6 Lightweight Electric Bikes For Backpacking That Make Hike-a-Bikes Tolerable

You’re an hour into the climb, and the trail has turned into a staircase of granite and roots, forcing you off your bike. Every ounce of your fully loaded rig seems to multiply as you push, drag, and lift it over another obstacle. Lightweight electric bikes are changing this equation, blending the benefit of pedal-assist with a weight that won’t break your back when the trail gets truly rugged.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

Key Features for Hike-a-Bike E-Bike Models

When the trail points skyward and becomes unrideable, the bike’s total weight becomes the single most important factor. A 50-pound e-bike is a beast to manage, but one in the sub-40-pound range is merely challenging. This weight class is the sweet spot, light enough to hoist over a fallen tree but still robust enough for demanding descents.

These bikes achieve their low weight through smaller motors and batteries. Instead of the high-torque, 85-90 Newton-meter (Nm) motors found on full-power e-bikes, they use systems in the 35-60 Nm range. This means less raw grunt on the steepest climbs, but it delivers a more natural-feeling assist that conserves battery and feels more like riding a traditional mountain bike. The trade-off is clear: you’re exchanging outright power for maneuverability and a manageable "hike-a-bike" experience.

Look for these key characteristics when evaluating a lightweight e-bike for bikepacking:

• Total Weight: Aim for under 42 pounds (19 kg) for a trail-worthy build.
• Motor System: Look for mid-power systems like the TQ HPR50, Fazua Ride 60, or Specialized SL 1.2. They offer a better balance of power and weight.
• Battery Capacity: Most models use a main battery around 320-430 Watt-hours (Wh), often with an optional range extender (around 160 Wh) for longer days.
• Frame Space: Ensure there is adequate room inside the main triangle for a frame bag, even with a water bottle cage mounted.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL: Trail-Proven Pioneer

Imagine a long, rolling traverse through the alpine, where short, punchy climbs are mixed with technical descents. The Levo SL was built for this kind of terrain. As one of the first models to truly popularize the lightweight e-bike category, it has a proven track record and a well-refined feel on the trail.

The bike’s geometry is famously balanced, making it feel intuitive and capable whether you’re climbing a tight switchback or descending a fast, flowy trail. It doesn’t feel like a cumbersome e-bike; it feels like a slightly heavier version of its analog sibling, the Stumpjumper. The Specialized SL motor system provides a subtle, supportive power that is ideal for riders who want to feel like they are still doing most of the work. For a bikepacker looking for a reliable, do-it-all option, the Levo SL is a benchmark.

Orbea Rise: Customizable Power and Low Weight

The Orbea Rise is for the rider who loves to fine-tune their gear. Its core philosophy revolves around the Shimano EP8-RS (Rider Synergy) motor, a custom-tuned version of Shimano’s powerful motor that’s capped at 60 Nm. This allows you to use Orbea’s software to create power profiles that perfectly match your riding style or the demands of a specific trip.

This level of customization is invaluable for bikepacking. You can set up a low-power "expedition" mode to maximize range on long, flat sections, and a higher-power mode for tackling a steep mountain pass at the end of the day. The Rise is also one of the lightest options available, with some carbon builds dipping well below the 40-pound mark, making it a top contender for trips with significant amounts of mandatory carrying.

Trek Fuel EXe: The Quietest Motor on the Trail

Picture this: you’re pedaling through a quiet aspen grove, and the only sounds are your tires on the dirt and the wind in the trees. This is the experience the Trek Fuel EXe delivers. It uses the revolutionary TQ HPR50 harmonic pin-ring motor, which is astonishingly small, light, and nearly silent. The lack of motor whine creates an immersive experience that many riders feel is missing from other e-bikes.

The power delivery is smooth and predictable, ramping up in a way that feels directly proportional to your own effort. This makes it an excellent choice for technical climbing, where jerky power delivery can cause you to lose traction. For the bikepacker who values a stealthy, natural ride feel above all else, the Fuel EXe is in a class of its own. The quiet operation is more than a novelty; it reconnects you with the sounds of the trail.

Pivot Shuttle SL: Premium DW-Link Suspension

When your route involves long, chunky descents littered with rocks and roots, suspension performance is paramount. The Pivot Shuttle SL is built around the highly-regarded DW-Link suspension platform. In simple terms, this design is engineered to remain active and absorb bumps even while you are pedaling or braking, providing incredible traction and control.

This bike is a premium offering, and its performance reflects that. It feels composed and capable when the trail gets rough, inspiring confidence to ride faster. While it carries a higher price tag, for the bikepacker whose routes prioritize technical singletrack over gravel roads, the investment in top-tier suspension can pay dividends in comfort and control. It’s the bike you choose when the quality of the descent is just as important as the ability to get to the top.

Transition Relay: Versatile Removable Battery

For a multi-day trip in the backcountry, battery logistics are a huge consideration. The Transition Relay tackles this head-on with the Fazua Ride 60 system, which features a fully removable battery. This is a game-changer. You can carry a spare battery for epic days, or more importantly, remove the battery and motor system entirely to ride the Relay as a traditional, non-electric mountain bike.

This dual-personality makes the Relay incredibly versatile. You can use the motor to get you and your gear deep into the wilderness, then leave the power system at camp for unassisted day rides. It also means you can use it as your single "do-it-all" bike at home, with or without the motor. For the practical bikepacker who needs one bike to cover a wide range of scenarios, from powered epics to analog park laps, the Relay offers an unmatched level of flexibility.

Scott Lumen eRIDE: Integrated and XC-Focused

The Scott Lumen eRIDE is for the bikepacker focused on covering massive distances with maximum efficiency. Based on Scott’s World Cup-winning Spark cross-country platform, the Lumen is a lightweight climbing machine. Its most striking feature is the completely integrated rear shock, hidden within the frame to protect it from the elements and create a clean, sleek look.

This bike’s geometry is more aggressive and forward-leaning than the other trail-focused bikes on this list. It prioritizes pedaling efficiency and lightning-fast climbing above all else. Paired with the silent TQ HPR50 motor, it’s an ideal tool for tackling long days of rolling terrain or massive gravel road climbs. It may not be as forgiving on steep, technical descents, but for the rider with an XC background who wants to add a bit of power to their endurance adventures, the Lumen is a surgical instrument.

How to Choose Your Lightweight Bikepacking E-Bike

Choosing the right bike comes down to honestly assessing your priorities. There is no single "best" bike, only the best bike for the adventures you have planned. Start by asking yourself a few key questions to narrow down the field.

First, what kind of terrain defines your ideal trip? If you dream of technical singletrack and rough descents, prioritize a bike with modern trail geometry and high-quality suspension like the Pivot Shuttle SL or Specialized Levo SL. If your routes involve more gravel roads and doubletrack, the efficiency of a bike like the Scott Lumen might be a better fit.

Next, how important is versatility and battery management? If you need a bike that can function without power or want the ability to easily swap batteries in the backcountry, the Transition Relay‘s removable system is a clear winner. If you prefer to fine-tune motor output to squeeze every last mile from a charge, the Orbea Rise‘s customizable software is a powerful tool. Finally, consider the ride experience itself. If the quiet hum of a motor is a dealbreaker, the near-silent Trek Fuel EXe should be at the top of your list.

Ultimately, the goal is to get out on the trail and have an adventure. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Any of these bikes can open up new possibilities for exploration, allowing you to go further, carry more, and make even the toughest hike-a-bike sections a tolerable part of the journey.