With the popularity of electric mountain bikes on the increase and not an awful lot of information available on them, we decided to put together this guide with everything you need to know about them. You should find answers to all the most important questions about electric mountain bikes (eMTB) below.
What is an Electric Mountain Bike?
An electric mountain bike is an electrical bicycle designed specifically for mountain biking. It is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that helps with propulsion. There are two main types – those that assist the pedal-power and those that have a throttle like a moped. All electric bikes retain the ability of the rider to pedal. The top speed that an electric mountain bike can reach with pedal-power assistance is 28mph, but of course, if you can pedal faster than that the bike will reach higher speeds.
Do You Need a Driver’s License?
This will depend on where you live and what type of electric mountain bike you have. Generally, a license is not needed because the bikes are classified as pedelecs and are in the same category as a classic bicycle. However, S-pedelecs, which can reach 28mph, are classified as motorized in certain parts of Europe and will require a license if you are going to ride them on a public road.
Are There Different Types of Electric Mountain Bikes?
Standard mountain bikes have always been categorized according to their application and efficiency, for example, all-mountain, enduro, and downhill. These categories cannot easily be transferred to electric mountain bikes because the motor characterizes the bike much more than the individual characteristics like the weight or travel of the bike. Every electronic mountain bike rides differently and even models with similar specs can provide completely different experiences. That being said, there are 3 types of categories that do seem to be emerging.
- All-round eMTBs
- Light eMTBs
- Power eMTBs
What Type of Motor does an Electric Mountain Bike Have?
When eMTBs first came out a hub motor was used but it was quickly discovered that they are not suitable for off-road use. Any decent electric mountain bike will be based on a mid-motor design but there will be variations in power, size, and weight.
How Much Travel Does an Electric Mountain Bike Need?
An electric mountain bike with between 130mm and 170mm travel is ideal for general mountain biking use. If you are using a bike for trekking then travel of less than 130mm would be better and if you’re riding extremely rugged terrain then travel over 170mm may be better. So, it all depends on what type of ride you’re looking for.
How Much Does a Decent eMTB cost?
Again, it all depends on the type of ride you need. Depending on the manufacturer and features, a reliable, full-suspension electric mountain bike costs anything between $1,200 and $9,000. There are cheaper options but riding performance may not be that great and longevity may be poor.
What is the Range of an Electric Mountain Bike?
There are a number of factors that affect the range of eMTBs. The capacity of the battery, rider weight, selected assistance mode, and the elevation profile of the route will all impact a bike’s range. This makes it difficult to make a general statement about the range of electric mountain bikes.
Battery capacity plays an important role in range but can’t be viewed in isolation, the maximum power of the motor needs to be taken into consideration as well. These are some terms you should know before buying an electric mountain bike.
- Battery capacity (Wh): Varies from 250 Wh (watt-hours) to 1,000 Wh.
- Motor output (W): Generally limited to 250W (watts).
- Torque (Nm): Measures the driving force while pedaling. Higher torque means more resistance. Measured in newton meters.
- Wheel size: The three common wheel sizes on an electric mountain bike are 27.5″, 29″, or a mix of 29″ at the front and 27.5″.
- Suspension: Depending on the model and the purpose the travel will be between 100–200 mm.
- Gear range: 500% is the ideal gear range. The larger the range the bigger the difference between the lowest and highest gears.
Which is the Right Electric Mountain Bike For You?
When deciding on a bike you need to think about where and how you are going to be using the bike.
- For relaxed rides on gravel roads, comfort is the most important factor. A full-suspension bike with an upright riding position and high-quality contact points will ensure a comfortable ride.
- For singletrack and trail adventures a bike with at least 140 mm travel, capable suspension, balanced geometry, and sturdy componentry is best.
- For extreme bike parks and technical riding, a bike with long-travel suspension and extreme geometry is ideal.
- For everyday use when you want to use your eMTB instead of a car you’ll need a sturdy electric mountain bike with, full-suspension, mudguards, and lights.
Is an Aluminium Frame or Carbon Frame Better?
When it comes to performance it really doesn’t matter what the frame of an electric mountain bike is made from. The only real advantage of a carbon frame is that the manufacturers can be more creative with the design. Performance is not affected at all.
How many gears does an eMTB need?
These days all bikes, electric or classic, have drivetrains with 8 to 12 gears, the days of bikes with 40 gears are long gone, especially with the pedal-assist of electric bikes.
What are the maintenance costs of an electric mountain bike?
Just like any vehicle an electric mountain bike must be regularly maintained to ensure it is safe and retains its value. You should put at least $500 in your annual budget for maintenance.
Best electric mountain bikes are becoming increasingly popular because they are so convenient and because they enhance the mountain biking experience. Electric mountain bikes also make mountain biking more accessible to those who wouldn’t ordinarily be fit or strong enough to enjoy mountain biking with a normal mountain bike.
About the author:
Trevor Fenner is the founder of Electric Bike Paradise, the #1 online retailer of electric bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, electric golf caddies, solar kits, and trolling motors. Trevor has been selling bicycles, electric bikes, and electric scooters online since 2010 and eventually established Electric Bike Paradise in late 2013 when he happened to meet a car enthusiast that introduced him to electric bikes. Trevor spent time searching for electric bikes online but couldn’t find a website that offered a wide selection of electric bikes, scooters, and informational articles. That is why he decided to start a website where everyone can shop conveniently, browse buying guides, and read educational posts. The website is called Electric Bike Paradise.