The Electric Gravel Bike: The Versatile Explorer

14 Apr 2025

What is an electric gravel bike, and why is it generating so much excitement?

The electric gravel bike represents the perfect fusion of mountain bike ruggedness and road bike performance, enhanced with electric assistance. Designed to navigate a wide variety of surfaces — from asphalt to forest paths and gravel tracks — this bike is increasingly captivating both adventure enthusiasts and seasoned cyclists.

Unlike traditional road bikes built for speed on smooth surfaces, the electric gravel bike offers total freedom of exploration without sacrificing comfort or efficiency. It becomes the ideal tool for pushing boundaries, taking less-traveled routes, and experiencing amplified cycling adventures.

Its success is based on several strengths: motor assistance that extends your rides, ergonomics focused on comfort, and the ability to adapt to all terrains. For long-distance enthusiasts or curious explorers in search of new paths, it's the ultimate adventure companion.

The Quest for the Ideal Bike: Lightness and Performance

Carbon: The Material of Choice

Lightness is a crucial criterion for electric gravel bike enthusiasts. That’s why many cyclists opt for a carbon frame. This material offers an excellent balance between stiffness, comfort, and low weight, while effectively absorbing vibrations from uneven terrain.

Despite the additional weight from the motor and battery, a carbon frame helps keep the bike nimble and enjoyable, even without electric assistance. The most high-performance models weigh between 13 kg (29 lbs) and 14.3 kg (31 lbs) in carbon, compared to around 17 kg (38 lbs) for an aluminum frame.

Among our top picks: Cube and Orbea feature full carbon frames, while Moustache offers a hybrid of an aluminum frame and a carbon fork.

The Heart of the System: A Motor with Natural Assistance

Choosing the right motor is critical. Experienced riders favor motors positioned at the crankset for their responsiveness and progressive assistance. This type of motor provides a natural pedaling feel, aligned with the cyclist’s effort.

This configuration supports muscular engagement without replacing it, making the electric gravel bike as enjoyable to ride as a traditional bike but with enhanced endurance. It preserves the essence of cycling while broadening the possibilities.

Wide Tires for Total Versatility

Electric gravel bikes are often equipped with wide tires, between 45 and 50C — a choice driven by the need for comfort and stability. But why such width?

These tires offer:

Better traction on loose surfaces (gravel, mud, packed dirt)
Excellent shock absorption over long distances
Enhanced stability on rough terrain
Smooth transitions between road and trail

Their width is therefore a great compromise for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and versatile riding experience.

Accessories and Compatibility: A Bike Ready for Adventure

One of the great advantages of the electric gravel bike is its compatibility with touring accessories. Fenders, racks, panniers — most models are designed to accommodate these additions.

Brands like Moustache and Cube go even further by offering ready-to-ride configurations, ideal for travel or daily commuting, in any weather. These accessories aren’t just extras — they’re integral to the bike’s overall design.

Battery Life and Power: Key Questions

How far can you go?

Battery range depends on several factors, but current batteries generally provide between 60 and 120 km of assistance. Key variables include:

Selected level of assistance
Terrain elevation
Total weight (rider + gear)
Weather conditions (wind, cold)
Type of surface (smooth vs. rough)

For longer adventures, it’s often possible to carry a secondary battery or plan charging stops.

What power for which use?

Motor power is expressed in torque (Nm). Most models fall between 40 and 85 Nm:

High torque is ideal for mountainous terrain or heavy loads.
Moderate torque improves range and reduces weight for mixed-use rides.

The right motor is the one that supports your effort without overwhelming it and matches your style of riding.

Why Choose E2-Sport for Your Electric Gravel Bike?

The electric gravel bike embodies a new way of cycling: more freedom, more comfort, and always pushing further. At E2 Sport, we deeply understand the demands of this hybrid discipline. Our selection includes the best brands and highest-performing models on the market.

Our passionate team supports you at every stage: bike selection, technical advice, in-store testing, adjustments, after-sales service, and maintenance. With our expertise, you’ll find the bike perfectly suited to your profile, whether you're a seasoned explorer or a budding adventurer.