The best electric gravel for various roads and paths: how to choose and which models?

Designed on the basis of a traditional road bike while taking on MTB electric attributes (tires, suspension sometimes), it's the perfect in-between for mixed use. It's capable of riding on both trails and roads, and its reduced weight makes it easier to pedal, as well as more efficient. As a result, its assistance is lighter, yet still powerful when needed. Hydraulic braking ensures optimum braking power.

• Bikepacking and long-distance adventures: the gravel has attachments and batteries for long autonomies;
• Daily commuting with an electric gravel bike: capable of switching from roads to paths, some have flat handlebars better suited to city commuting;
• All-terrain outings on mixed trails: robustness and stability for a variety of technical terrains, with assistance on steep inclines.

Falling into the category of VAE (electrically-assisted bicycles), the laws and standards to be complied with when riding an electric gravel bike in France are identical: electric bridle at 25 km/h, motor limited to 250 W continuous power, or no gas pedal.

Insurance for an electric gravel bike is not compulsory, but it is recommended, especially if the value is high and it's your everyday bike. Liability insurance is a plus in the event of an accident, or even special if you're covering accidents and falls, especially in competition.

Aluminum frames are preferred to compensate for the integration of electric assistance. Carbon frames are even lighter, but very expensive, and some only have carbon forks. Electric gravel bike motors are designed for compactness and reduced weight. Common references for lightweight road bikes and VTTAEs include Fazua, TQ and Bosch Performance Line SX.

As for the battery, it's often fixed to fit snugly into the downtube. Again with the aim of keeping weight down, its capacity is fairly low, ranging from 250 to 500 Wh.

Given the wide range of cycling practices and environments, autonomy varies greatly from one cyclist to another. To give you an idea, a 250 Wh capacity is equivalent to 75 km in eco mode, while 500 Wh gives an excellent range of over 130 km. With a more powerful assistance level, these distances are halved, to around 40 to 60 km. An additional battery - or external battery - can be added to extend the range on longer trips.

The weight of an electric gravel bike ranges from 13 to 20 kg. If you use a carbon frame with a fixed fork and no suspension, the weight will be closer to 13 kg. With a suspended seatpost and/or fork, bigger tires, a larger battery (or even a second one), weight soars. A TQ, Fazua or Bosch Performance SX central motor balances the bike better than a Mahle X20 or Mahle X35 rear hub.

You can expect to pay between 2,000 and 5,000 euros for an electric gravel bike new. Fortunately for you, Upway offers a range of reconditioned electric gravel bikes, with prices ranging from 1,000 euros for an entry-level model to 3,000 euros for the lightest with premium components.

Here are the main differences between a VTTAE and a gravel bike:

• Electric gravel is lighter than a VTTAE
• Race handlebars for mixed road use
• Its drivetrain is race-inspired but more robust
• Without a highly advanced suspension, it loses out on the most technical courses to the MTB

The frame geometry is slightly more upright than that of a traditional road bike, while accepting wider wheels (special forks). Its sturdier components are also suitable for dirt roads, which means a slight weight gain. Battery capacity is also often higher for longer outings.

The cyclo-cross category is associated with that of the eponymous competition, and linked to the muscle bike. A gravel bike is not very different, but has wider tires and a geometry more geared to comfortable riding. Above all, a gravel bike can be electric, which is very rare on cyclo-cross bikes.

An electric gravel requires cleaning after every ride, just as you would for a MTB. For more moderate use, we recommend regular maintenance, at least every month, and an annual service. Read our special page onelectric bike maintenance.

The parts most put to the test are those of the drivetrain, such as the derailleur (which hates muddy roads) and the chain (which is subjected to high torque). Keep an eye on the wheels, too: tires wear out quickly on the road and can easily burst on gravel roads.

Purists of gravel bikepacking reserve their equipment exclusively for panniers. Whether frame, fork or saddle, they can hold food, personal items, repair equipment, a change of clothes or a sleeping bag. For greater capacity and practicality, a rear rack is available, or even a trailer. Check compatibility with your future electric gravel bike!

Yes, this increases the weight, but comfort also means dry feet and buttocks, thanks to mudguards. Long outings, especially in winter, also require lighting to be seen and, above all, to anticipate technical terrain. Finally, if you're heading off on new adventures in unfamiliar terrain, don't forget a bike GPS!

Whether your priority is high engine torque for difficult terrain, or more comfort for long journeys, these three gravel examples are an excellent choice:

Less than 15 kg thanks to a carbon monocoque frame, less effort to cover hundreds of kilometers - that's the aim of lightweight electric gravels bikes. Here are three examples:

While a featherweight is important for sporty riders, some want to extend their range with a good range. For this, large batteries are a must, as on these three models: