Confidence-inspiring stability, all-terrain capability, and additional assistance make gravel e-bikes an interesting option not only for off-road riding but also for urban commuting.
However, some individuals consider riding an e-bike as cheating. This assertion is, of course, incorrect, and we can only presume these individuals have never ridden an e-bike before.
E-bikes features are similar to a normal road bike. The only difference is it comes with a mortar and the battery either on the rear wheel or bottom brake.
The motor and battery do not power the bike fully. Instead, these provide riders with enough assistance, making pedaling easier, especially when going uphill.
That said, this article aims to look at the best e-bikes in the market for gravel roads. We’ve analyzed several electric bikes and selected only the best for you. So, you don’t have to spend countless hours searching for the right e-bike.
Without further delay, here’s our pick of the best electric bike for gravel roads.
Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3
Power-assisted and full suspension, the Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3 is the ultimate gravel killer. It is powered by a Bosh Line CX motor and a 500 Wh Powertube battery, which provides riders with up to 80 miles of pedal assist.
Weighing in at 43 lbs., this Cannondale e-bike utilizes a Topstone Carbon frame to accommodate the motor and battery system without negatively affecting the bike performance.
For outstanding performance on different terrains, the company paired their proven, super-light and compliant Kingpin rear suspension with their state-of-the-art 30 mm travel Lefty Oliver fork for more control and comfort.
What’s even better, Topstone Neo Lefty 3 is equipped with an easy-to-read Purion display or Bosh Kiox. Also, the left handlebar features several controls that make it easy for the rider to adjust their level of pedal assist.
According to experts, the bike is ideal for all gravel riders and older riders who are limited physically and still wish to explore the back roads.
| PROS | CONS |
| Power application | Almost too much torque |
| Handling and traction | Expensive |
| Smooth ride and extra control |
Yamaha Wabash Gravel Electric Bike
Yamaha Wabash Gravel E-Bike is arguably the best electric bike for gravel roads, thanks to its unique functionalities, which make the model a beast on a wide range of terrains.
You will love its custom build motor, which is mounted at the center of the bike to allow a low center of gravity. Because of Yamaha’s zero cadence features, the bike’s motor gets triggered to offer help at even the slightest weight on the pedal, so you don’t need a throttle.
It also comes with SRAM Apex hydraulic brakes. Yamaha Wabash fork is designed from one piece of aluminum, which increases the durability of the bike.
The three sensors and onboard computer offer riders seamless e-assistance. The thin, knobby tires can switch easily from one to hard-packed trails.
However, this double-header bike is not designed for speed. At 42 pounds, it’s heavy, and you can only receive a 20mph electric assist. The ride can also get bouncy over slightly rough roads.
| PROS | CONS |
| Comfy drop handlebars ideal for long distances | Not enough shock absorption. The ride can be bumpy |
| Maxxis Speed Terrance tires provide a good mix of speed and traction | Heavy |
| Yamaha PW Series SE center-mounted motor | No twist throttle |
| Long battery life |
Boardman ADV 8.9E Gravel Electric Bike
Boardman Fazua-powered electric bikes offer customers good value for their money. The 250 battery is removable and fully recharges in under three hours. The best part is you get 60 miles per single charge.
With Boardman ADV 8.9E, you will receive a lot of performance and experience delivered by e-bikes but at a much lower price point. You will love the ADV 8.9E built-in sensors that account for speed, cadence, and torque when determining pedal assist. Also, it comes with an integrated app, which features a speedometer, GPS, and other exciting things.
The Fazua system is perfect for mixed riding and offers useful assistance and good range. However, the Evation 250w motor does max out at 15.5 miles per hour. The bike’s 50mm tires are designed specifically for riding over gravels. So you might struggle a little on asphalt.
| PROS | CONS |
| Well-balanced ride | Achieves a maximum speed of 15.5 mph |
| High-quality Fazua motor | Tires not ideal for asphalt |
| Speed, cadence, and torque sensor provides nuanced pedal assist | |
| Enjoy integrated app features, including speedometer and GPS tracking |
Specialized Creo Turbo SL Expert Evo
For years, Specialized has developed some of the world’s highest-performing road bikes, and the Creo Turbo SL Expert is no different. The Creo Turbo SL revolutionizes e-bike performance with its wide range of impressive features.
It’s a light e-bike with a stiff FACT 11r carbon frame, which inspires diving into corners and dancing on the pedals. Also, it reduces the overall bike weight while increasing range.
Worried about the battery? Well, Creo Turbo SL Expert internal battery delivers great miles and long days, with up to 80 miles of range. Specialized also offers customers an optional range extender, which delivers up to 40 extra miles of mountain-flattening power.
The Creo Turbo SL Expert Evo is very similar to the Expert model, but it features few friendly changes to handle gravel roads. The changes include 38mm-wide semi-knob Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires, dropper post with 50mm of travel, and flared handlebars. It also rides smoothly on paved and off-road paths.
Creo Turbo SL motor doubles your effort with up to 240 watts of silent, powerful assistance to boost your ride and improve the riding experience.
| PROS | CONS |
| Built-in power meter | Non-removable battery |
| Long quoted range | Low max-torque |
| Responsive torque that delivers perfectly in-tune with normal riding cadence |
Canyon Grail: On E-Gravel
For the first time, Canyon has merged a gravel and electric bike, and the product is nothing but vanilla. The Grail: On uses Bosh Performance Line CX Gen 4, one of the most powerful and accomplished motors used on bikes to date. The motor delivers extra torque, allowing you to cruise comfortably over steep techy features.
Besides that, much of the bike smoothing originates from the carbon hoops and some thick 50mm Schwalbe G-On tires. Based on the successful Grail, the manufacturer adjusted the bike to provide an upright riding position.
Grail: On E-gravel, the wheelbase is a bit longer to improve stability and create room for the mudguard and the 50mm tires. Also, it comes with a Shimano GRX drivetrain, 11-42 cassette out the back, and an FSA carbon Crankset with a 44t chainring at the front.
How long the battery lasts depends on who’s riding, the terrain, and the mode used. However, Bosh and Canyon claim a 68-mile range.
| PROS | CONS |
| Lots of carbon and rubber for fast-paced gravel escapades | Heavy |
| Reliable motor | |
| Big clearance for tires and mudguard | |
| Hydraulic eTap delivers consistent braking on rough terrain |
That marks the end of our article. We hope you have found this information useful and now you can make an informed purchase decision.
Thank you for stopping by, and best of luck!