Love them or loathe them, electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) are no longer a fringe movement. With increasing demand, ever-improving features, and prices that no longer make your wallet cry, new models are rolling full speed into the mainstream. If you haven’t already spotted one on the local trails, you soon will.

I’ve ridden my fair share of e-MTBs over the years, and while my traditional rig isn’t gathering dust just yet, I can’t deny the appeal of an extra boost when the terrain turns steep and relentless. The latest releases are lighter, more capable, and packed with tech that makes climbs feel effortless and descents even more thrilling. 

Case in point: the Salsa Moraine Cues 10 ($3,500).

Power Meets Playfulness
A sleek, mid-power e-MTB with a 430Wh battery and 60Nm of torque, the Moraine Cues 10 is built for serious “all mountain” riding. I put this machine through its paces last winter at Greensfelder County Park in Wildwood, Missouri, tackling everything from flowy lines to ragged rock gardens. Its compact Fazua Ride 60 motor is nearly silent, so much so that most riders I met didn’t even realize I was on an e-bike. Until the climbs, that is.

The Moraine offers three levels of pedal assist — Breeze (green), River (blue), and Rocket (purple) — all controlled via a simple handlebar-mounted remote. On the undulating terrain of Greensfelder, I stuck mostly to Breeze mode, increasing the boost when approaching uphill sections. The 10-speed Shimano drivetrain offered smooth, efficient shifting and hookup throughout. The 200mm brake rotors delivered impressive stopping power when things got spicy.

Descending Like a Dream
Though the Moraine tips the scales at 50 pounds, it doesn’t ride like a tank. The longer wheelbase required a bit of discretion in Greensfelder’s tighter turns, but once pointed downhill, this bike came alive. RockShox suspension (160mm front/145mm rear), beefy Teravail Kessel tires (29” x 2.6” front/29” x 2.5” rear), and a TranzX 170mm dropper post combined to create a confident, controlled ride — even on technical descents.

I found myself charging downhill sections that, on my regular cross-country bike, would have had me feathering the brakes and hoping for the best. With its enduro-style geometry, the Moraine let me push harder and ride more aggressively without second-guessing my line.

(Salsa)

Versatility and Battery Life
Another notable feature is the flip chip, which allows for subtle adjustments to the bottom bracket height, head angle, and seat tube angle based on individual preference. Riders who favor 27.5” wheels over the stock 29ers will also appreciate the Moraine’s adaptability, as the frame allows for both.

As for battery life? Most of my test rides clocked in around 20 miles, with a mix of Breeze and River modes, plus a few Rocket-assisted sessions for fun. By the end, I still had two or three bars left, meaning I could have doubled up on the distance. That’s one of the biggest advantages of e-MTBs: They can go farther, faster, and more frequently than you can — as long as they’re charged.

Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard purist or an open-minded rider, it’s hard to ignore the way e-MTBs are reshaping the sport. From long-haul backcountry adventures to after-work hot laps, user-friendly models like the Salsa Moraine Cues 10 deliver fun, confidence-inspiring rides that make the trails feel a little more accessible — and a lot more exciting.

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Electric Company
Four gear items to enhance your e-MTB adventures.

(Rukbox)

Rukbox
Without a working charger, your e-bike is just a heavy bike. Tony Caruso of Bike Stop Cafe (St. Charles, Missouri) created the Rukbox, a ventilated polyurethane “roll cage,” to protect EV chargers from accidental drops and wear. It features a cord management system and hangs conveniently from your handlebars, a wall hook, or rests on a nearby table or bench. One size fits most charger brands, with two additional sizes on the way. $25.

 

(Schwalbe)

Schwalbe Tacky Chan
E-bikes perform better with tires made to match their power and speed. Schwalbe’s best-selling Tacky Chan, rated E-50 for enhanced durability and all-terrain capability, comes in 27.5” or 29” diameters with a 2.4” width. Casing options include Super Ground, Super Trail, Super Gravity, and Super Downhill, with Addix Soft or Addix Ultra Soft compounds. Weight ranges from 1,080 to 1,320 grams, depending on size and casing. $98-$104.

 

(Kuat)

Küat Piston Pro X
The extra weight of an e-bike can require a stronger rack. The Piston Pro X holds bikes up to 67 pounds per tray, with pneumatic arms that open with a tap and adjust for a secure grip. And you won’t need any adapters or tools to fit small to beefy tires. Just squeeze and slide the wheel chocks to hold tires from 18” to 29”. Integrated LED tail lights sync with your vehicle for added safety. $1,389 (two-bike capacity).

 

(RovR)

RovR RollR 45 with BikR Kit
More power means easier towing behind your e-bike. The RollR 45 boasts insulation for days, secure latches, and rugged all-terrain wheels. It holds 22 cans and 10 pounds of ice — plus meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies in the DeepFreeze Dry Bin — or remove the bin to fit 54 cans and 10 pounds of ice. Add the BikR arm to hitch the cooler to your ride, because biking beats lugging. Every. Single. Time. $275 (RollR 45), $70 (BikR Kit).

Author: Brad Kovach is the publisher of Terrain.

Top image: Courtesy of Salsa.