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Like electric mountain bikes (eMTBs), all-terrain e-bikes, trekking bikes, and other off-road styles, gravel electric bikes are made for adventurous cyclists. Typically one of the lightest varieties, these bikes are what you might get by crossing a road bike with an eMTB. They’re often found in competitive races but can just as easily be used for leisure and exploration.
Like road bikes, gravel e-bikes typically feature a utilitarian design with a forward-leaning riding position. They are usually equipped with slim, performance-oriented saddles, flared drop handlebars, paddle-style shifters, and large-diameter 700c or 650b wheels.
Unlike road bikes, however, gravel bikes sport relatively wide, knobby tires to provide grip and traction in dirt and, well, gravel. They also often differ in geometry; gravel e-bikes prioritize stability with slackened head tubes, longer wheelbases, and slightly more upright positioning.
Of course, there are exceptions. Some brands offer gravel-ready versions of their lightweight city bikes; these models feature flat handlebars and more relaxed and upright positioning than what is commonly associated with the category or sport.
As a performance-oriented style, gravel e-bikes also typically prioritize weight reduction. Most are relatively feature-light and clutter-free, while some use carbon fiber in their frame or wheel construction to maximize acceleration and agility.
These bikes encourage an active experience by featuring lightweight, low-output motors that boost their rider’s effort instead of replacing it entirely. Gravel bikes often include small, fully internal batteries with limited range that can be supplemented with extra capacity from optional, externally mounted “range extender” batteries.
Whether you’re looking to give aging knees a break in your next race or travel farther before running out of steam on your next off-road adventure, the selection of gravel e-bike reviews below can help guide you to a great purchase.
If you’re interested in exploring other types of e-bikes, we recommend visiting our best electric bikes page to see the models we’ve voted as our favorites for the year.
