giant Revolt E+ is distinct from the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0, BikeRadar’s 2022 Bike of the Year winner. The Revolt E+ features a slacker and longer geometry, yet maintains a relatively sporty feel, ensuring agile handling. The seatpost, saddle, and handlebars are designed to enhance comfort on rough surfaces.
The Shimano EP8 mountain bike motor delivers a substantial 85Nm of torque, effectively compensating for the bike’s weight and powering you up steep inclines across various surfaces. The Revolt E+ also offers impressive range for a bike of its weight. Testers have recorded nearly 120km of riding with 2,000m of elevation gain on a single charge.
Sonder El Camino Apex 1
Pack shot of the Sonder El Camino Apex 1 electric gravel bike
Price: £2,999 / $3,899 / €2,999 (as tested)
Pros:
- Highly capable on challenging and rough terrain
- Excellent value for money in the e gravel bike category
- Reliable and efficient motor system
Cons:
- Feels sluggish on tarmac or smooth paved surfaces
- Brakes can be noisy when overheated
Specifications:
- Weight: 13.75kg
- Motor: Kynamic Hub Drive rear-hub motor
The Sonder El Camino Apex 1 is the electric version of the popular Camino gravel bike. It features mountain bike-inspired geometry and components designed for off-road adventures, including wide flared bars, a short stem, robust wheels, and well-treaded tires.
The ebike system is neatly integrated into the aluminum frame, with the battery housed in the oversized downtube and a charging port at the bottom bracket. The Kynamic pedal-assist system includes a rear-hub motor and a 250Wh battery.
The El Camino provides a fun and forgiving ride on rough terrain, and the motor system performs admirably. Its MTB-derived geometry makes it particularly adept at handling challenging terrains—the rougher, rockier, and more technical, the better the El Camino performs. The smooth ride and excellent tires ensure you can maintain a good pace even without motor assistance. The motor itself introduces minimal drag, and the wide-range Apex groupset makes gear selection straightforward. Overall, the El Camino is an excellent choice for pushing the boundaries of gravel riding on tough, technical routes, offered at a very competitive price.
Trek Domane LT+
Trek Domane LT 7
Price: £7,800 / $9,250 / €8,000 (as tested)
Pros:
- Front and rear IsoSpeed for enhanced comfort on varied surfaces
- Versatile design suitable for both road and light gravel riding
Cons:
- Stock tires (32mm) are less gravel-oriented; 38mm clearance available but requires tire swap
Specifications:
- Weight: 13.8kg
- Motor: Fazua mid-drive motor
Technically categorized as an electric road bike, the Trek Domane LT+ offers the versatility to venture onto gravel paths thanks to its 38mm tire clearance. While it comes fitted with 32mm tires, swapping to wider rubber opens up its off-road potential.
The Domane LT+ features Trek’s IsoSpeed system at the front and rear, significantly improving ride comfort on light gravel. The Fazua motor system reduces overall bike weight compared to previous electric Domane models and is removable, allowing the bike to be ridden without assistance.
Equipped with a road-focused 50/34t chainset and 11-34t cassette, the Domane LT+ doesn’t offer the extensive gear range of a dedicated gravel bike. However, the motor assistance compensates for this, while Shimano Ultegra Di2 components ensure reliable shifting in challenging conditions.
Explore More Bike Options
If none of these models perfectly match your needs, there are plenty more options to consider. Explore our comprehensive guide to the best gravel bikes for top non-electric models, or check out our recommendations for the best women’s road and gravel bikes.
For a broader perspective on electric bikes, our guides to the best electric bikes and best electric road bikes offer valuable insights. If budget is a concern, our roundup of the best cheap gravel bikes under £1,500 might help you find an affordable option.
Why Trust Us: BikeRadar’s Expertise
BikeRadar has been a leading authority in bikes and cycling technology since 2007, providing riders worldwide with trusted advice. Our team of experts rigorously tests all types of bikes, components, apparel, and accessories—from road and mountain bikes to gravel, commuting, bikepacking, and electric bikes.
Our reviews are conducted with complete editorial independence, ensuring unbiased evaluations. We comprehensively test all products in real-world conditions, considering performance, value, and market context when delivering our verdicts and review ratings.
With over 15,000 product reviews available, along with expert advice on buying, maintenance, training, skills, health, and fitness, BikeRadar is your go-to resource for cycling knowledge. Our annual Bike of the Year test is an industry benchmark, and our team consists of some of the most experienced riders and testers in the industry.
Buyer’s Guide to Electric Gravel Bikes: Key Considerations
Understanding Electric Gravel Bike Motors
Male cyclist riding the Cairn Brave 1.0 gravel eBike through fields
Electric gravel bikes predominantly use either rear-hub motor systems or mid-drive motors. Rear-hub motors are generally lighter and offer more subtle assistance, making them suitable for road-oriented sports bikes. They are also commonly found in best electric hybrid bikes and some electric folding bikes.
Mid-drive motors are positioned at the bottom bracket and connect directly to the cranks. This central, low positioning of the electric bike motor enhances handling, provides greater torque, and smoother traction—all crucial for off-road riding.
The Bianchi Impulso E-Allroad TRK eBike is equipped with a Mahle Smartbike X35 250W motor
Gravel bike motors typically fall into two categories. Smaller, more discreet units from brands like Mahle ebikemotion (rear-hub) and Fazua (mid-mounted) are common, similar to those found in electric road bikes. These 250-watt motors offer modest torque figures of around 40Nm to 60Nm, providing a subtle and progressive assistance level, which might be less powerful for very challenging off-road situations.
Bosch Performance CX motor on the Cannondale Topstone Neo road bike
Alternatively, some e gravel bikes utilize higher torque motors (up to 90Nm) from manufacturers like Bosch, also frequently used in electric mountain bikes. These motors deliver significant power for tackling steep, technical climbs, especially when carrying gear for bikepacking. However, these motors are generally larger, heavier, and more noticeable, making it clear you’re riding an electric bike.
The best motor type for you depends on your riding style, terrain, load, and desired level of assistance.
Electric Gravel Bike Batteries: Powering Your Ride
Canyon Grail:On electric gravel bike
Electric gravel bikes, often ridden at lower speeds with frequent elevation changes, tend to consume battery power more quickly than electric road bikes. Therefore, ample battery capacity is essential. While road ebikes prioritize lightweight designs, gravel ebikes often favor greater range.
E gravel bikes with more powerful motors typically feature larger batteries, closer to 500Wh capacity, compared to the approximately 250Wh batteries common in road ebikes. However, for some riders, this might be excessive. Many e gravel bikes offer a balance with smaller integrated batteries and the option to add an external range-extender battery.
The Scott Addict eRIDE with an extra battery attached to the seattube
Range extenders usually mount in a bottle cage and can nearly double your bike’s range. These are often optional accessories and can be costly, also occupying a bottle cage mount, which reduces your water or gear carrying capacity.
Electric Gravel Bike Controls: Managing Assistance
Kinesis Range gravel eBike
Electric bike motors offer various assistance modes, ranging from ‘eco’ for maximum range to ‘turbo’ for maximum power. Most ebikes feature controls on the handlebars or top tube, and some include LCD screens for easy mode switching, battery monitoring, speed, and mileage tracking. Utilizing lower power modes on flatter terrain and reserving higher modes for climbs can significantly extend your battery range. Easy access to these controls, especially a bar-mounted switch, is highly beneficial.
If you’re using an electric bike for fitness, lower power modes can provide a more effective workout while still benefiting from electric assistance and extending your ride distance.
The Bosch motor assist provides a huge amount of boost when you need it and it’s easy to control via the bar-mounted switch
Some systems now offer Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps to track heart rate and other ride data. Consider using a quality bike phone mount to fully utilize these features.
Electric Gravel Bike Wheels and Tires: Grip and Durability
Male cyclist riding the Cairn Brave 1.0 gravel eBike through fields
Robust gravel bike wheels and grippy, high-volume gravel bike tires are crucial for e gravel bikes due to the challenging terrains and motor torque. The added weight from the motor and battery increases the overall bike weight, necessitating good tire grip and wheel strength to manage the extra torque and maintain control.
Frame clearance for wide tires, including mud clearance, is also important. Select tires that match your typical riding conditions.
Four gravel tyres
Be prepared to switch to more aggressive tires for challenging conditions or lighter treads for more road-focused riding. While 700c wheels are standard for most gravel bikes, 650b wheels are an option for increasing tire volume, which can improve grip and comfort, particularly beneficial for the heavier and more powerful e gravel bikes.
Tubeless tires are highly recommended for gravel riding, offering puncture resistance and the ability to run lower tire pressures for better grip and comfort.
Electric Gravel Bike Drivetrains: Gearing for All Terrains
Bosch Performance Line CX 250W motor drives the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty gravel eBike
Off-road riding demands all-terrain features, starting with low gearing for steep climbs. Most non-electric gravel bikes offer gearing below a 1:1 ratio, using super-compact 48/32t cranksets or similar, paired with wide-range cassettes. 1x drivetrains are also popular for their simplicity, using a single chainring and a wide-range cassette.
Even with motor assistance, ample low-gear options are desirable. Motors often perform best when climbing seated, allowing for smoother power delivery and easier electronic assistance modulation. Standing climbs may result in jerky power delivery.
Single-ring drivetrains are common on gravel bikes for their simplicity and lighter weight, offering sufficient gear range. Many e gravel bikes adopt this setup. Higher-spec models may feature electronic shifting from SRAM eTap AXS or Shimano GRX, providing precise gear changes that work seamlessly with motor systems and are less prone to mis-shifts compared to cable-operated derailleurs. Electronic groupsets also typically require less maintenance.
Consult our in-depth guide on gravel bike setup for more information.
Bolts and Bosses: Versatility and Utility
GT Grade Power AMP gravel eBike
Versatility is key for gravel bikes, and e gravel bikes are no exception. Look for features like rack and mudguard mounts, and bolts for top-tube bags. Mounts for a third bottle cage under the downtube are also standard and particularly useful if you plan to use a range-extender battery, as it will occupy one of the in-frame bottle cage mounts.
