Best off-road e-bikes under $2,000

The Basalt ST posts the highest Genius Score in this class, at 90, because it backs strong numbers across the board instead of maxing out one spec. Its 90 Nm of torque and 4-inch tires dig through sand and gravel, and the 940Wh battery supports a claimed 80 miles of range. Mokwheel hasn't published a suspension spec, though, so rocky or root-covered trails ride purely on those fat tires, and the 28 mph Class 3 top speed may exceed what's allowed on some paths.

At $799.99, the Mesa Lite is the cheapest bike on this list, full stop. A 60-pound frame and a 20 mph throttle make it easy to handle and easy to ride without pedaling on long gravel stretches. The trade-off is a 45 Nm, 350W motor that will labor on steep or loaded climbs, and mechanical disc brakes that need more frequent adjustment than hydraulics.

The Scout carries the biggest battery on this list, a 2,080Wh dual-battery setup that turns range from a worry into a non-issue. At $1,299 it also gets you real fat-tire off-road capability without the higher prices some rivals charge. That range comes at a cost: 105.8 pounds makes it a bike you'll want to leave parked rather than carry up stairs or load solo.

No bike here climbs like the X-Class 60V, which puts down the most torque on this list at 110 Nm from its 750W hub motor. A 1,200Wh battery backs that up with enough range to ride hard off-road all day. The catch is a 108-pound frame that needs two people to load and a single-speed drivetrain with no gears to fall back on if you ever ride it without power.

The Basalt is built to carry, with a 450-pound payload rating well above the median on this list, enough room for a heavier rider plus gear without pushing the bike past its limits. A 940Wh battery and 90 Nm of torque back that up, supporting a claimed 80-mile range and enough pull to climb dirt with a loaded rack. It skips suspension entirely, so the fat tires alone cushion rough ground, and its 28 mph Class 3 speed isn't legal everywhere.

At 54 pounds, the Slate is the lightest bike on this list, light enough that loading it onto a car rack is a one-person job. It still packs a throttle and 25 mph pedal-assist, so the lighter build doesn't cost you speed. The 70 Nm and 500W output are tuned for rolling terrain, though, and will work hard on steep, loose climbs.

The Mesa Lite ST earns its spot on price alone: $999.99 for a bike that handles gravel and dirt roads competently. At 58 pounds it's lighter than a typical fat-tire off-roader, so it's easier to muscle around on and off the trail. Its 350W motor and 45 Nm of torque aren't built for steep or technical terrain, and mechanical disc brakes need a firmer hand and more upkeep than hydraulics.

The Obsidian ST is the best-scoring step-through frame on this list, giving an easier mount without giving up climbing power. Its 750W motor and 105 Nm of torque handle loose gravel and steep pitches, and a 940Wh battery supports a claimed 80-mile range. Mokwheel doesn't list a suspension fork here either, so at $1,999.99 you're paying near the top of this list's price range without the extra cushioning many rivals include.