5 Electric Bikes Built For Rough Terrain

With electric bikes, not to be confused with electric motorcycles, steadily becoming a staple on the highway, it is no surprise that they have also entered the offroad market with stellar results. The offroad e-bike can be considered a jack of all trades but a master of none due to its highly specific design. An e-bike built for rough terrain is heavier due to the tougher build, making it somewhat unwieldy on the highway. That said, a top-tier offroad e-bike is second to none when conquering rough terrain.

These bicycles are infused with modern technology to elevate their performance in rough road conditions. It features a significantly more durable build, enhanced dual suspension, and an electric motor to make climbing steep inclines a breeze. Basically, an e-bike goes well beyond the proverbial limit of a normal bicycle. To help put you on the right track, pun intended, SlashGear has compiled a list of the top five offroad e-bikes on the market for all the outdoor thrill seekers out there. Taking into consideration various factors, these five offroad e-bikes truly excel in delivering their intended objectives.

In terms of terrain versatility, the Velotric Nomad 1 is undeniably on the upper tier of the list with its ability to handle both offroad (dirt, sand, and snow) and urban riding with impressive performance and handling on both accounts. At a glance, the first noticeable aspect of the Nomad is its chunky build. The hefty 73 lbs. weight is unavoidable for it to achieve its all-terrain claim as it is designed to handle every rough terrain you might encounter.

Fortunately, the heavy build is offset by the 750W 75 Nm rear motor powered by a cutting-edge 691Wh battery that significantly extends riding time without compromising the e-bike's performance. Depending on the terrain and weight, the Velotric Nomad 1 can run via its electric motor for up to a maximum of 55 miles per full charge.

Along with the solid electric motor and battery are the reliable hydraulic disc brakes and 8-speed rear gear system. The Nomad 1 features 26 x 4-inch tires combined with a 40 mm fork, which helps dampen the shocks from riding over rough terrain. One particular critique of the Nomad 1 is its rather inaccurate battery gauge, which does not provide riders with a 1:1 estimate of its remaining battery life. With a relatively affordable price tag attached and a more well-rounded performance, the Velotric Nomad 1 is a good electric e-bike for both rough and urban terrain.

The first thing you will notice about the Specialized Turbo Tero X 4.0 is its mullet-style bike design, which incorporates bigger front wheels with a slightly smaller rear wheel. This type of bike design is often considered ideal for riding through uneven terrain. True to its moniker, this electric bike is specially designed for rough road situations, which is evident with its use of a full-suspension setup.

For its premium price tag, the Tero X 4.0 is equipped with a 250W nominal 50Nm torque motor, which is enough to conquer steep trails, but you do expect something more mind-blowing. Still, the 530 Wh battery is more than enough to compensate for its maximum range of 68 miles on a single full charge. Additional notable features are its 12-speed drivetrain system and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, which ensure reliable stopping capability at the drop of a hat.

All in all, the Turbo Tero X 4.0 delivers everything you want in a reliable offroad e-bike that also provides excellent versatility. If you have the budget, this is a good choice if you are in the market for an electric bike that is an all-in-one package deal.