SWFT Apex Deluxe Electric Mountain Bike: Does E-MTB Have a Chance?

There’s something exhilarating about the first ride on a new electric mountain bike. The hum of the motor, the rush of wind as you pick up speed, and the instant realization that you’re about to push the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels. When I got my hands on the SWFT Apex Deluxe, I was eager to see if this budget-friendly, full-suspension e-MTB could hold its own on rugged trails, steep climbs, and fast descents.

Would it be the ultimate gateway into the world of electric mountain biking? Or would it leave me wishing I had spent a little more on a high-end model? After logging miles on dirt paths, fire roads, and technical singletracks, I have plenty to share about its performance, strengths, and where it could improve. As always, Make sure to protect yourself out there, get your helmet, correct Outerwear and don’t forget your Camera to document your awesome skills. Check out our other e-mTB Review here.

Let’s break it down.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✔ Affordable for a Full-Suspension e-MTB – At under $2,200, it’s rare to find a full-suspension electric mountain bike with this level of power and features.

✔ Powerful 750W Motor – The rear hub motor provides plenty of power, easily hitting speeds of 20 mph with throttle assist.

✔ Decent Battery Life – The 48V 10.4Ah battery delivers up to 45 miles per charge, depending on terrain and assist level.

✔ Smooth Ride with Full Suspension – Absorbs bumps and shocks well, making off-road trails feel less punishing.

✔ Integrated Headlight & LCD Display – Nice extras for night riding and tracking your stats.

Cons:

❌ Only Three Pedal Assist Levels – The power jumps between levels can feel abrupt, with level one being moderate and level two providing a big surge.

❌ Mechanical Disc Brakes Need Tuning – Out of the box, they may require adjustment to maximize stopping power.

❌ Customer Service Can Be Slow – Some riders report long wait times for replacement parts like chargers and LCD displays.

Technical Specifications

Motor: 750W rear hub motor
Battery: 48V 10.4Ah removable lithium-ion battery
Range: Up to 45 miles per charge
Top Speed: 20 mph
Weight: 58.4 lbs
Max Load: 265 lbs
Wheels: 27.5-inch wheels with 2.4-inch all-terrain tires
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
Suspension: Full-suspension system
Assist Levels: 3 pedal assist levels + throttle
Extras: LCD display, integrated headlight

Climbing Performance: How Well Does It Tackle Hills?

I took the Apex Deluxe on a variety of climbs, ranging from long gradual inclines to steep, rocky sections that usually leave my legs burning. Thanks to the 750W motor, I never felt underpowered.

In level 1 pedal assist, you get a gentle push, great for casual riders. Level 2, however, kicks in noticeably, making steeper climbs much easier. At level 3 or full throttle, it powers up most hills with little effort, but you might experience some rear-wheel slip on loose terrain since it’s a hub motor rather than mid-drive.

For longer fire-road climbs, I found it handled well, though I wished for more fine-tuned control over assist levels. A 5-level system would offer a smoother transition instead of the noticeable jumps in power.

Downhill Performance: Can It Handle Aggressive Descents?

This is where I really put the Apex Deluxe to the test. I took it down a mix of flowy downhill trails and more technical, rocky descents to see if it could keep up with higher-end e-MTBs.

The full suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and small drops, making the ride comfortable. However, the mechanical disc brakes require a firm grip, especially on steeper sections. If you’re coming from a hydraulic brake system, you’ll notice the difference. I recommend upgrading to hydraulic brakes if you plan to ride aggressively.

The weight (58.4 lbs) is noticeable on tight switchbacks, but once you get used to it, the bike remains stable and planted. The 27.5-inch wheels with 2.4-inch tires offer decent traction, but if you ride in loose dirt or gravel, consider swapping to wider tires for more grip.

Overall, for moderate downhill trails, the SWFT Apex Deluxe holds its own, but serious downhill riders may want a more advanced braking system and better tire traction.

Battery and Charging

The 48V 10.4Ah battery is removable, meaning you can charge it on or off the bike. Charging from 0 to 100% takes about 5-6 hours.

In real-world riding, I found the range to be around 30-40 miles when using a mix of pedal assist and throttle. If you’re riding in hilly terrain or using throttle constantly, expect closer to 25-30 miles.

The battery is well-integrated into the frame, but it would be nice if SWFT offered a larger battery option for those who want longer rides without worrying about recharging.

Final Thoughts: is this bike for you?

The SWFT Apex Deluxe is a great entry-level electric mountain bike for riders who want to explore off-road trails without breaking the bank. It’s powerful enough for most climbs, comfortable on bumpy trails, and a blast to ride.

However, if you’re an experienced mountain biker looking for aggressive downhill performance or mid-drive motor efficiency, you might want to invest in a higher-end model. The brakes and pedal assist system could use some refinement, but for the price, this bike delivers a solid blend of power, comfort, and fun.

If you’re looking for an affordable full-suspension e-MTB to hit trails, fire roads, and explore without exhausting yourself on climbs, the SWFT Apex Deluxe is worth considering. Just be prepared for a few minor upgrades if you plan to push it hard.