What is an Electric Mountain Bike?

Electric mountain bikes, or eMTBs, have an integrated motor that assists the rider while pedaling. If you don’t pedal, the motor won’t support you because it doesn’t have a throttle.

Full-suspension vs. hardtail

A hardtail bike does not have suspension at the rear, unlike a full-suspension bike. In traditional mountain bikes, a hardtail eliminates pedal bob, which wastes energy when climbing hills. However, unless you ride on well-maintained roads or in the city, there is little reason to ride a hardtail on an eMTB. Besides their more affordable price and lower maintenance costs, eMTB hardtails have no advantage over full-suspension bikes. 

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What is the best price for an eMTB?

It’s not uncommon for an eMTB to cost between $4,500 and $5,000, depending on the manufacturer. Usually, cheaper bikes feature compromises in componentry, the motor, or a lower quality frame resulting in below-average performance and a shorter lifespan. In addition, there is usually a $1,000 difference between hardtails and soft tails.

Where should I take my eMTB?

1. Extensive gravel road tours

Relaxed rides on a well-maintained forest, gravel and country tracks are the best way to enjoy the countryside. In this case, a full-suspension bike will be most suitable. However, even on easy terrain, you should not underestimate the importance of reliable brakes, functional suspension, and grippy tires. 

2. Off-road adventures on singletrack and trails

Are you a fan of riding singletrack? Are you interested in challenging yourself on technical trails and improving your riding technique? Do you dream of crossing the Alps on a bike? You will need a bike with capable suspension, at least 5 inches of travel, balanced geometry, and reliable components.

3. Ride the bike park, climb the technical climbs, and descend the technical descents

A bike that can handle the roughest and steepest terrain is the best option for those who want to explore their limits. There are also eMTBs made specifically for bombing down hills and mountains, with long-travel suspension and extreme geometry.

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4. eMTBs to replace commuting in a car

Would you like to use your eMTB daily commuting in the city or the country? Will your ebike replace your car as your daily driver? It would be helpful if you had a low-maintenance, sturdy eMTB equipped with mudguards, racks, and lights. It is usually sufficient to ride a hardtail, but a full-suspension model will provide more comfort, confidence, and fun. Also, it will help if you double-check the bike’s maximum permissible weight before buying to ensure it can carry you and any work items you need.

5. eMTBs for Kids

Want to get your kid into mountain biking? A great way to ease them into the physical challenge is to start them on an eMTB. Compared to adult bikes, good eMTBs specifically designed for kids have several advantages. As well as being lighter, they often have particular components like short cranks and optimized brake levers. In addition, having a smaller battery and a less powerful motor is sufficient.

While some hardcore mountain bikers may look down their nose at the motorized assistance of an e-bike, there’s no denying that they are fun to ride! So, if you go the motorized approach, be sure to ignore the haters and ride with pride.

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