Electric Gravel Bikes are revolutionizing off-road cycling, merging the adventurous spirit of gravel riding with the power and efficiency of electric assist. These bikes open up new possibilities, allowing you to conquer steeper climbs, explore further distances, and simply enjoy your gravel adventures more, regardless of your fitness level. If you’re looking to amplify your off-road experience, an electric gravel bike might be your perfect companion.
Just like the best electric mountain bikes, electric gravel bikes excel when the terrain gets challenging, particularly on those steep, loose gravel climbs that can be taxing even for seasoned riders. The added boost from the motor transforms arduous ascents into enjoyable parts of your ride, making previously daunting routes accessible and fun.
The beauty of an electric gravel bike isn’t just about conquering hills. The motor assistance is invaluable for maintaining momentum on varied terrain, battling headwinds, or even keeping pace with faster riding partners. And when the trail turns downwards, the slight increase in weight from the motor and battery becomes virtually unnoticeable, often contributing to a more planted and stable feel.
It’s important to remember that electric bike laws regulate motor assistance. In regions like the UK, EU, and Australia, assistance cuts off at 15.5mph / 25kph, while in the US, the limit is 20mph. This regulated assistance ensures safety and compliance, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of electric power within legal frameworks.
To help you navigate the world of electric gravel bikes, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated models tested by our expert team. Further down, you’ll find a comprehensive buyer’s guide detailing what to consider when choosing the best electric gravel bike for your needs, including motor types and key features.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on January 22, 2025, to include our latest reviews of gravel ebikes.
Top Electric Gravel Bikes: Expert Reviews
GT Grade Power Series Amp
GT Grade Power AMP electric gravel bike pack shot
The GT Grade Amp skillfully blends agile handling with robust motor support from the Mahle ebikemotion system.
- Price: £2,900 / €3,200 (as tested)
- Pros: Highly responsive handling, excellent motor assistance.
- Cons: Ride can be firm on very rough surfaces.
- Weight: 14.8kg
- Motor: Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor
Built around an aluminum frame and powered by the reliable Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor, the GT Grade Amp inherits its geometry from the non-electric GT Grade Carbon. This shared DNA results in a bike that feels surprisingly nimble, even with its 14.8kg weight. It maintains a lively feel even when ridden without motor assistance.
The flared handlebar shape is a standout feature we appreciate, though its stiffness, combined with the firm fork and alloy frame, can translate to a less forgiving ride on particularly bumpy trails. However, the 42mm WTB Resolute gravel tyres offer some cushioning. These tires are a great all-around choice, providing fast rolling on paved roads, confident grip on dry gravel, and decent performance in muddy conditions.
Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro
Ribble AllRoad SL R e Pro electric gravel bike studio shot
The Ribble All Road SL R e Pro merges aerodynamic design with gravel capabilities and the subtle power of the Mahle X20 motor system.
- Price: £5,999 / $6,995 / €8,380 (as tested)
- Pros: Exceptional range on roads, remarkably fast even without motor, superb handling.
- Cons: Steering limiters can hinder low-speed turns, handlebar tape omission might be divisive.
- Weight: 12.27kg
- Motor: Mahle X20 rear-hub motor
Drawing inspiration from Ribble’s aerodynamic Ultra SL R road bike, the Allroad SL R e incorporates aero elements into a gravel-ready frame. It’s equipped with the lightweight Mahle X20 rear-hub motor and a compact internal battery, maintaining a sleek profile.
The Allroad SL R e is inherently fast, even without engaging the motor. Weighing in at just 12.27kg, it’s surprisingly light for an ebike. Its sporty riding position and aerodynamic design make it easy to exceed the assistance limit of 15.5mph/25kph on flat terrain.
When you engage the motor, the Mahle system intelligently measures your cadence and power output at the bottom bracket, optimizing assistance delivery regardless of the chosen power mode. This ensures a natural and efficient riding experience.
Overall, the Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro is a fantastic electric all-road bike. It’s quick, enjoyable to ride even without assistance, and ready for gravel adventures. For enhanced off-road performance, we recommend utilizing its 38mm tyre clearance and fitting wider gravel tyres.
3T Exploro RaceMax Boost
3T Exploro RaceMax Boost electric gravel bike pack shot
The 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost impresses with its sleek aesthetics, cleverly disguising its electric nature.
- Price: £7,200 / $6,999 / €6,999 (as tested)
- Pros: Seamlessly integrated motor and battery, visually appealing design.
- Cons: Premium components and frame contribute to a high price point.
- 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 the geometry of the non-electric version. This results in a clean, sophisticated look that belies its ebike capabilities.
The motor, combined with the generously low gearing (40t chainring and 11-42t cassette) and a light 12.5kg weight, makes even incredibly steep 20 percent gradients manageable off-road.
The RaceMax Boost is equipped with wide, aerodynamic 3T carbon wheels with varying rim depths front and rear, and 35mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres. These tyres offer a good balance of fast rolling on roads and reliable grip on gravel surfaces.
However, the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost is a significant investment. The forward-facing charging port located on the bottom bracket is also somewhat vulnerable to collecting dirt and debris.
Cairn BRAVe 1.0
Cairn Brave 1.0 electric gravel bike pack shot
The Cairn BRAVe 1.0 is an electric gravel bike that pushes the boundaries, venturing into electric mountain bike territory with its aggressive features.
- Price: £2,789 / $3,632 / €3,334 (as tested)
- Pros: Exceptional off-road capability, powerful motor.
- Cons: Can feel heavy and less efficient on paved roads.
- Weight: 18.9kg
- Motor: Shimano Steps E7000 mid-drive motor
The Cairn BRAVe blurs the lines between electric gravel bike and electric mountain bike. It features a potent Shimano Steps E7000 mid-mounted motor and massive 2.35in tyres, built for serious off-road adventures.
Unlike Cairn’s E-Adventure model, which uses the more subtle Fazua motor, the Shimano motor in the BRAVe delivers a substantial 70Nm of torque. This makes it a true genre-bending bike. While its weight and chunky tyres might slow you down on roads, if you crave a drop-bar bike for tackling seriously rugged off-road terrain, the Cairn BRAVe is an excellent choice.
Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty
Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty electric gravel bike pack shot in green
The Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty redefines expectations of what an electric gravel bike can be with its innovative suspension system.
- Price: £8,000 / $9,500 / €8,999 (as tested)
- Pros: Exceptionally capable off-road, comfortable suspension.
- Cons: Given the price, handlebar and dropper post upgrades would be expected.
- Weight: 17.8kg
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor
Featuring 30mm of suspension both front and rear, thanks to its unique single-leg Lefty Oliver fork and Kingpin rear linkage, the Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty delivers exceptional comfort on rough terrain.
It also boasts serious power, equipped with an 85Nm Bosch motor paired with a 500Wh battery, ensuring you can conquer any climb. The bike features high-end components, including a SRAM eTap AXS electronic groupset in a mullet configuration, combining SRAM Force road components and SRAM Eagle mountain bike parts.
This setup provides an incredibly wide gear range thanks to the 42-tooth road chainring and 10-50t MTB cassette. However, the Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty comes at a premium price. Considering its full-suspension design and intended use, a dropper post and higher-spec handlebars would be expected at this price point.
The Topstone Neo family has expanded with the Topstone Neo SL, offering a more affordable option with a lower-powered Mahle ebikemotion motor and an alloy frame.
Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9
Canyon Grizl:ON CF 9 eGravel bike studio shot
The Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9 utilizes Bosch’s lightweight SX mid-drive motor to create a capable and comfortable electric gravel bike.
- Price: £6,499 / $5,599 / €7,099 (as tested)
- Pros: Impressive battery range, excellent standard components, stable and comfortable handling.
- Cons: Shifting is dependent on the motor system being active, less engaging on highly technical trails.
- Weight: 16.25kg
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line SX mid-drive motor
The Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9 combines the geometry and riding position of Canyon’s popular Grizl gravel bike with a RockShox suspension fork and Bosch’s Performance Line SX motor, powered by a 400Wh internal battery.
The Grizl:ON is a highly capable off-road machine, offering a comfortable riding position and the impressive Bosch SX motor. In typical riding conditions, the ECO+ mode provides ample assistance to quickly reach the 15.5mph/25kph limit. The motor system feels efficient and drag-free when pedaling with minimal or no assistance.
A notable feature is that the AXS rear derailleur draws power from the Bosch PowerTube battery, meaning gear shifting is disabled when the motor is turned off. The Grizl:ONfly is best suited for exploring tough terrain at a relaxed pace, rather than aggressive singletrack riding. It excels as a comfortable and stable bike for wilderness trekking.
Giant Revolt E+
Giant Revolt E adventure eBike pack shot
The Giant Revolt E+ is equipped with Shimano’s GRX Di2 gravel drivetrain, offering a blend of performance and capability in an electric gravel bike.
- Price: £4,999 / AU$7,999 (as tested)
- Pros: Generous 53mm maximum tyre clearance, agile handling.
- Cons: Relatively heavy.
- Weight: 18.17kg
- Motor: Shimano mid-drive motor
Despite its similar name, the Giant Revolt E+ is not simply an electrified version of the 2022 Bike of the Year winner, the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0. Its geometry is slacker and longer, but remains relatively racy, ensuring agile handling. Comfort is enhanced by cushioning in the seatpost, saddle, and handlebars, making it comfortable 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, regardless of the terrain. Battery range is also impressive for a bike of this weight. Our tester achieved nearly 120km with 2,000m of elevation gain on a single charge.
Sonder El Camino Apex 1
Sonder El Camino Apex 1 electric gravel bike pack shot
The Sonder El Camino Apex 1 boasts a robust alloy frame and delivers impressive off-road capability in a value-packed electric gravel bike.
- Price: £2,999 / $3,899 / €2,999 (as tested)
- Pros: Highly capable on challenging terrain, excellent value, reliable motor system.
- Cons: Can feel sluggish on tarmac, brakes can be noisy when hot.
- Weight: 13.75kg
- Motor: Kynamic Hub Drive rear-hub motor
The El Camino is the electric-assist version of the well-regarded Sonder Camino gravel bike. It features mountain bike-inspired geometry and components built for off-road riding, including a super-wide flared bar, short stem, sturdy wheels, and well-treaded tyres.
The ebike system is neatly integrated into the aluminium frame, with the battery housed in the oversized down tube and a charge port located at the bottom bracket. The pedal-assist system is from Kynamic, featuring a rear-hub motor and a 250Wh battery.
The El Camino offers a fun and forgiving ride on rough terrain. The motor system performs admirably, and the bike’s MTB-inspired geometry excels on challenging terrain. The rougher, rockier, and more technical the trail, the more at home the El Camino feels.
The smooth, comfortable ride and excellent tyres allow you to maintain a good pace even without motor assistance. The motor itself exhibits very little drag, and the wide-range Apex groupset makes it easy to find the right gear. Overall, the El Camino is an excellent companion for pushing the boundaries of gravel riding on demanding off-road routes, and it comes at a very accessible price.
Trek Domane LT+
Trek Domane LT 7 studio shot
While technically an electric road bike, the Trek Domane LT+ offers gravel potential with its tyre clearance and IsoSpeed technology.
- Price: £7,800 / $9,250 / €8,000 (as tested)
- Pros: Front and rear IsoSpeed for enhanced comfort on varied surfaces.
- Cons: Comes with 32mm tyres despite clearance for up to 38mm, more road-focused gearing.
- Weight: 13.8kg
- Motor: Fazua mid-drive motor
Although classified as an electric road bike, the Trek Domane LT+ offers clearance for up to 38mm tyres, making it adaptable for lighter off-road riding. However, you’ll likely want to swap out the stock 32mm tyres for wider gravel-specific rubber to maximize its off-road capabilities.
The front and rear IsoSpeed system provides a comfortable ride on light gravel surfaces. The Fazua motor system keeps the bike relatively lightweight compared to other ebikes, and it’s removable, allowing you to ride the bike without assistance if desired.
Equipped with a road-oriented 50/34t chainset and 11-34t cassette, the Domane LT+ doesn’t offer the wide gear range of a dedicated electric gravel bike. However, the motor assistance compensates for this, and the Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset provides reliable shifting in challenging conditions.
More Bike Options
If you haven’t found your ideal electric gravel bike in our top picks, explore our other resources:
- Best Gravel Bikes: Discover our top-rated non-electric gravel bike options.
- Best Women’s Road and Gravel Bikes: Explore bikes specifically designed for women riders.
- Best Electric Bikes: Our guide to the broader world of electric bikes.
- Best Electric Road Bikes: If you’re primarily riding on pavement, check out our electric road bike recommendations.
- Best Cheap Gravel Bikes: Budget-conscious? Find affordable gravel bike options under £1,500.
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Buyer’s Guide to Electric Gravel Bikes: Key Considerations
Choosing the right electric gravel bike involves understanding several key components and features. This buyer’s guide will walk you through the essential aspects to consider before making your purchase.
Electric Gravel Bike Motors Explained
Male cyclist riding the Cairn Brave 1.0 gravel eBike through fields
Electric gravel bikes predominantly utilize either rear-hub motor systems or mid-drive motor systems.
Rear-hub motors are generally lighter and offer a more subtle level of assistance, making them well-suited for riders prioritizing a sporty feel, similar to traditional road bikes. You’ll often find rear-hub motors on best electric hybrid bikes and some electric folding bikes as well.
Mid-drive motors are positioned centrally at the bottom bracket and connect directly to the cranks. This central and low weight distribution enhances handling and provides greater torque and smoother traction, making them particularly advantageous for off-road riding.
Bianchi Impulso E-Allroad TRK eBike Mahle Smartbike X35 motor detail
Gravel bike motors often come in two primary types:
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Lightweight, Low-Torque Motors: Brands like Mahle ebikemotion (rear-hub) and Fazua (mid-mounted) offer smaller, more discreet units commonly found on electric road bikes. These motors typically provide 250 watts of power with lower torque figures (around 40Nm to 60Nm). They deliver a more subtle and progressive assistance, ideal for riders seeking a natural cycling feel, though they may offer less grunt for very challenging off-road terrain.
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Powerful, High-Torque Motors: Some electric gravel bikes utilize motors with higher torque output (up to 90Nm) from brands like Bosch, also frequently used in electric mountain bikes.
Bosch Performance CX motor on a Cannondale Topstone Neo road bike detail
These motors excel at powering you up steep, technical climbs, especially when carrying gear for bikepacking. However, they tend to be larger, heavier, and more visually prominent, making it more obvious you’re riding an electric bike.
The best motor type for you depends on your riding style, terrain, and desired level of assistance. Consider where you’ll be riding most frequently, how much gear you’ll be carrying, and how much motor support you prefer.
Electric Gravel Bike Batteries Explained
Canyon Grail:On electric gravel bike battery integration
Electric gravel bikes often require more battery capacity than electric road bikes due to lower average speeds and frequent elevation changes, which can drain batteries faster.
While road ebikes often prioritize lower weight and smaller batteries, gravel ebikes often lean towards greater range. Consequently, electric gravel bikes with more powerful motors frequently feature larger batteries, with capacities closer to 500Wh, compared to the 250Wh batteries common in road ebikes.
Scott Addict eRIDE with range extender battery attached to seat tube
For riders who prioritize lighter weight or need extended range occasionally, some electric gravel bikes offer smaller integrated batteries with the option to add an external range-extender battery. This supplementary battery typically mounts in a bottle cage and can nearly double your riding range.
Range extender batteries are usually sold as optional accessories and can be costly. They also occupy a bottle cage mount, reducing your water-carrying capacity.
Electric Gravel Bike Controls Explained
Kinesis Range gravel eBike top tube controller
Electric bike motors offer various assistance modes, ranging from ‘eco’ for maximum range to ‘turbo’ for maximum power.
Most ebikes have controls located on the handlebar or top tube, and some include LCD screens displaying battery life, speed, mileage, and current mode. Easy access to controls is beneficial for switching modes on the fly to optimize battery range. Using lower power modes on flatter sections and reserving higher power modes for climbs will significantly extend your battery life.
If you’re using an electric bike for fitness, lower power modes will provide a greater workout while still offering assistance when needed.
Bosch motor assist handlebar mounted switch on a Cannondale Topstone Neo
Some systems now offer Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone apps to track ride data and heart rate. Consider a quality bike phone mount to take advantage of these features.
Electric Gravel Bike Wheels and Tyres
Male cyclist riding the Cairn Brave 1.0 gravel eBike through fields – tyre detail
Robust gravel bike wheels and grippy, high-volume gravel bike tyres are crucial for electric gravel bikes due to the demanding terrain and added torque from the motor.
The extra weight of the motor and ebike battery increases the overall bike weight, requiring tyres with sufficient grip and wheels strong enough to handle the added torque.
Frame clearance for wide tyres (with mud clearance) remains an important factor, just as with non-electric gravel bikes.
Selection of four gravel tyres with different treads
Be prepared to switch tyres depending on your riding conditions. More aggressive treads are beneficial for challenging terrain, while lighter treads are better suited for smoother roads and lighter trails.
While 700c wheels are standard for most gravel bikes, smaller 650b wheels offer increased tyre volume, which can enhance grip and comfort, particularly useful with the added weight and power of an ebike.
Tubeless tyres provide significant benefits for gravel riding, reducing punctures and allowing for lower tyre pressures for improved grip and comfort off-road.
Electric Gravel Bike Drivetrains
Bosch Performance Line CX motor driving the Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty gravel eBike drivetrain
Electric gravel bikes, like their non-electric counterparts, require gearing suitable for tackling steep climbs and varied terrain.
Low gearing is essential for off-road riding. Most non-assisted gravel bikes feature gearing below a 1:1 ratio, using super-compact cranksets (e.g., 48/32t) paired with wide-range cassettes.
1x drivetrains are a popular choice for gravel bikes, simplifying gear systems with a single chainring and a wide-range cassette, eliminating the front derailleur.
Even with motor assistance, ample low-gear options are valuable. Motors often perform most efficiently when climbing seated with smooth power delivery, making it easier for the electronics to provide assistance. Standing climbs can sometimes result in jerky motor power delivery.
Single-ring drivetrains are common on gravel bikes for their simplicity, lighter weight, and sufficient gear range, making them prevalent on electric gravel bikes as well.
Higher-spec models may feature electronic shifting, such as SRAM’s 12-speed eTap AXS or Shimano GRX Di2. Electronic shifting offers precise and reliable gear changes, especially beneficial with a motor system, and is less prone to mis-shifts compared to cable-operated derailleurs. They also generally require less maintenance.
For more detailed information, refer to our comprehensive guide on gravel bike setup.
Bolts and Bosses
GT Grade Power AMP gravel eBike mounting points
Versatility for various adventures is a key aspect of any gravel bike, including electric gravel bikes.
Expect to find features like rack and mudguard mounting points, as well as bolts for top-tube bags.
Mounts for a third bottle cage under the down tube are also common. These are especially important if you plan to use a range-extender battery, as it will occupy one of your frame’s bottle cage mounts.
