Current Gravel Ebikes: How Far Models Have Developed in 2025

Gravel ebikes continue to be popular. Manufacturers presented numerous new models in 2025. A comparison shows that their diversity is growing. The bikes now offer a few options that were not available in the past. That’s why, at the end of the year, we’re giving you a brief overview of what you can expect from a current gravel ebike.

1. Share of gravel ebikes in the ebike market in Germany
2. Mid-drive motor drives current favourites for gravel ebikes
3. Rear hub motors still relevant for gravel ebikes
4. New on gravel ebikes: mounting points on the top tube
5. Current gravel ebikes soon without a display?
6. Suspension forks for particularly off-road-capable gravel ebikes
7. Additional suspension elements in the frame
8. How much tyre clearance do gravel ebikes currently offer?
9. The niche within the niche: fully equipped gravel ebikes
10. Less well-known ebike systems for gravel ebikes

1. Share of gravel ebikes in the ebike market in Germany

Looking at everyday life in particular, we have the feeling that we are encountering more and more gravel ebikes on and off the roads. The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) can provide exact figures in this context. It calculated that gravel ebikes accounted for approximately one per cent of all newly purchased ebikes on the German bicycle market in the 2024 calendar year. Given a total of 2.05 million units sold, this still represents a manageable number. However, this is the only ebike segment that can boast growth of around 100 per cent compared to the 2023 calendar year. If this continues at a similar rate in the coming years, manufacturers will certainly expand their ranges in this direction.

2. Mid-drive motor drives current favourites for gravel ebikes

Motorisation is one of the first questions an ebike manufacturer asks when developing an e-gravel bike. Should it feature a mid-drive motor or a rear wheel hub motor? A striking number of brands now opt for a mid-drive motor. These are some of the units that are used.

Bosch Performance Line SX for gravel ebikes

To present its lightest mid-drive motor, the Bosch Performance Line SX, Bosch deliberately had its own gravel ebikes produced, which were then made available to the media for initial testing. Since 2023, the drive has really gained a foothold in this segment. With its compact dimensions, weight of only two kilograms and torque recently increased to 60 Newton metres, the motor is extremely well suited to the requirements of a gravel ebike. If the manufacturer even approves the respective model for eMTB+ mode, its range of applications expands further, especially on forest paths and trails.

KTM was one of the first users of the Bosch Performance Line SX. The manufacturer uses the system in its first ever e-gravel bike, the KTM Macina Gravelator SX. For the 2026 season, the range is expanding to four models with the addition of the KTM Macina Gravelator SX Elite. According to KTM, this was in response to a noticeable increase in demand. One reason for this could be the fact that the manufacturer has integrated a removable battery. It can additionally be combined with a range extender, the Bosch PowerMore 250, which gives you more choice in the length of your tours.

While the KTM Macina Gravelator SX can be considered established, another user of the Bosch Performance Line SX is an absolute newcomer. A few days ago, Californian cult brand Marin launched its very first gravel ebike, the Lombard E. With its strongly downward-sloping top tube and corresponding geometry, it is clear that Marin’s mountain bike heritage has influenced the design. At 3,899 euros, the Marin Lombard E1 remains well below the 4,000-euro mark.

TQ HPR50 for gravel ebikes

Our headline doesn’t do TQ’s drives justice in full. In addition to the HPR50, the HPR60 and HPR40 introduced this year are just as suitable for integration into a gravel ebike. Nevertheless, the HPR50 has definitely paved the way for the other two systems. Hardly any competitor can match the small dimensions and low weight of this motor. With a peak power output of 300 watts and a torque of 50 Newton metres, many ebike manufacturers consider its potential to be suitable for an gravel ebike. And for those who want higher performance or even lower weight, the HPR60 and HPR40 are excellent alternatives.

Scott, a manufacturer that likes to present itself as sporty, is right on trend with gravel ebikes. Its range includes models with both mid-drive motors and rear hub motors. Scott has been using the TQ HPR50 in the Solace Gravel eRide since the 2023 season. In addition to a carbon frame, the manufacturer has opted for some very high-quality components in the various models.

Shimano EP801 for gravel ebikes

The approach of using a lighter motor with slightly lower performance is, of course, only one of several. Concepts with a full-power motor such as the Shimano EP801 work just as well. In such cases, the focus simply shifts. Technical characteristics such as peak power, torque and maximum assistance are given greater weight than, for example, a low overall weight with slim batteries. In terms of performance, the EP801 is very similar to a Bosch Performance Line CX.

This is something you can see this with the Orbea Denna, for example. The Spanish manufacturer has been working very closely with Shimano for a long time. Typical for Orbea is the in-house developed firmware for the drives. The Denna, for example, features its own special motor profiles. These offer different dynamics and are designed to tailor the riding experience even more individually to whether you are riding your gravel ebike off-road or on the road.

Mahle M40 for gravel ebikes

The Mahle M40 is a relatively newcomer among drive systems for gravel ebikes. It takes a similar approach to the Shimano EP801. With a peak power output of 850 watts, a torque of 105 Newton metres and maximum assistance of 400 per cent, it is clear that this motor also belongs to the full power category. Compared to the Bosch Performance Line CX and Shimano EP801, however, the Mahle M40 has the advantage of being significantly lighter. It weighs just 2.5 kilograms.

Mahle M40 motor

Although the Mahle M40 was only recently unveiled at Eurobike 2025, it has already been used in an gravel ebike. And this model really packs a punch. The Impervia from Italian designers Pard Design is based on a CNC-milled aluminium frame. The cranks and brakes are from the prestigious Italian brand BCA Performance. A Sram Force is installed as the gearing system – the electronic version, of course. An upside-down suspension fork from Cane Creek provides additional riding comfort. And these are just a few details of a sample configuration that Pard Design shows on its website. The cost is a mere 15,700 euros. If desired, it can certainly be made even more luxurious. As you can see, the gravel ebike is working its way into the ranks of modern luxury goods.

ZF Centrix for gravel ebikes

Even rarer than the Mahle M40 is a ZF Centrix on a gravel ebike. Already showcased by the manufacturer at Eurobike 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, only a few ebike manufacturers have implemented this unit so far. The ZF Centrix 75 in particular offers an attractive profile with a weight of 2.5 kilograms, a torque of 75 Newton metres, a peak power output of 450 watts and an operating voltage of 48 volts.

French manufacturer Ultima Mobility is clearly impressed by the ZF Centrix 75 and uses the motor in its eGravel Yin Sport. This is another very high-quality concept, with the bicycle frame and wheelset made of carbon. Ultima Mobility has clearly gone its own way with the design, which is evident, for example, in the position and shape of the seat stays. Except for the rather bulky down tube for the removable battery with a capacity of a good 500 watt hours, the overall look is very harmonious.

3. Rear hub motors still relevant for gravel ebikes

Gentle on the drivetrain, derailleur or hub gears. Ensuring a relatively low overall weight for the ebike. Simply recreating the look of a regular bicycle without electric assistance. There are a number of compelling arguments in favour of using a rear wheel hub motor. Of course, there are also serious reasons against it, such as the delayed response and the less favourable weight distribution on the ebike. Nevertheless, gravel ebikes are among the preferred applications for this type of motor.

Mahle X20 for gravel ebikes

What we said about TQ for mid-drive motors also applies to Mahle for rear wheel hub motors. The drive specialist basically offers a total of four systems, all of which are conceivable on an gravel ebike. In addition to the X20, these are the X30, X35 and even the XS. In the case of Mahle, it is safe to say that they are the market leader in this segment.

The Mahle X20 is the most powerful of this quartet. With an update in September 2025, it has further cemented this position. Given its technical capabilities, it can certainly be compared to a TQ HPR50 and a Bosch Performance Line SX. At the same time, it weighs more than 1,000 grams less. And it also functions as a hub. This means that the weight advantage over mid-drive systems is even greater.

The Urwahn Waldwiesel does not fully exploit this potential advantage. However, when you consider that the 3D-printed frame is made of steel and that it is equipped with a twelve-speed gearbox from Pinion, 15 kilograms seems more than acceptable. In our opinion, the unusual silhouette of the Softride frame and the enormous gear ratio of around 600 per cent are good compensation.

Giant SyncDrive Move Plus for gravel ebikes

Giant’s SyncDrive Move Plus offers even more powerful assistance than the Mahle X20. With a continuous rated power of the usual 250 watts, it generates a torque of 30 Newton metres. Based on its own measurements, Giant equates this torque with a torque of 75 Newton metres from a mid-drive motor. This would therefore be in the range of a ZF Centrix.

Giant SyncDrive Move Plus rear hub motor

Compared to Mahle motors, the Giant SyncDrive Move Plus has one decisive disadvantage. It will never come close to achieving their market share. This is, of course, because it is used exclusively by Giant and Liv. We were able to test how well this works on the Giant Defy Advanced E+. In addition to its powerful performance and economical battery consumption, the drive also impressed us with its easy removal and installation of the rear wheel, which is child’s play thanks to a connector.

4. New on gravel ebikes: mounting points on the top tube

As with most other types of bikes, gravel bikes were initially available without a motor. And for a long time, these had an advantage over models with electric assistance – namely, numerous mounting points on the frame. These can be used to attach special bags, additional bottle cages and other accessories.

On gravel bikes that are also designed for bikepacking, one of these additional mounts is typically located on the top tube. On an gravel ebike, however, a display or control unit is often integrated at this point. So there is a conflict. So what can be done? Ebike manufacturers are now starting to add alternative mounting points to the underside of the top tube. As with the recently unveiled Trek Checkpoint+ SL, this means you can now attach bags to the frame triangle at least. Since they are screwed to the frame, they remain securely attached to the bike while riding. And by not using Velcro fasteners or similar aids for attachment, you can prevent scratches from ruining the paintwork.

5. Current gravel ebikes soon without a display?

Attaching a bag to the underside of the top tube is still only a compromise, at least if you prefer to place a small bag at the top of the top tube. We’ll see, but there could be more gravel ebikes in the future where you don’t have to make this compromise. The current Ridley E-Astr shows that you can do without a display and control unit. Equipped with the TQ HPR40, this ebike only needs the small TQ Bar End display on the right-hand end of the handlebars and small buttons on the handlebars. With this minimalist concept, you can only change the assistance levels and display the current battery status while riding. A bike computer that can be paired with the TQ system via ANT+ could provide you with more information.

With this setup, the top tube is suddenly completely free for integrating mounting points. At the same time, it proves how few control options are needed to just ride an ebike.

6. Suspension forks for particularly off-road-capable gravel ebikes

The e-gravel bike aims to bridge the gap between e-mountain bikes and e-road bikes. Consequently, you need a certain level of riding comfort when you leave the tarmac and turn into the forest, onto meadows or other paths. A suspension fork can provide this, for example. Admittedly, only a minority of e-gravel bikes offer this option. But if you look specifically for it, you’ll find models such as the aforementioned Trek Checkpoint+ SL or the Mondraker Dusty RR. Both feature RockShox’s Rudy Ultimate. This suspension fork was developed specifically for use on gravel bikes. At 40 millimetres, it offers significantly less suspension travel than you would expect from a mountain bike. Thanks to its air suspension and compression adjustment, it is technically on par with the longer-travel versions. If you only consider the road as a connection to the next off-road section with your gravel ebike, you should definitely take a look at the models with suspension forks.

7. Additional suspension elements in the frame

Not everyone rides their gravel ebike mainly on technical terrain and rough surfaces and therefore needs a suspension fork. But even on paved cycle paths and cobblestones, the ebike transmitted small vibrations to us via the tyres and frame. Bicycle manufacturers have long recognised this and are counteracting it with suspension elements in the frame, slightly swinging stays or flexible seat posts. Depending on the brand, these solutions have names such as Isospeed, Kingpin, MTT, D-Fuse or Future Shock. The latter can be found on the Specialized Turbo Creo 2, for example. Future Shock is a suspension system from Specialized that is integrated into the head tube. A damper limited to 20 millimetres absorbs vibrations from the front wheel. With the help of a rotary control, you can even change its sensitivity while riding.

However, it is also true that such suspension concepts are currently primarily offered by well-known brands such as BMC, Giant, Specialized and others. And in addition to the well-known name, this technological advantage is also reflected in the price.

8. How much tyre clearance do gravel ebikes currently offer?

Fortunately, there is a suspension element that is fitted as standard on every gravel ebike. We’re talking about the tyres. 😉 Both the tyre width and the air pressure in the tyres have a significant influence on riding comfort. The rule of thumb is: The wider the tyre and the lower the air pressure, the less vibration you feel. Of course, you should not go below the minimum recommended air pressure. Experience shows that riding on a bare rim feels very bumpy. 😉

Nowadays, tyre widths of 45 millimetres are considered a good standard on an gravel ebike. Anything over 50 millimetres can be considered special to a certain extent. The diameter is usually the standard 28 inches. However, models such as the 3T Ultra Boost are also available in 650B size. The maximum width for this gravel ebike is 50 millimetres. The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 even allows for 56 millimetres with a diameter of 29 inches. For those who find this aspect particularly important, here’s a little tip. Read the specifications carefully. Often, the maximum tyre clearance is linked to certain conditions, such as having only one chainring or no mudguards.

9. The niche within the niche: fully equipped gravel ebikes

You can see how deeply gravel ebikes have already entered the world of ebikes by how often they are now offered as everyday bikes. In their purest form, they require neither mudguards nor a side stand or rear rack. But many people like the riding experience, the versatility and, to a certain extent, the image that an gravel ebike presents, and also have other practical requirements for such a bike.

Bergamont recognised this quite early on. The brand, based in Sankt Pauli in Hamburg, has had several fully equipped models of its E-Grandurance in its range for what feels like an eternity. These naturally also feature a permanently installed lighting system. Initially, the E-Grandurance used a rear wheel hub motor from Mahle. Two or three years ago, it switched to the TQ HPR50.

Other manufacturers have followed suit. At Conway, for example, you can ride the Nyvon Adventure with drop bars in five different versions. Two of them come with mudguards, a rear rack, a side stand and a permanently installed lighting system ex works. And with the Bosch Performance Line SX, there is a drive that rounds off the bike’s sporty concept nicely.

10. Less well-known ebike systems for gravel ebikes

Apart from well-known brands and drive systems, gravel ebikes also feature names that underline how interesting this diverse segment is for less prominent companies as well. Or at least for companies that have so far played only a minor role in the German and, in some cases, the European market.

Kynamic eVO250

One example of this is the El Camino from British manufacturer Sonder, which is due to be launched in December. For its revamped version of the gravel ebike, the Nottingham-based company is using a rear wheel hub motor from Taiwanese manufacturer Kynamic. Kynamic first appeared on the scene in 2024 with its own ebike systems. The drive, called Kynamic eVO250, delivers 38 Newton metres. According to the manufacturer, the 250 watt-hour battery can achieve a maximum range of 70 kilometres. With an expected weight of just under 14 kilograms, the El Camino will cost around 4,000 euros.

Estarli Cycle Systems

The Estarli EG700 is positioned slightly below this. In terms of a few key data, it is very similar to the Sonder El Camino. Equipped with a carbon frame and rear-wheel drive, it officially weighs 13.5 kilograms and costs 3,850 euros. The motor, called CSG 4.0 T, comes from Estarli itself. It features a torque sensor and generates a maximum torque of 40 Newton metres from its 250-watt output. Samsung supplies the matching battery. According to the London-based company, its 250 watt hours are sufficient for ranges of 40 to 60 kilometres.

Polini E-P3+

The Dolan GXE is a British-Italian co-production. It chose a very powerful mid-drive motor to power its gravel ebike. The choice fell on the Polini E-P3+. This is actually quite rare to find outside Italy. With a torque of 75 Newton metres and a peak power output of 500 watts, it offers the performance you would expect from a motor of this size. Weighing in at a good three kilograms, it is also slightly heavier than the TQ units, for example. The Dolan GXE stands out from the crowd of current gravel ebikes because, firstly, it comes with a two-chainring drivetrain, which seems to be going out of fashion. Furthermore, Dolan offers extensive options for customising the technical equipment. Prices start at £4999.99.

Pictures: 3T Cycling S.r.l.; Alpkit Ltd.; Belgian Cycling Factory nv; Bergamont Fahrrad Vertrieb GmbH; Blue FactoryTeam S.L.U.; Dolan Bikes Ltd; Estarli EV Limited; Giant Deutschland GmbH; Hermann Hartje KG; KTM Fahrrad AG; Marin Mountain Bikes, Inc.; Orbea S. Coop. N.I.F.; Pard Design; Scott Sports SA; Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.; Trek Bicycle Corporation; Ultima Mobility; Urwahn Engineering GmbH