News
/
Guides
/
All Vehicles
/

A Guide to the Best Electric Gravel Bikes

Explore the world of gravel eBikes with our comprehensive reviews, featuring top picks like the Ribble CGR AL e, Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3, Canyon Grail: ON CF 7, Kona Rove HD, Specialized Turbo Creo SL EVO, Ride1Up Gravel Roadster v2, and Santa Cruz Skitch.

guide-to-best-electric-gravel-bikes
In This Guide
product imageRibble CGR AL e

If you are tired of riding on streets with increasing traffic and congestion, gravel eBiking might be what you are looking for. Gravel eBikes are a hybrid of road and mountain eBikes designed to ride on various surfaces, including paved roads, gravel roads, dirt trails, and even light singletrack. They are similarly styled as road eBikes but have more durable components and bigger tires for rougher terrain.

Electric assist on gravel eBikes helps you ride further and tame those formidable hills that never before felt possible. The latest motors and batteries are lightweight and have a minimal effect on the bike's handling performance. Electric gravel bikes are the ideal way to escape the stress of riding in traffic with cars while being light and nimble enough for you to keep adventuring all day long.

We’ve curated reviews on the best gravel eBikes on the market today. To find your next electric gravel ride, check out our picks.


Ride Review Top Pick for Gravel eBike

Ribble CGR AL e

The Ribble CGR AL e has you covered for any terrain you may encounter on your next adventure. Whether riding your daily commute or exploring new dirt roads, CGR AL e is equipped with high-quality components that will maximize your fun and give you years of performance.

The MAHLE X35+ motor, Shimano 105 12-speed groupset, and hydraulic brakes are all premium touches that made the CGR AL e one of our highest-rated eBikes.

14 Reasons to Buy the Ribble CGR AL Gravel eBike

  • Cost-effective e-bike with convenient and unobtrusive pedal assist button.

  • Minimal assembly is required.

  • Comes with a throttle and three modes of pedal assist.

  • SRAM hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping.

  • Built to last with a sturdy aluminum frame.

  • Carbon fork reduces vibrations on rough paths.

  • Lighter weight than most e-bikes.

  • Strong 250W motor for speedy acceleration and sustained climbing.

  • Wide 650b tires and clearance for up to 47mm tires.

  • Three-hour battery recharge time.

  • Easy-to-read battery life indicator and easy-to-monitor battery status.

  • Hidden battery for a sleek look.

  • Ebikemotion app with built-in nutrition reminder feature.

  • Diverse frame sizes are suitable for all levels of rider.

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Ribble CGR AL Gravel eBike

  • Tires don't grip well in wet or muddy conditions.

  • Straight drop bars may limit off-road control.

  • Insufficient assistance at lower speeds.


Suspension Gravel eBike Pick

Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3

Are you looking to explore rougher singletrack or just trying to take the sting out of the waterboards on your favorite gravel route? The Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3 is what you may be looking for. This mid-drive gravel eBike features a 30mm suspension fork in the front and a unique frame suspension that gives 10-30mm in the rear. All of this adds up to a more comfortable and grippy ride on loose conditions. Add an industry-leading Shimano GRX 812 drivetrain and hydraulic brakes, and you have a quality gravel eBike that you can enjoy on the roughest of roads.

9 Reasons to Buy the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3

  • Smooth ride quality even on rough terrains

  • Reliable assist and good battery life from Bosch motor

  • Full suspension and powerful motor system

  • Top-quality frame, suspension technology, and motor system

  • Comfort, speed, control, and traction justify the cost

  • Numerous connectivity features for tech enthusiasts

  • Built for both road and dirt adventures

  • Optional smart sense technology and option to fit large bags

  • Combination of speed and off-road capability

6 Reasons Not to Buy the Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3

  • Cornering requires adjustment due to added weight

  • Possible areas for upgrades, such as wheel upgrade and control integration

  • Not the most aesthetically pleasing design

  • Pricey and heavy

  • Lacks everyday practicalities like mudguards, front light, and sensible luggage options

  • Concerns around weight and position of Bosch Purion display


Best Carbon Gravel eBike Pick

Canyon Grail: ON CF 7 AXS 

Canyon knows a thing or two about building high-performance carbon road bikes. They are the bike suppliers for multiple pro racing teams, both road and mountain. It’s no surprise that Canyon designed one of the best-performing gravel eBikes on the market. This carbon gravel ride has a 500Wh battery that will easily power the mid-drive Bosch CX Performance motor for plenty of miles for extended adventures. The AXS eTap wireless drivetrain delivers ultra-precise shifting without cables that stretch and need to be tuned. The unique two-tiered handlebar offers plenty of riding positions for enhanced comfort and control. When looking for the highest quality gravel eBike and componentry, the Grail:ON CF 7 should be on your list.

4 Reasons to Buy the Grail:ON CF 7 AXS

  • The Grail:ON has impressive power delivery and integrates the Bosch system well.

  • It offers the functionality of a commuter, gravel, and adventure bike all in one.

  • The bike is relatively lightweight for an off-road, mid-drive e-bike.

  • The Grail:ON has a long-lasting battery.

1 Reasons Not to Buy the Grail:ON CF 7 AXS

  • The bike may be less comfortable for people with small hands.


Pick for Best Hub Drive Gravel eBike

Kona Rove HD

Kona brings gravel eBiking to the masses with the Rove HD. The Suntour hub drive and the 418Wh battery will give you plenty of power to conquer that hill you’ve had in your sights or just keep up with your riding group. Wide 47mm tires will help smooth the rough sections for a more comfortable ride.

8 Reasons to Buy the ROVE HD

  • Kona's new hub-drive pedal-assist bicycles are equipped with an SR Suntour R250 HP hub motor, providing a strong performance.

  • The 418Wh downtube-integrated battery offers a decent amount of power for longer rides.

  • These models are priced significantly lower than Kona's Shimano mid-motor systems, making them a great value for the price.

  • The Rove HD frame can fit fenders up to 60mm wide, providing ample protection from road debris and water.

  • It includes rack mounts, allowing users to easily carry their belongings during their rides.

  • The integrated kickstand makes parking the bicycle convenient and hassle-free.

  • The Rove HD has a sportier design with a drop bar handlebar, making it suitable for gravel and providing a comfortable hand position.

  • The shorter wheelbase of the Rove HD offers agile handling, making it maneuverable in various riding conditions.


Best Mid-Drive Gravel eBike Pick

Specialized Turbo Creo SL EVO

When you don’t settle for the status quo and demand the best performance, the Specialized Creo SL EVO is the gravel eBike for you. The mid-drive motor on this carbon-framed ride provides natural electric assistance that gives you the extra edge you need without weighing you down. Not to be outdone, the Turbo Creo’s drive system has MicroTune capability and Bluetooth connectivity with your phone for additional data. Carbon wheels, a Future Shock front fork, and the SRAM drivetrain deliver an unparalleled riding experience.

11 Reasons to Buy the Specialized Turbo Creo SL EVO

  • Superior performance and consistent power output of the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO

  • Quick-charging battery

  • Seamless design

  • Smooth ride and high-quality build

  • Unique features such as the SL1.1 motor, lightweight body, and dropper post

  • Good value for money considering the quality, performance, and design components

  • Extends ride or outing by several hours

  • Fantastic battery life

  • Well-designed and efficient electric bike with a smooth motor

  • Adjustable suspension and precise gear shifts

  • Customizable features

3 Reasons Not to Buy the Specialized Turbo Creo SL EVO

  • Concerns about speed limit regulations and minor discomfort with the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO

  • Need for improvement in the Praxis front chainring of the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon Evo

  • High price and certain charging requirements for the Specialized Creo SL Expert


Pick for Best Value Gravel eBike

Ride1Up Gravel Roadster v2

Introducing the Gravel Roadster v2 by Ride1UP. With its sleek design and high-performance features, this electric bike has been turning heads and wowing riders. One reviewer described the Gravel Roadster v2 as "simple, fast, and fun," and we couldn't agree more. With its concealed battery and quiet motor, this bike offers a clean and stealthy ride that leaves onlookers wondering how you pedal so fast. The Gates carbon belt drive and single-speed minimize your maintenance needs. 

8 Reasons to Buy the Gravel Roadster v2

  • The Ride1Up Roadster V2 Gravel Edition is an excellent low-cost electric gravel bike that is lightweight, well made and surprisingly peppy.

  • It offers a quality ride experience on and off the road.

  • It is quite affordable, making it one of the best budget electric bikes.

  • The Roadster V2 Gravel Edition has a sleek design and high-performance features, making it a fantastic e-bike and great value for money.

  • It has a cool, urban aesthetic and is an absolute blast to ride.

  • The bike offers a smooth and comfortable ride that can handle any terrain, making it a great choice for longer rides and commuting.

  • The bike holds battery charge well and is very responsive.

  • It is lightweight and easy to use.

2 Reasons Not to Buy the Gravel Roadster v2

  • The bike could improve on battery capacity.

  • It does not include LED lights or a kickstand.


Flat Bar Gravel eBike Pick

Santa Cruz Skitch

The Santa Cruz Skitch is equally at home when navigating the urban jungle as it is roaming the wide-open gravel paths in the country. The Fauza powertrain will give you up to 28mph (45kph) of assistance to help you keep up with traffic. It has a  premium SRAM drivetrain that’s standard on many high-end gravel and mountain bikes. 

9 Reasons to Buy the Skitch

  • Lightweight and nimble, suitable for riding on various terrains and occasions

  • Powerful Fazua Ride 60 motor with three power modes

  • Battery fully charges in 3.5 hours

  • Easy to access battery plug spot and battery level indicator

  • Sleek design for urban commuting

  • Max speed of 28 mph in pedal assist mode

  • Range of 60 miles on a single charge

  • Versatile bicycle with four versions to choose from

  • Quality and specific features highlighted in the Santa Cruz Heckler, Orbea Rise, and Score 4060z LT e-bikes

2 Reasons Not to Buy the Skitch

  • Mixed opinions on whether the high price is justified

  • Mixed opinions about utility, pricing, and market appeal


When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Featured Products

product image

Cannondale

Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3

4.3
$4,440

Join Ride Review Newsletter

The largest newsletter for small electric vehicles. No spam, just rides!

Join Ride AI Newsletter

We track how technology is changing the way we move.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Ride Review
NewsGuidesVehiclesAccessoriesBrandsExpertsIncentivesQuestionsGiveawaysContact UsAbout