PAONIA, CO – In the rapidly evolving world of electric mobility, Colorado-based manufacturer Optibike has set a new high-water mark with their the R22 Everest. Billed as the most capable adventure e-bike ever built, the R22 Everest isn’t just turning heads for its performance—it’s making waves with a starting price of $18,900, positioning it as one of the most expensive and powerful electric bicycles in the world.
Named for its theoretical ability to climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest on a single charge, the R22 is designed to go where traditional e-bikes fail. According to Optibike founder Jim Turner, the bike was engineered for “extreme overlanding,” offering a level of range and torque that mimics a light electric motorcycle more than a standard commuter bike.
The 300-Mile Range Milestone
The standout feature of the R22 Everest is its massive dual-battery system. Boasting a staggering 3,260Wh (3.26kWh) capacity, the bike claims a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge—roughly six times the range of many industry-standard e-bikes.
To manage this massive energy reserve, Optibike uses a proprietary “Out and Back” technology. The system features two separate 1,630Wh batteries within the same casing, allowing riders to use one battery to reach their destination and switch to the second for the return trip, ensuring they never get stranded in the backcountry. It doesn’t state however what voltage the batteries are.
Power That Defies Gravity
Under the hood—or rather, at the pedals—is the “PowerStorm” mid-drive motor. The R22 produces 1,700 watts of continuous power (peaking at 2,500W) and a brutal 190 Nm of torque. For comparison, that is more than double the torque of a top-tier Bosch mountain bike motor.
This power allows the R22 to conquer grades of up to 40% and reach speeds of 36 mph. To handle such forces, the bike is built around a custom carbon fiber frame and swingarm, supported by a dual-crown downhill suspension fork and 200mm of rear travel.
A Custom-Built Luxury Machine
At nearly $19,000, the R22 Everest is far from a mass-market product. Each bike is hand-built to order in Colorado, customized to the rider’s specific height, weight, and riding style.
The premium price includes high-end components like:
- Rohloff 14-Speed Internal Hub: A legendary gearing system known for its durability and ability to shift under load.
- MMI Touchscreen Display: An optional upgrade that provides real-time diagnostics and battery management.
- Extreme Lighting: A 2,700-lumen LED headlight designed to illuminate trails during high-speed night riding.
The Verdict
While its 93-pound weight and five-figure price tag make it impractical for the casual weekend rider, the R22 Everest has carved out a unique niche. It is a vehicle for the “1%” of the outdoor world—expeditionists and overlanders who require a machine capable of hauling heavy trailers into remote wilderness areas where charging is non-existent.
As the e-bike market continues to split between budget-friendly commuters and high-performance “super-bikes,” Optibike has firmly planted its flag at the summit of the luxury segment. For those who have the budget and the appetite for extreme adventure, the R22 Everest stands alone.
This ebike beats out models like the Swiss made Stromer which can top out at around $15k or so. Obviously these are ebike for the rich. Like the supercars of the ebike world.
