8 Best Ebikes for Hills
November 26, 2024
If you want an electric bicycle that can make riding up hills easier than on a traditional bike, you’ll want to look closely at the bike specifications. While most ebikes can handle hills with ease, there are features like suspension, gearing, and brake design that can make a bike stand out from the competition.
The best ebikes for hills will also have higher motor power and torque, which delivers the output you need to climb even the steepest inclines. Pedal assist systems make the task easier by allowing you to choose the right level of support, while throttles can eliminate the task of pedaling uphill entirely.
At Aventon, we’ve carved a niche in the ebike market with our innovative designs tailored for hill climbing. Our bikes combine robust motors with smart engineering to tackle elevation changes smoothly. In this article, we’ll dive into the top Aventon models that excel in hilly environments, highlighting the unique features that set them apart.
Discover the best ebikes for hills including:
1. Best Utility Ebike for Hills: Abound SR
The Aventon Abound SR is the best utility bike for hills. The 750-watt rear hub motor delivers 80 Newton-meters of torque, providing quick acceleration so you can conquer inclines—all while carrying up to 440 pounds of cargo. Thie ebike can meet the needs of daily commuting, running errands, and more.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 750-watt rear hub motor
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 440 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: On demand
- ✓ Price: $2,199 MSRP
The Abound SR features a suspension seatpost with 50mm of travel, creating a smooth ride even on the bumpiest surfaces. A Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain creates seamless gear shifting, and you can stop on a dime with the TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes. An aluminum gravity cast frame offers durability and maneuverability while a 708-watt-hour battery, made with premium LG 21700 cells, gives you reliable performance for longer rides.
It boasts cutting-edge technology, including 4G GPS smart tracking, to track stats in real time. Plus, it offers theft protection, giving you peace of mind when you store your bike for the night or lock it up outside the office.
Related Article: Introducing the Aventon Abound SR
2. Best Commuter Ebike for Hills: Level.2
The Aventon Level.2 is the best commuter ebike for hills with its powerful 500-watt rear hub motor and five pedal assist levels. An on-demand throttle lets you sit back and charge up hills with ease. Hydraulic disc brakes offer firm grip, so you have optimal control when riding down steep inclines.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 500-watt
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,899 MSRP
The Level.2 boasts an 8-speed Shimano rear derailleur, which allows for seamless gearing to match the terrain. Alloy platform pedals provide stable support when you need to apply additional pressure for powerful uphill riding. A built-in torque sensor adjusts motor power to match how hard you’re pedaling, giving you a smooth ride and just the right amount of power.
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3. Best Cargo Ebike for Hills: Abound
The Aventon Abound is the best cargo ebike for hills. A powerful motor delivers 750 watts of sustained power so you can breeze up steep hills. A 440-pound weight capacity lets you haul gear, while an on-demand throttle provides a boost of power to cruise hilly terrain without breaking a sweat.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 750-watt
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 50 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 440 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,999 MSRP
Stopping on the Abound is easy thanks to hydraulic disc brakes that offer optimal braking power, even when the cargo bike is loaded up. Four levels of pedal assist (Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo) make the steepest hills easy, and the convenient LCD display allows you to switch modes in seconds.
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4. Best Fat Tire Ebike for Hills: Aventure.2
The Aventon Aventure.2 is the best fat tire ebike for hills. With a 750-watt motor, four levels of pedal assist, and a thumb throttle, hill climbing is fun again! Four-inch fat tires let you conquer hills in any terrain, whether it’s slick, snowy city streets or sandy off-road trails. An integrated rear rack lets you haul gear on your adventure, and built-in fenders provide a cleaner and drier ride.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 750-watt
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 400 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,999 MSRP
The Aventure.2 comes in either a classic step-over frame or an easy-to-mount step-through frame. It features hydraulic disc brakes for confident control when stopping. Monitor riding stats with the full-color LCD display, and use the hidden USB port to charge up your phone during the ride.
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5. Best Cruiser Ebike for Hills: Pace 500.3
The Aventon Pace 500.3 is the best cruiser ebike for hills with its 500-watt motor and upright riding position. The bike frame features swept-back handlebars that allow you to sit up straight and an adjustable saddle so you can raise the height for better positioning to ride uphill. An 8-speed derailleur provides optimal gearing for everything from small hills to steep inclines.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 500-watt
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 60 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,799 MSRP
The Pace 500.3 offers four levels of pedal assist (Eco,Tour, Sport, Turbo) so you can choose how much effort to put in when going uphill. Make it easier by using Turbo to get a supercharged boost when pedaling up the hill, or switch on the throttle to get uphill with little effort. The torque sensor ensures you have the right amount of motor support based on your pedaling efforts.
6. Best Lightweight Ebike for Hills: Soltera.2
The Aventon Soltera.2 is the best lightweight ebike for hills thanks to its lightweight design and electric motor. The 46-pound road bike is easy to ride uphill without feeling weighed down. A 350-watt motor with a torque sensor, throttle, and four levels of pedal assist put you in control.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 350-watt
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 46 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: On demand
- ✓ Price: $1,199 MSRP
Choose a low pedal assist mode to put in effort and get a great hill workout, or opt for a higher mode or full throttle when you want a break. The Soltera.2’s aerodynamic frame design means you can reach high speeds on downhill rides, while still maintaining control and agility.
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7. Best Folding Ebike for Hills: Sinch.2
The Aventon Sinch.2 is the best folding ebike for hills. The 500-watt rear hub drive motor can reach 750 watts of peak power, giving you the boost you need to tackle steep terrain. Four-inch wide fat tires expand your exploration, letting you ride hills on everything from paved paths to wooded forests, sandy beaches, and meadows.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 500-watt
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 55 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: Throttle on demand
- ✓ Price: $1,699 MSRP
The Sinch.2 has a 672-watt-hour bike battery capacity that lets you ride up to 55 miles on a single charge. The foldable design allows you to conveniently store the bike in a small space or load it in your car to explore hilly trails further from your home. Shimano 8-speed gearing is paired with an on-demand thumb throttle and four levels of pedal assist for optimal speed control.
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8. Best eMTB for Hills: Ramblas
The Aventon Ramblas is the best electric mountain bike (eMTB) for hills with its powerful mid-drive motor that delivers 250 watts of sustained power and 750 watts of peak output. The off-road ebike boasts 100 Newton-meters of torque, giving you more powerful acceleration when starting on an incline. A SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed derailleur maximizes gearing control to fine-tune your riding experience.
Highlighted Specs:
- ✓ Motor power: 250-watt sustained, 750-watt peak
- ✓ Battery range: Up to 80 miles
- ✓ Torque sensor: Yes
- ✓ Payload: 300 lbs
- ✓ Warranty: Two-year warranty
- ✓ Throttle: No
- ✓ Price: $2,899 MSRP
This off-road ebike is just as powerful riding downhill as it is going up. The RockShox front suspension fork with 130mm of travel means even technical drops feel smooth. SRAM DB8 mineral 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes deliver optimal control when navigating downhill terrain. A 708-watt-hour Aventon battery delivers a long range of up to 80 miles so the adventures can go on and on.
FAQs About Ebikes and Hills
Want more information on ebikes and their hill-riding abilities? Here, we’ll cover some of the most commonly asked questions. From how ebikes work to gear that can make hill rides easier, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for.
Are Electric Bikes Good for Going Up Hills?
Electric ebikes have powerful electric motors and pedal assist systems that make riding up hills easier when compared to traditional bikes. These motors take some of the strain off your pedaling efforts so you can reach the top faster and with less exertion.
Pedal assist modes adjust the power output so you can get just a little help or more help depending on your needs and the demands of the terrain. Some ebikes also have throttles that deliver full power so you can ride up hills without much effort at all.
How Steep of a Hill Can an Electric Bike Go Up?
Recreational electric bikes can handle any hill you’ll encounter, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The more torque power you have, the easier it will be to start again if you stop halfway up the hill. A more powerful motor will also give you a bigger boost when going up steeper hills.
The length of the incline and the angle of the road can deplete battery power faster than riding on flat terrain. That means your ebike can take you up and down plenty of hills, just make sure to keep an eye on your battery life.
Mountain bike riders will encounter steeper terrain than most recreational riders who plan on using their ebike on paved surfaces. Most recreational riders won’t have to deal with roads that are steeper than a 10% grade. Ebikes can easily take riders up these roads, and those who seek out steeper terrain will want to buy an ebike that has high torque power for easier riding.
Can You Go Uphill on an Electric Bike Without Pedaling?
If your ebike has a throttle, you can go uphill on an ebike without pedaling. If you don’t have a throttle but have pedal assist modes, you’ll be able to ride uphill without pedaling very much, especially if you use higher modes like Turbo. The length of the climb will also determine whether you have to pedal, even if you’re using a throttle, since they’re limited by the life of your ebike battery.
What Gear Do You Use When Going Uphill on an Ebike?
There isn’t one specific gear to use when going uphill on an ebike. The proper gearing will depend on how hard you’re pedaling, the steepness of the hill, and other factors like rider and bike weight.
To find the best gear when going uphill, try to maintain a constant speed and effort as you’re pedaling. If you find that pedaling is getting harder, downshift until it becomes easier. If you find you’re spinning your wheels and pedaling too fast, shift up to add more resistance.
Why Does My Electric Bike Lose Power Uphill?
Some ebikes may lose power when riding uphill due to loose connections or faulty battery cells. Both of these conditions can lead to a significant loss of power or signal to the battery, resulting in diminished performance. Additionally, if the battery is pulling too much current—often due to an overloaded system or increased resistance from steep inclines—it may trigger a power cut.
Other factors can contribute to power loss as well, such as issues with the pedal assist system or throttle, which may not engage correctly under strain. Environmental conditions, like extreme temperatures, can also affect battery efficiency, leading to reduced power output.
To mitigate these issues, it's crucial to perform regular maintenance on your bike, ensuring all connections are secure and the battery is in good condition. If you encounter persistent power problems, contact the manufacturer to get assistance in troubleshooting the issue. Regular check-ups and maintenance can help keep your ebike performing optimally, especially after challenging climbs.
What Kind of Bike Is Good for Going Uphill?
All types of ebikes are good for going uphill since they have motors and pedal assist systems. However, there are some bikes that are better suited for hill climbing based on the bike design and features.
Mountain bikes are particularly well-designed for hill climbing. These bikes tend to have lower gear ratios, which provide optimal control for steep terrain. EMTBs typically have high torque that delivers faster acceleration to get up steep hills and start, even if you’re already on an incline. They also tend to have suspension systems that can make coming back down smoother and less bumpy.
Bikes with higher motor power are also better at handling steep hills or long, gradual hills. Ebikes with throttles and varied pedal assist systems are also a great choice for hill riding since they offer multiple settings to fine-tune your exertion levels.
Choosing the Best Ebike for Hills
Before you can choose the best ebike for hills, you need to decide how you want to ride. Are you planning on sticking to paved paths or do you want to explore off-road trails? Do you want a bike that can do it all or are you looking for one that is specialized for road biking or mountain biking adventures? Depending on your riding style, you can choose the best model for your needs.
No matter what style of ebike you choose, be sure to pay attention to torque and motor power to ensure it’s powerful enough to handle steep terrain. You’ll also want to evaluate the bike’s gearing and pedal assist systems, and check to see if it has a throttle. Finally, consider other features like suspension, brakes, and frame design that can make hill climbing more enjoyable.
Aventon ebikes are the ultimate choice for those seeking adventure in elevated landscapes. Whether you’re commuting through a hilly city or exploring rugged trails, these bikes offer the performance and reliability you need to conquer any incline.
