First Ride: The Forbidden Dreadnought E Feels Like a DH Bike with a Motor

The Forbidden Dreadnought E has arrived, positioning itself as a bold evolution in the electric mountain bike space. Designed for riders who demand downhill performance with the ability to self-shuttle back to the top, this e-MTB combines aggressive geometry with powerful motor technology. Early rides confirm it delivers on its promise of being a true downhill bike that just happens to have a motor.

Built for Descents, Powered for Ascents

At its core, the Dreadnought E features 170mm of rear travel using Forbidden’s Trifecta high-pivot suspension, paired with a 180mm fork. This setup is engineered to operate seamlessly with modern coil and high-volume air shocks, delivering a predictable and composed feel under heavy braking and through rough terrain. The kinematic design prioritizes traction and control, allowing riders to stay planted when charging through technical sections.

What sets the Dreadnought E apart is its integration of the Avinox M2 or M2S drive system. Depending on the build, riders can access up to 130 Nm of torque (150 Nm in boost) and 1300 watts of peak power with the M2S, or 110 Nm of torque (125 Nm in boost) and 1100 watts with the M2. These figures place it among the most powerful e-MTBs currently available, enabling rapid reascents after descents without the need for shuttles or lifts.

Battery options include a 600 Wh or 800 Wh unit, directly influencing the bike’s handling and range. With the smaller 600 Wh battery, complete builds weigh 51.6 lbs (23.43 kg) or less. Opting for the 800 Wh increases the weight to 53.5 lbs (24.30 kg) or less, trading a bit of agility for extended range — a choice left to the rider’s priorities.

Geometry and Design Philosophy

The Dreadnought E adopts a mixed-wheel (mullet) configuration exclusively, a design choice intended to enhance maneuverability while maintaining stability at speed. The frame is constructed from full carbon fiber, including the rocker link, contributing to both strength and weight efficiency. To accommodate the central motor placement, the shock has been reoriented to a vertical position, which Forbidden claims reduces frame interference and allows a 180mm dropper post to fit even in the smallest frame size.

Geometry is unapologetically downhill-focused: a long front end, slack head and seat angles, and a rearward axle path. This layout promotes a centered, stable riding position, particularly beneficial when navigating steep, unpredictable terrain. The bike’s proportional sizing system adjusts rear-center length and seat tube angle across sizes to maintain consistent handling and rider balance from slight to large frames.

Specific attention has been paid to the drivetrain interface. The Dreadnought E uses an 18-tooth idler pulley specifically designed for e-bike applications, spinning on Enduro solid lube bearings. This refined tooth profile is intended to improve longevity and ensure compatibility with modern T-Type chains, reducing wear and noise over time.

Ride Impressions

Early test rides describe the Dreadnought E as feeling remarkably like a traditional downhill bike — until the motor engages. The suspension remains active and supple, absorbing impacts without harshness, while the motor provides smooth, instantaneous power delivery when needed. Riders note that the bike “plows” effectively when dropping heels into rough sections, yet retains enough playfulness to pop off features and pump for speed when desired.

The combination of high-pivot suspension, mullet wheels, and downhill-oriented geometry creates a platform that inspires confidence at speed. Unlike some e-MTBs that feel bulky or sluggish on descents, the Dreadnought E maintains a lightweight, agile feel despite its motor and battery, thanks in part to its carbon construction and thoughtful weight distribution.

Conclusion

The Forbidden Dreadnought E represents a significant step forward in the e-MTB category, successfully blending the capabilities of a dedicated downhill bike with the practicality of electric assist. It does not compromise on descent performance to gain climbing ability — instead, it enhances both. For riders seeking a single bike that can handle the most demanding trails and still make multiple laps feasible without external shuttling, the Dreadnought E presents a compelling option.

With its focus on real-world trail performance, advanced suspension design, and powerful yet refined motor integration, the Dreadnought E is less a compromise and more a statement: that electric mountain bikes can be just as capable — if not more so — than their analog counterparts when designed with intent.