Electric mountain bikes are on the rise. Most major brands and manufacturers have several e-bike models in their catalog and add new electric bikes each season with increasingly refined designs, more integrated motors and batteries, and a wider range of components. This bike concept became popular during the 2010s, driven by the development of more compact motors and batteries. A few years ago, electric mountain bikes were nothing more than a conventional mountain bike with a motor and a battery attached. Today, they are a category of their own that even begins to have subcategories.
With so many models, new features, and types of e-bikes, it is difficult to choose. Electric mountain bikes are generally expensive. They are not affordable for everyone, and this is one of the barriers to wider expansion. Their price range is between €2,000 and €6,000, although there are high-end dual-suspension e-bikes that push their price above €10,000. A good alternative is to buy a second-hand electric mountain bike that has been checked by mechanics. The range of models is very wide, with several types of bikes even within the same segment. If you are interested in buying an electric mountain bike, this buying guide will help you clear up any doubts and know what you need to know before deciding which e-bike to buy.
Let's start with the basics: an electric mountain bike is an MTB that features a pedal-assist motor. It is important to clarify that an e-bike does not have a throttle that moves the bike without pedaling. The motor assistance only occurs when you pedal, so it is not a vehicle that can replace a motorcycle. It is truly a bicycle, with the difference that it has extra help to make riding on more demanding and/or longer routes easier.
Basic concepts you should know about an e-bike
When choosing between one bike or another, it is important that you know some basic concepts that are relevant to an e-bike and do not exist in a conventional bicycle.
Pedal assistance
This is the system that is activated when the cyclist pedals, thanks to a sensor installed on the bottom bracket. It includes a motor, a battery (generally lithium), and a control panel, which in most cases consists of an electronic circuit connected to a display installed on the handlebar. The pedal-assist system of a certified electric bicycle deactivates upon reaching 25 km/h.
Power
European regulations on electric bicycles limit the average motor power to 250 W. If they delivered more power, they would no longer fall under the bicycle category but into that of mopeds. However, there are some motors that can deliver more watts occasionally or in bursts. Although it is technically possible to derestrict the motor power to exceed 250 W, there are two good reasons not to do so:
- The first is that it is an illegal practice that is punishable by fines.
- The second is that derestricting the motor shortens its lifespan and accelerates the wear of the electronic system, so in the long term it can cause breakdowns that require replacing the motor, the battery, or both components.
Torque
Torque is an important value of the motor that refers to the twisting force. It is expressed in Nm and the higher it is, the more noticeable the pedal-assist will be, especially during accelerations or starts. In other words, the higher the torque, the greater the acceleration capacity.
Battery capacity
This refers to the storage capacity of the battery, expressed in watt-hours (Wh). But this does not mean that greater capacity equals greater range. The weight of the bicycle, the torque, and other external factors will also determine the range.
Range
This is the distance in kilometers that the electric bicycle can travel on a full battery charge. Brands usually provide indicative range figures, as the actual range depends on many factors: the weight of the bike and rider, type of route (elevation, surface...), pedal-assist mode, weather conditions, etc.
What is an electric mountain bike really for?
The electric bicycle entered the market massively more than a decade ago, mainly to promote sustainable mobility in large cities. But years later, thanks to the development of motors and batteries that are lighter than those of the first generations, they made the leap to mountain biking as more sporty bikes, as well as to other cycling disciplines such as gravel or road. An electric MTB will allow you to do longer routes or those with more elevation gain without suffering the physical wear of a conventional bicycle. Likewise, it is a very practical type of bike to use in bike parks or on natural enduro routes. All this is useful if you want to include many descents in a short time and not lose so much on the climbs. It is also an attractive option for cycling enthusiasts who, whether due to physical limitations from age, injury, or health problems, cannot ride a conventional bicycle and need that extra help provided by electric assistance.
How many types of e-MTB are there?
Although each season brands and manufacturers launch electric bikes with different geometries, currently we can differentiate three types of electric mountain bikes on the market:
Light e-MTBs
This is a recently introduced concept that refers to next-generation bikes, lighter and more integrated than the rest, but with slightly less motor torque and range. The pedal-assist feels more like that of a conventional bicycle. Some models of light e-bikes are the Specialized Turbo Levo and the Orbea Rise.
All-round e-MTBs
An intermediate category between light e-MTBs and high-powered electrics, with great range and various assistance modes. They are designed to offer versatile performance for different types of use: trail, enduro, etc. Some outstanding models are the Cannondale Moterra Neo and the Canyon Neuron:ON.
e-MTB Power
Electric mountain bikes with high torque (more than 80 Nm) and battery capacity, as well as frames with larger tubes, extra reinforcements, etc. This type of bike is recommended for experienced users and high technical level routes. Among the different e-MTB Power models, we highlight the Cube Stereo Hybrid and the Giant Reign E+. In addition to this classification, e-MTBs are also categorized, just like conventional MTBs, according to their modality: XC, Trail, All Mountain, Enduro or Downhill.
Double suspension or hardtail: which is better?
It is also possible to differentiate the different types of e-MTBs according to their suspensions. In general, you will find bikes with only front suspension and electric bikes with full suspension. Of these latter, there is a greater range of models and they are the best sellers due to comfort and all-terrain capability. Hardtails are more oriented towards less technical routes, but are better suited for long-distance rides, as they roll better and usually have greater range. Full suspension bikes, on the other hand, whether Trail or Enduro, are recommended for routes with significant elevation gain and technical components, and usually have less range.
Do I need more suspension travel than on a conventional MTB?
The concept of e-MTBs is mostly focused on a more adventurous type of mountain biking, with a touch of radical fun. For this reason, opting for a long suspension travel, superior of 130 mm, will always be a good choice if you are looking to venture onto more demanding trails and do more technical routes. This will not excessively penalize the bike's rolling capabilities, thanks to pedal assist. However, there are several short-travel or front-suspension-only models (the so-called Sport XC) that are highly recommended for flat or technically easy routes. Some representative models of this type are the Focus Raven2 and the BH iLynx Race.
How much motor power do I need?
As we have already explained, the nominal power of the motor on an electric mountain bike is a maximum of 250 W. Exceeding that power figure means certifying it as a motor vehicle (like a moped), which requires registration and insurance, so it would no longer be considered a regular electric bicycle. Therefore, all the e-MTBs we recommend in this guide will have 250 W of power. The differences when choosing will be in the torque or motor power, which is the attribute you should consider if you are looking for an electric bike with greater pedaling force. Below 80 Nm, the power delivery will be more conservative and natural compared to the cyclist's pedaling, while above that, it will be faster and more abrupt.
Where can I ride an e-MTB?
As a general rule, electric mountain bikes can ride on the same roads or trails as other conventional bicycles. However, in protected natural areas, and just like other bicycles, their use on paths and trails is more restricted. If you are going to ride in a protected area, check the specific regulations or management plan first to make sure that electric mountain bikes are also allowed.
What range does an electric MTB have?
How much does it cost to maintain an electric mountain bike?
If you are wondering whether the maintenance of an e-bike is superior to that of a conventional bike, the answer is that for certain components of the bike, it is. There are basically three: the chain, the brake pads, and the rear tire. Replacing them alone does not involve a higher expense than that of a conventional mountain bike, but you will have to monitor their wear more frequently to avoid serious breakdowns. As for the electric assistance system and the software that controls it, it is not common for the display and the motor to break down if used within the recommendations of major manufacturers. Repairs, however, can significantly increase the maintenance cost because these are electronic components. Also, not all bike workshops are prepared to repair electric bikes.For bikers with a good skill level, an electric MTB could be an attractive option as a second bike for more relaxed or recovery rides