Looking for an e-bike with the following:

[ChicagoPhil]

Hi All, looking for a hybrid e-bike with the following features:
Minimum 750w nominal, 1000w preferred
Torque sensor a must
Mid Drive (OR belt drive with hub CVT if that's possible
Front shocks
Throttle
Unlocked for off-road
Should be able to pull a doggie trailer
And, I'd like all that for <3k.
Is this a pipe dream, or is there a bike that will fit this bill?
Thanks, all!

 

[stompandgo]

1000w mid drive motors are few and far between and tend to be found in all out race bikes and cargo bikes, not hybrids. 600w-750w are much more common. My first recommendation would be the Velotric Discover 2 $1,999. These are nicely made bikes for the money. If you want a top brand bike and can deal with a 600w Bosch drive unit, look at the Cannondale Tesoro X1/X2/X3 series with the mid drives ($2,400-$2,999). I own a Neo X Speed, and the build quality is superb.

No matter what you end up with, I suggest that you buy through a dealer, not direct. The price is the same, and your connection with the dealer will pay off down the road.

 

[Gionnirocket]

A little bit more than you wanted to spend... But it checks the boxes and is feature packed.

Zen Photon Long Range Electric Bike

Experience the ultimate ride with Zen Photon e-bike featuring a powerful 1000Wh battery. Enjoy an 85-mile pedal-assist range for endless adventures!

zenebikes.com

 

[scottsdalecommuter]

i think that's reasonable, seems the prices are coming down pretty nice on the e-bikes right now especially in that price range. that Velotric Discover 2 looks pretty good, i could buy that one, i've been riding my current commuter e-bike (Aventon Pace 500) for 4 years or so and kind of ready for something new. torque sensor/front shocks would be the 2 features i would have got if i got a do-over.

 

[MrHyak]

1000w mid drive motors are few and far between and tend to be found in all out race bikes and cargo bikes, not hybrids. 600w-750w are much more common. My first recommendation would be the Velotric Discover 2 $1,999. These are nicely made bikes for the money. If you want a top brand bike and can deal with a 600w Bosch drive unit, look at the Cannondale Tesoro X1/X2/X3 series with the mid drives ($2,400-$2,999). I own a Neo X Speed, and the build quality is superb.

No matter what you end up with, I suggest that you buy through a dealer, not direct. The price is the same, and your connection with the dealer will pay off down the road

I ride with a 1000w mid drive bafang with 160 nm of torque. I ride fat tire bikes because I like to go off road, mud and snow!

 

[stompandgo]

Makes sense. Those fat tire bikes need a lot of power. I would not call them a hybrid, though.

 

[MrHyak]

Makes sense. Those fat tire bikes need a lot of power. I would not call them a hybrid, though.

Never said it was, but it is mid drive 1000w and my comment was on that part.

 

[Gionnirocket]

i think that's reasonable, seems the prices are coming down pretty nice on the e-bikes right now especially in that price range. that Velotric Discover 2 looks pretty good, i could buy that one, i've been riding my current commuter e-bike (Aventon Pace 500) for 4 years or so and kind of ready for something new. torque sensor/front shocks would be the 2 features i would have got if i got a do-over.

The Velotric is a very nice bike but it leaves your wishlist with holes in it.
No experience with the bike but hub drives are typically lacking when it comes to climbing/pulling and natural feel. Things are developing so these concerns may be not be with the latest motors/controllers.
That said... Personally if I was looking to upgrade, I'd be looking at mid_drives.
ymmv

 

[Wallykl]

Seems the best way to check your boxes and beat price is to assemble it yourself

 

[Tensela]

Yeah… it’s kinda a pipe dream at under $3K.


I’ve tested dozens of e-bikes, and what you’re asking for — 1000W mid-drive, torque sensor, throttle, front suspension, off-road unlocked, and trailer-ready, is basically the unicorn of e-bikes. Most bikes with that spec sheet start at $4,500 and go up fast.


Here’s the reality check:

• True mid-drive + throttle + torque sensor is rare — brands like Bosch and Shimano often lock out throttle on torque-sensing models. Some Chinese brands (Bafang BBSHD) can do it, but you’re looking at DIY or custom builds.
• 750W–1000W mid-drives under $3K? Almost nonexistent. You’ll find hub motors in that range, but not refined mid-drives.
• Belt drive + CVT hub? Super niche. You’re talking Gates belt + NuVinci or Enviolo — that combo alone can cost $1,200+ before the motor’s even installed.
• Pulling a dog trailer? Totally doable on many e-bikes — but you’ll want a sturdy frame and good torque. A 750W hub motor can handle it, even if it’s not “ideal.”

What CAN you get under $3K?
→ A powerful 750W rear hub motor bike with torque sensor, throttle, suspension, and off-road mode.
→ Check out options like the RadRover 6 Plus (close, but slightly over budget) or some models from Magnum, Aventon, or Juiced.


I’ve rounded up the best performers in this range here:
We Tested 5 Best Electric Bikes — Here Are Our Top Picks