Bonnell might be a new name in the production bike world, but the minds behind it are anything but new to high performance. Founded by Matt Wauters, the same person behind EBMX, Bonnell’s goal is to bring high-level electric two-wheeled machines to life, both mountain and moto. While their upcoming 805 and 902 electric dirt bikes are still in development, the 775 series of electric mountain bikes is already shipping. These bikes are built with the same performance-first mindset and are designed to blur the line between eMTB and light electric moto.
One Platform, Three Models
The 775 series is made up of three models: the 775 MX, All-Mountain, and Touring. All three bikes share the same core frame and architecture but are tuned for different kinds of riders. The 775 MX is the flagship and leans the most toward the moto side of the spectrum. The All-Mountain version is more trail- and pedal-friendly, with a lower power tune to meet Class 2/3 e-bike standards. And the Touring model takes that same base and outfits it with racks, lights, and fenders for commuting and utility.
The standout in the lineup, and the one we focused on most, is the 775 MX. It’s a new kind of bike – lightweight, electric, and seriously capable. If you’re a dirt rider curious about mountain bikes or an eMTB rider who wants more power, this one is worth a look.
First Ride on the 775 MX in Moab
We had the chance to do a quick test ride on the 775 MX in Moab, Utah, while the Bonnell crew was filming launch content for the new lineup. Even after just a short time on the bike, it was clear that the 775 MX sits in a category of its own.
It looks like a mountain bike, but the full twist throttle and 6,000 watts of power tell a different story. The bike feels incredibly light, more than 45 pounds lighter than a Sur Ron Light Bee, and that translates into a riding experience that’s fast, flickable, and fun. The MX rocketed up steep slickrock climbs with ease thanks to 280 Nm of torque and handled like a full downhill mountain bike on the way down.
It runs a mullet wheel setup with a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear, paired with a triple-crown downhill fork with 200 mm of travel and 170 mm of travel in the rear. The 50 mm rise handlebars give it a dirt bike-style riding position, and the Magura brakes with floating rotors offer strong and consistent stopping power. One of the standout features is the custom sprag clutch rear hub, which gives you zero rolling resistance when coasting and instant engagement under power. There’s no ratcheting noise, and it’s almost completely silent—until you twist the throttle.
In Moab’s open terrain, we lined up the Bonnell 775 MX next to our friend Brett Baldwin’s Sur Ron Ultra Bee for a friendly drag race. The MX actually pulled ahead off the line thanks to its lighter weight, holding its own, albeit for a brief moment, until the Ultra Bee’s higher peak power caught up. That kind of acceleration from a mountain bike platform is pretty wild, and it speaks to the unique place the MX occupies: it’s not an e-moto, not quite a traditional eMTB, but something entirely new.
Bonnell 775 MX Technical Breakdown
Here’s a rundown of what makes the Bonnell 775 MX tick:
Powertrain:
- 6,000W peak output
- 280 Nm of torque
- Custom motor controller tuned for full twist throttle delivery
Battery:
- 65V, 1300Wh removable pack
- Samsung 50S cells
- Under 4-hour charge time
Chassis:
- Chromoly steel front triangle
- 6061-T6 aluminum rear triangle with cast components
- Custom sprag clutch rear hub with zero drag and instant engagement
Suspension:
- 200 mm front travel (Suntour Rux 38 RC+ dual crown fork)
- 170 mm rear travel (TriAir 3CR shock)
- 29″ front / 27.5″ rear mullet wheel setup
Brakes:
- Magura MT5 four-piston brakes
- Floating MDR-P rotors
Controls and Electronics:
- Full twist throttle (Lekkie Pacemaker)
- 50 mm rise moto-style handlebars
- Custom Intuition display with 3 ride modes
- Bluetooth-enabled Ride Control app
- Heart rate sensor integration
- Built-in Apple AirTag support
- Lock-on grips and clean cable routing
The whole setup weighs just around 75 pounds, which puts it in a sweet spot for trail maneuverability while still having enough heft to feel planted when the speed picks up.
All-Mountain and Touring Models
While the MX is aimed squarely at riders coming from the dirt bike side of the spectrum, the All-Mountain and Touring models bring the same DNA into more versatile packages.
The All-Mountain version is Class 2/3 compliant with lower power output and speed limits suitable for bike trails. It features slightly shorter suspension travel (160 mm front / 150 mm rear) but still uses the same frame and design language as the MX. You can also remove the battery and motor, effectively converting it into a traditional mountain bike.
The Touring model adds racks, waterproof panniers, lights, and fenders—turning the All-Mountain platform into a true utility e-bike. It’s a setup designed for commuting, weekend bikepacking, or even just carrying your gear to the trailhead. Both versions still benefit from Bonnell’s powertrain design, customizable ride modes, and silent sprag clutch rear hub.
What Do We Think?
After getting a chance to ride the Bonnell 775 MX, it’s clear that Bonnell is building something different. This bike isn’t trying to be a better version of existing categories—it’s carving out its own. With e-moto power, MTB geometry, and ultra-light weight, the 775 MX is one of the most exciting new bikes we’ve thrown a leg over in a while.
If the upcoming 805 and 902 dirt bikes are anything like this, Bonnell’s future looks fast. But you don’t have to wait, Bonnell 775 series bikes are available now, starting at $4,295.
