Explore E+ 3

Name: Giant Explore E+ 3
Brand: Giant
Price: 2800 USD
Availability: InStock

8.7

$2,800

MSRP

The Explore E+ 3 is the sensible dealer-backed commuter — a refined mid-drive, real shop support, and Giant's build quality at a fair price.

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Full specifications

MSRP: $2,800
Category: Commuter
Class: Class 3
Top Speed: 28 mph
Motor: Giant SyncDrive Core (Yamaha) mid-drive (Mid-drive)
Motor Power: 250W nominal / 500W peak
Torque: 75 Nm
Battery: 500Wh, Giant EnergyPak
Range: up to 70 miles
Weight: 56 lbs
Frame: ALUXX Aluminum
Brakes: Hydraulic disc
Drivetrain: Shimano 9-speed
Suspension: SR Suntour, 63mm
Tires: 27.5×2.0"
Max Payload: 300 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime frame, 2 yr motor/battery

What we love

Smooth Yamaha-built SyncDrive mid-drive
Huge global Giant dealer network
Comes commute-ready with lights and rack

What we'd change

Battery is mid-sized vs. DTC competitors
Not the flashiest spec on paper

Our verdict

By Sean Lupton · June 16, 2026 · Scored 8.7/10 against how we test

The Explore E+ 3 is the sensible, dealer-backed commuter for riders who value shop support and refinement over headline specs. A Yamaha-built SyncDrive mid-drive, lights, and a rack come commute-ready at $2,800, making it a great fit for anyone who wants to buy from a local Giant store. Spec-chasers hunting maximum battery-per-dollar from direct brands will find it modest on paper.

The 8.7 is built on ride quality, motor-and-power-delivery, and build-and-serviceability. The SyncDrive Core mid-drive is smooth and quiet, the ALUXX frame and Giant build quality are genuinely good, and the enormous global dealer network is a serviceability trump card few direct brands match. Hydraulic discs and Class 3 speed cover brakes and pace. Its only soft spot is real-world range against DTC rivals — the 500Wh pack is mid-sized, and the spec sheet isn't flashy.

The trade-off is a slightly smaller battery and a plainer spec list in exchange for a refined mid-drive and real shop support. For most commuters that's a smart bargain. If you want a bigger battery and Class 3 speed for less, the Ride1Up 700-Series undercuts it — but you give up the mid-drive smoothness and the walk-in dealer network that make the Giant so easy to live with.