At 3000 euros, you have to be careful with the wording: Such bikes are definitely not cheap, and hardly cheap at all. Inexpensive? Perhaps more so. On the other hand, you shouldn't fool yourself: 3000 euros is a lot of money for a bike, but you will still only find e-mountainbikes in the lowest entry-level segment. This is because the complete bike manufacturers have to buy in the motor and battery at high prices. This leaves little room for manoeuvre for the rest of the equipment. We went in search of the best e-mountainbikes under 3000 euros.
Click here to go directly to the good, affordable e-bike hardtail models for 2023:
Cheap E-MTB fullys? Not a chance!
The most painful compromises are in the suspension. No well-known manufacturer can offer a full-suspension e-MTB in this price segment, not even direct-to-consumer brands such as Canyon or Radon. For these price-performance specialists, the full-suspension e-bike class starts at 3799 euros - for the Koblenz-based company with the Canyon Neuron:On 6the Bonners with the Radon Render 8.0. All specialist retail brands also slip past this price point - sometimes by a larger margin, sometimes by a smaller one. One of the cheapest is the ZEG brand (Zweirad Einkaufs Gemeinschaft) Bulls. The full-suspension Copperhead Evo AM1 is available there for 3399 euros. RRaymon is also close behind with the FullRay 130E 4.0 for 3499 euros. However, the fully market doesn't have much more to offer in this price segment.
Where do you have to make compromises with e-bike hardtails?
For less than 3000 euros, you have to make do with a rigid rear. This means: limited off-road capability. And not everything that has a suspension fork in the head tube is also an off-road mountain bike. In order to be able to turn off the forest path at all, you should at least be rolling on coarsely profiled tyres. This is the case with the models in this selection. But here too, the cheaper the bike, the less emphasis is placed on off-road suitability. Take Radon, for example: the Jealous Hybrid 8.0 for 2399 euros comes with low-profile Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres, while the 2799 euro 9.0 model comes with Nobby Nic tyres, i.e. real off-road tyres. The situation is similar for suspension forks, brakes and shifting components: The cheaper the overall price, the lower the taker qualities in real mountain bike terrain: simple technology in the cheap forks, tame brakes, often only with two pistons and small brake discs. A telescopic seat post, which has a significant influence on off-road mobility, is also only rarely found in this segment. In addition, there are 9- or 10-speed gear ratios that lack the range for real mountain tours.
Talented all-round e-bikes
What you are very likely to encounter. Attachments for side stands, mudguards and pannier racks. Sporty readers may turn up their noses. But the truth is: the motorised hardtail is so popular precisely because it has turned out to be an extremely practical all-round vehicle: not only as an occasional off-roader, but also as a commuter and city bike. This is where this type of bike can play those trump cards that don't work off-road: Full mudguards and pannier racks can only be easily fitted to rigid rear ends.
We recommend these e-bike hardtails under 3000 euros
The market availability of affordable e-MTBs is currently very good, while demand is rather restrained. This has an impact on the prices of e-bike hardtails. Radon, for example, has reduced the €3299 Jealous Hybrid 9.0 625 and the €2899 8.0 by €500 each. Many other manufacturers are also offering their entry-level e-hardtails significantly below the actual RRP. We have based our model recommendation on the prices currently listed on the manufacturers' websites. Mail-order brands can adjust their prices to the current market situation. Specialist brands usually quote the original RRP. It is therefore always worth enquiring at your local retailer. There are currently also generous discounts on many well-known specialist brands.
We also only want to recommend e-bike hardtail models that are really suitable for sporty off-road use thanks to their motors and components. This is because weak or rough drives spoil the fun just as much as nasty suspension forks, undersized two-piston brakes and unsuitable gear ratios.
E-bike hardtail Radon Jealous Hybrid 8.0 and 9.0
In the Jealous Hybrid model series from Radon, you have the choice between the 2399 Euro Hybrid 8.0 and the 400 Euro more expensive Hybrid 9.0 for less than 3000 Euro. Bosch Performance Line CX powered by the 625 watt-hour Intube battery. A good basis. In contrast to some other manufacturers, the Bonn-based mail-order company even manages to equip the cheapest model with off-road-appropriate parts. A Rockshox Judy Silver with 120 mm travel is also fitted to the front of the Hybrid 8.0. However, the choice of tyres shows that this model is not primarily aimed at ambitious off-road riders. The Smart Sam tyres are only intended for light terrain in dry weather.
On the other hand, the Radon Jealous Hybrid 9.0 is perfect for touring on easy terrain. Thanks to the 12-speed Sram NX Eagle (11-speed Shimano Deore in the 8.0 model) and 11-50 cassette, you are equipped for steeper uphills, and Schwalbe's 2.9-inch-wide Nobby Nic tyres provide plenty of grip even on slippery terrain. The four-piston Magura MT Trail brakes with 203 millimetre discs at the front can also be trusted on long downhills, and the telescopic seatpost with 130 millimetre stroke further increases the off-road capability. In this respect, our recommendation is for those who want to stay under 3000 euros: Jealous Hybrid 9.0.
The Radon Jealous 8.0 625 at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 625 Wh
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: Rockshox Judy Silver TK, 120 mm
- Brake: Shimano BR-MT420/MT410, 180 mm
- Gear system: 11-speed Shimano Deore, 11-51
- Tyres: Schwalbe Smart Sam, 29 x 2.6
- Telescopic support: none
- Weight according to manufacturer: 22.45 kg
- Price: 2399 Euro
The Radon Jealous 9.0 625 at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 625 Wh
- Display: Bosch Kiox
- Suspension fork: Rockshox 35 Silver, 120 mm
- Brake: Magura MT TRail Custom, 203/180 mm
- Gear system: 12-speed Sram NX Eagle, 11-50
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, 29 x 2.6
- Telescopic seatpost: Radon Dropper, 130 mm
- Weight according to manufacturer: 22.90 kg
- Price: 2799 Euro
E-bike hardtail Canyon Grand Canyon:On 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0
The top mail-order company from Koblenz is also currently adjusting its prices in order to relieve its own warehouses of the obvious oversupply of cheap hardtails. The highest-quality Grand Canyon:On, the 9.0 model, currently costs just €2999 instead of €3699. For this price, you get a well-equipped e-bike hardtail with modern, sporty geometry. Also on board: Shimano EP8 with integrated 630 Wh battery, Fox 34 Rhythm Grip with 120 millimetre suspension travel, 12-speed Shimano XT gears with 10-51 teeth, an Iridium dropper post with 150 millimetre travel (125 mm for frame size S) - what more could a biker's heart desire? Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres with a width of 2.6 inches on 29-inch wheels ensure good grip off-road. Clever feature: The USB-C socket in the top tube can be used to power your smartphone or lights from the main battery.
With such a tempting price-performance package, you'll have to think twice before accepting the downgrade on the Grand Canyon:On 8.0 and even more so on the 7.0. The suspension fork is the main compromise: instead of a Fox Rhythm, the 8.0 only comes with a Rock Shox Judy Silver, while the 7.0 has a Suntour XCM34. The weak two-piston brakes from Shimano also limit the off-road use of the 8.0 and 7.0 models. And you will also be looking in vain for a telescopic seatpost. However, the basis with Shimano's EP8 and 630 Wh battery remains top. Nevertheless, our recommendation for e-MTB beginners with off-road ambitions is the Grand Canyon:On 9.0.
The Canyon Grand Canyon:On 7.0 at a glance
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Battery: Shimano 630 Wh (504 Wh in size XS and S)
- Display: Shimano SC-E7000
- Suspension fork: Suntour XCM34, 120 mm
- Brake: Shimano MT200
- Gear system: 10-speed Shimano Deore, 11-46
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, 29 x 2.6
- Telescopic support: none
- Weight according to manufacturer: 23.80 kg
- Price: 2399 Euro
The Canyon Grand Canyon:On 8.0 at a glance
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Battery: Shimano 630 Wh (504 Wh in size XS and S)
- Display: Shimano SC-E7000
- Suspension fork: Rockshox Judy Silver, 120 mm
- Brake: Shimano MT200
- Gear system: 12-speed Shimano XT, 11-51
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, 29 x 2.6
- Telescopic support: none
- Weight according to manufacturer: 22.50 kg
- Price: 2699 Euro
The Canyon Grand Canyon:On 9.0 at a glance
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Battery: Shimano 630 Wh (504 Wh in size XS and S)
- Display: Shimano SC-E7000
- Suspension fork: Rockshox 34 Rhythm Grip, 120 mm
- Brake: Shimano MT410, 203/203 mm
- Gear system: 12-speed Shimano XT, 11-51
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, 29 x 2.6
- Telescopic support: Iridium
- Weight according to manufacturer: 22.50 kg
- Price: 2999 Euro
E-bike hardtail Bulls Copperhead Evo 1 and 2
The Copperhead e-bike is a classic in the Bulls programme. ZEG's own brand is currently offering two sporty E-MTB models for less than 3000 euros: The Evo 1 for 2699 (instead of the original 3099) and the Evo 2 for 2899 euros (instead of 3299 euros). Both models are also available with 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels, and the Aminga Eva 1 and 2 models with a shorter, more sloping top tube are available for women at the same price. As the equipment of the unisex and special women's models is almost identical, the choice should always depend on the most suitable geometry or the preferred frame shape.
The prices of all Bulls e-bike hardtails increase with the battery size. Three battery sizes are possible using an adapter. The prices mentioned above only include the smallest battery with 400 Wh. 500 Wh costs 200 euros more, for 625 Wh you even have to add 400 euros. Compared to Radon or Canyon, the Copperhead models are no longer a bargain.
The basis of the Bulls Evo E hardtail models is good with the powerful Bosch Performance CX motor. However, the Evo 2 should be preferred if you really intend to tackle some bumpy terrain. The 10-speed gear ratio on the Evo 1 sets limits uphill, and the Tektro mechanical disc brakes hardly give you any confidence on steep descents. The Evo 2 is a better choice. Nevertheless, the equipment here also falls short of the two mail-order brands with a cheap Suntour suspension fork and no-name tyres. Clever: the Monkey Link preparation for the front and rear lights. This means that the lights are powered by the main battery and can be easily clipped on and off.
The Bulls Copperhead Evo 1 at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 400 Wh (550 Wh, 625 Wh)
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCM DS RL, 120 mm
- Brake: Tektro MD-M280, 180/180 mm
- Gear system: 10-speed Shimano Deore, 11-46
- Tyres: Supero Edge, 27.5 x 2.25 (or 29 x 2.25)
- Telescopic support: none
- Weight according to manufacturer: n. A.
- Price: 2699 Euro
The Bulls Copperhead Evo 2 at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 400 Wh (550Wh, 625 Wh)
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR 32, 120 mm
- Brake: Tektro HD-M390, 180/180 mm
- Gear system: 11-speed Shimano Deore, 11-51
- Tyres: VeeTire Crown Gem, 27.5 x 2.6 (or 29 x 2.6)
- Telescopic support: none
- Weight according to manufacturer: n. A.
- Price: 2899 Euro
E-bike hardtail Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500
If you are prepared to spend a little bit more or negotiate well with the dealer, you will already find some e-bike hardtails in the Cube portfolio with the 750 Wh Powertube battery from Bosch, which enables impressive ranges. For example, the €3249 Hybrid Pro 750 model, but if you look at the official list prices, you have to scroll down quite far in the Cube Bikes programme until you reach the price region below €3000. There you will find, for example, the e-bike model Hybrid Performance 625 for 2749 euros or the 2849 euro, better equipped model Pro, whose battery only provides 500 Wh capacity. The same applies to Cube as to all manufacturers: more battery capacity also costs more money. In terms of equipment, however, you have to be very frugal with both models. No dropper post, four-piston brakes or a high-quality suspension fork! If you want to buy yourself some trail fun, you're definitely better off with the Pro. The X-Fusion MIG32 Air is the better performing suspension fork than the thin NVX30 with steel spring, and with 11 gears on the Pro model, you are definitely better off-road than with the 9-speed road gear ratio on the Performance model. In this respect, our recommendation for those looking to save money in the Cube programme clearly goes to the Pro 500 - or you can negotiate well with the specialist dealer and thus afford a higher-quality model from the extensive Cube portfolio.
The Cube Reaction Hybrid Pro 500 at a glance
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 500 Wh
- Display: Bosch LED Remote
- Suspension fork: X-Fusion MIG32 Air, 120 mm
- Brake: Shimano BR-MT200, 180/180 mm
- Gear system: 11-speed Shimano Deore, 11-51
- Tyres: Schwalbe Smart Sam, 29 x 2.6
- Telescopic support: none
- Weight according to manufacturer: 23.1 kg
- Price: 2849 Euro
Conclusion from EMTB editor-in-chief Josh Welz
The warehouses are full, demand is restrained: The availability of affordable e-bike hardtails on the market is therefore very good at the moment. Accordingly, many mail-order companies are already lowering their prices, and some shop owners are certainly willing to talk. However, this does not change the fact that there are only a few truly trail-ready e-hardtails for around €3000. Motors and batteries are expensive, leaving little room for manoeuvre for the rest of the equipment. If you are serious about off-road excursions, you should pay attention to a proper suspension fork, four-piston brakes and tyres with good grip. The best packages for affordable e-bikes under 3000 euros are currently available from Canyon and Radon.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
