Most Powerful Electric Bike: Our Top Picks for 2023

By Sam Hartman

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Power means different things to different people. That’s definitely true for ebikes, too. So when you’re looking for the most powerful electric bike, you really need to know what you want to get out of your electric bicycle experience.

Are you searching for top road speeds, or do you need to have the strength to get up steep, rugged terrain? How about hauling, feel like taking camping equipment on your trek? And that’s not even touching battery capacity and electric motor range.

There really isn’t one choice for “most powerful electric bike” but there’s a ton of great options for each category, from mountain bikes to road bikes and all things in between. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options, Go Ride Bikes has your back!

We’ve been obsessed with all things electric bicycles for the better part of a decade, so we know a thing or two about electric bike motors. Keep reading to learn more about our choices for the most powerful electric bikes in 2023!

Power vs. Performance

Most people have a stereotypical expectation for a powerful motor. Big revs, monster trucks, muscle cars, the kinda stuff that puts hair on your chest.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Monster Jam and hearing those engines roar makes the hair on your arms stand up; but for an ebike motor power is a different beast.

Powerful electric motors run smoothly at high speed, but have the torque to get you over obstacles when able. They can run for a long time and climb steep grades, all while humming along smoothly.

When you’re looking for the most powerful or fastest electric bike , you have to look past just speed. You really should look for a motor with great overall performance. To judge an electric bike’s performance, you have few factors you should consider:

Motor power

Motor power refers to the amount of watts your electric motor delivers to the pedal assist for the rider. A motor with higher watts is usually more powerful, and that means it’s faster and has more climbing ability. Electric motors comin wattage options between 250-750 watts, but the more watts doesn’t necessarily mean more speed or power. A mid drive motor often runs well with a 250 watt engine, while a rear hub motor typically runs best with higher motor power.

Torque

The torque of your ebike motor prevents it from stalling or halting, which means your electric assist can run longer. The more torque you have, the less worry you have of your engine giving out on tough climbs or when hauling cargo.

Battery life

Longer battery life obviously means electric bicycles can run longer, but it’s also great for when you need an extra push to get up a hill. Strong batteries make for a powerful motor.

Handling

Having all that power means nothing if you can’t control the bike when it’s going. A good suspension system and hydraulic disc brakes are useful both for a smooth and safe ride.

Finding a great balance between all of these factors is how you get the best electric bike experience, whether you’re using a mountain bike or a road bike. If you’re just focused on motor power or speed but don’t consider your overall handling, higher speed can actually get kind of dangerous.

Ebike motor classes

Ebike motor classes
The United States breaks electric bikes into three classifications, and each motor is a bit different. Here’s a breakdown of the three classes.

Class 1

These motors are most commonly known as pedal assist bikes, and they’re the most popular ebike motor in the US. These electric bikes have a motor that provides assistance to the rider when pedaling, and the motor cuts off when you reach 20 MPH. Class 1 ebikes also have their power output maximized at 750 watts.

Class 2

Similar to the class 1 motor, a class 2 motor also provides assistance to a rider while pedaling. The difference, however, is a class 2 motor can also be engaged while the rider isn’t pedaling. These electric bikes can reach up to 20 MPH without pedal assist, so they’re more suited for a leisurely road ride than a challenging mountain path.

Class 3

When looking for the fastest electric bike, you’re looking for a class 3 electric bike. Also known as a speed pedelec, these bikes have a speed limit of 28 MPH and their electric motor provides assistance while the rider is pedaling or without pedal assistance. The maximum power output is still 750 Wh, but class 3 electric bikes are designed for more speed and more power. Riders must wear a helmet when driving a class 3 electric bike, and there are other specific safety regulations similar to a motorcycle.

Most powerful electric bike criteria

Now that you know a little about electric motors, we’ll let you know how we made this list. Rather than When looking for the most powerful electric bike, we took into account:
  • Motor power
  • Battery capacity
  • Torque
  • Handling
  • Max speed
  • Usability for category
  • Overall design
  • User experience
The wait is finally over, let’s get into Go Ride Bike’s 2023 most powerful electric bike review!

GRB’s Most Powerful Electric Mountain Bike of 2023

Trek Powerfly FS9 EQ

  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
  • Battery: Bosch PowerTube 625 watts
  • Torque: 85 Nm
  • Suspension: RockShox SID Lux Select+, 190 x 45mm
  • Max Speed: 20 MPH
  • Price: $6,500
The Trek Powerfly is one powerful electric bike. It’s got a super tough aluminum frame that houses an internal 625 watt Bosch battery. That combined with the Bosch Performance Line CX motor gives this bike an easy 20 MPH top speed. And for rugged terrain, its 120mm suspension fork, powerful 4-piston hydraulic brakes, and its 12-speed drivetrain will have you zipping all over the mountainside. Combine all of that with the beautiful design, and this is easily one of the best electric mountain bike options of 2023. 
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Honorable Mention: Giant Trance E+ 0 Pro

  • Motor: Giant SyncDrive Pro
  • Battery: Giant EnergyPak Smart 500, 36V 13.8Ah integrated Lithium-Ion
  • Torque: 80 Nm
  • Suspension: Fox Float DPX2 Factory, EVOL Large Volume sleeve, 3-Pos Adj. lever, 185x52.5mm Trunnion mount
  • Max Speed: 20 MPH
If you’re looking for more speed, faster climbs, and longer run on a single charge, the Giant Trance E+ 0 Pro is the ebike for you. Giant’s custom SyncDrive Pro motor has a huge 80 Nm of torque and 360 percent tunable support, which lets you enjoy every aspect of ebike riding. Buy from Giant
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GRB’s Most Powerful Electric Road Bike of 2023

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Gazelle Ultimate C380+

  • Motor: Bosch Performance Line Mid-Drive Motor
  • Battery: Two 500 Wh Lithium-Ion Battery
  • Torque: 85 Nm
  • Suspension: Telescopic Aluminum Fork, 80 mm travel
  • Max Speed: 28 MPH
  • Price: $4,000
If you’re looking for the top of the line, you need not look further than the Gazelle Ultimate C380+. This high performing electric bike can reach speeds of 28 MPH thanks to the Bosch Performance Line motor, and its integrated-to-frame battery can last up to 43 miles on a single charge. It packs a whole lot of power into that elegant frame as well, boasting 85 Nm of torque  for easy hill climbing and cargo hauling. It also uses a state-of-the-art durable carbon belt drive rather than a chain, making sure your ride is safe and smooth the whole way. Buy from Gazelle
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Honorable Mention: Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO

  • Motor: Specialized SL 1.1, custom lightweight motor
  • Battery: Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320Wh
  • Torque: 35 Nm
  • Suspension: Future Shock 2.0 w/ Smooth Boot, Boost™ 12x110mm thru-axle, flat-mount disct
  • Max Speed: 28 MPH
While not a powerful bike to the naked eye with its 320 watt engine and 35 Nm of torque, the Speciazlied Turbo Creo SL Expert is the definition of “more with less”. It’s a light weight and spry speed pedelec, making up for a lack of power with a lack of needing it. Its MicroTuene technology allows you to control 240 watts of power with a smooth delivery in 10% increments, and it has the power to go from gravel to road and everywhere in the middle! Buy from Specialized
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GRB’s Most Powerful Electric Cruiser Bike

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Electric Bike Co. Model A

  • Motor: MXUS 48V, 500W rear hub motor
  • Battery: 48V, 12 Ah (576 Wh)
  • Torque: 65 Nm
  • Suspension: Hydraulic lockout and preload Fork, 80 mm travel
  • Max Speed: 28 MPH
  • Price: $1,500
When it comes to cruisers, “power” isn’t necessarily what you’re looking for. Or, at least, not in the traditional sense. While the Electric Bike Co. Model A boasts 65 Nm of torque, meaning it has some pull to it if it needs it, the reason this is our top Cruiser bike of 2023 is just because it’s a flat out great ride. Electric Bike Co. went throwback with this gorgeous design, and a modified headset actually makes the steering more steady and ups this electric bike’s towing capacity. It also has a great rear rack option that integrates seamlessly, giving you room for even more cargo. Buy from Electric Bike Co.
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Honorable Mention: Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser

  • Motor: 48V Geared Hub Bafang Motor 750w Sustained
  • Battery: 48V15ah Reention Rhino, 39 x 21700 Samsung Cells
  • Torque: 60 Nm
  • Suspension: Mozo Hydraulic Lockout, 80mm Suspension Travel
  • Max Speed: 28 MPH
Ride1Up knew what they were doing when they named this wonderful bike. The Cafe Cruiser delivers everything you’re looking for in an electric cruiser bike, and then some. The comfortable seat and frame will keep you relaxed no matter how long your ride lasts, and with a 30-50 mile range on a single battery charge you’ve got a lot of riding ahead of you.
Buy from Ride1Up
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GRB’s Most Powerful Electric Hunting Bike

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QuietKat Apex

This moped-style ebike is fantastic. The similar HyperScrambler 2 has comparable top speeds but has a higher price tag due to its longer range.

This ebike is loaded with safety features, a horn, rearview mirrors, brake lights, and turn signals. Not only will you feel safe; you’ll enjoy a smooth ride up to 70 miles.

  • Motor: Bafang Ultra mid drive 750W/1000W motor
  • Battery: 16AH/48V | 768Wh | 10 lbs
  • Torque: 160 Nm
  • Suspension: 150 mm travel
  • Max Speed: 20 MPH
  • Price: $5,000
QuietKat calls itself the “pickup truck of electric bikes”, and they absolutely back that up. The QuietKat Apex was built around the Bafang Ultra mid drive motor, giving it a whopping 16 0Nm of torque and plenty of power to handle whatever you throw at it on your hunt. This electric hunting bike can make the steep hills and rugged terrain, all while pulling the buck you just got. And its up to 48 miles of charge range means you can get from hunting camp to your blind and back with ease. Plus, the full camo option means you can take your electric bike with you without tipping off your prey.  Buy from QuietKat
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Honorable Mention: Rad Power Bike RadRover 6 Plus

  • Motor: 750W brushless geared hub motor, 5:1 planetary gear reduction.
  • Battery: 589-672 watts
  • Torque: 80 Nm
  • Suspension: RST spring fork, 60 mm travel with lockout and preload adjustment, 277 mm steerer tube
  • Max Speed: 20 MPH
The RadRover 6 is truly one rad fat tire bike. It’s a great value because of its versatility, going from city riding to the mountains or forest with ease. For the hunter, the RadRover 6 can haul up to 275 pounds and its fat tires mean you have more traction and less chance of getting stuck in the muck. Buy from Rad Power Bikes
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GRB’s Most Powerful Folding Electric Bike

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Tern HSD P9

  • Motor: Class 1, Bosch Active Line Plus (Gen 3)
  • Battery: Bosch PowerPack 400
  • Torque: 40 Nm
  • Suspension: Suntour custom for Tern, Chromoly steerer, 32 mm stanchions, Thru-axle, EFBE tested for 170 kg
  • Max Speed: 20 MPH
  • Price: $3,700
I know I said earlier that it’s nearly impossible to pick out one “most powerful” electric bike, but the Tern HSD P9 might be my favorite on the list. It’s got everything you want in a powerful bike, a strong Bosch engine and battery pack, and the custom Suntour frame is both stylish and comfortable. All of those are difficult to achieve for a folding electric bike. It’s also got a quick 5 second fold time for when you’re in a rush, and it even comes prepped with a Go Maxi child seat with no adapters necessary! Truly one of the best bang for your buck options. Buy from Tern
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Honorable mention: Aventon Sinch.2

  • Motor: 750W (peak) 500W (sustained) 48V Brushless Hub Motor
  • Battery: Removable Internal Lithium-ion 48V 14Ah (672Wh) with LG cells
  • Torque: 80 Nm
  • Suspension: RST GUIDE-ML-20 45mm travel, with lockout
  • Max Speed: 20 MPH
The Sinch.2 is just a fantastic all-around bike, as are most of the products from Aventon. What lands the Sinch.2 on this list is its unique torque sensor, which measures the amount of force being applied to the pedals and provides the assistance needed based on your efforts. That intuitive pedal assist makes for a much more natural and enjoyable riding experience. Buy from Sinch
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Go Ride Bikes

Whether you’re looking for a cruiser, hunting bike, or an electric mountain bike, there’s plenty of great and powerful options for you to choose from out there. This list is far from exhaustive, but it’s a fantastic starting point when embarking on your electric bicycle search.

Just keep in mind, when looking for a powerful electric bike, you need to think about the overall performance. Don’t just go grabbing the highest wattage bikes out there, I’ve ridden plenty of 250 watt bikes that could outrun a 750 watt electric bike any day.
Go Ride Bikes is our name, but it’s also our philosophy. We want to encourage everyone to get out and, well, go ride bikes. Explore the Go Ride Bikes electric bike reviews, read more of our informative blogs, and keep up with curated lists of the best ebike advancements from our experts.

Sam Hartman

Hey! I live in San Diego and am an electric bike fanatic and writer. About 8 years ago, I dove headfirst into the electrifying world of e-bikes and haven’t looked back since.  It’s not just a pastime, it’s a lifestyle that keeps me going on new adventures and on the hunt for cool bikes.

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