Buying a new electric mountain bike can be an expensive game, so you need to spend your money in the right place for the maximum return on your investment.
For not much more than the price of a regular mountain bike you can now get an eMTB with up to 800% pedalling assistance from its electric motor and enough battery power to go nearly all day.
Electric mountain bikes come in different flavours and spec levels, with manufacturers offering varying sizes of battery and motor, travel and component toughness.
Here’s how to navigate the eMTB options on offer and grab a bike that maximises your enjoyment, while leaving some cash in your wallet.
1. Think about how you ride
If you usually ride with friends on non-assisted bikes, you’re probably going to be happy with a lightweight eMTB, giving a little extra assistance.
If your mates all ride full-power eMTBs, you’re probably going to want to buy something similar so you can keep up with their pace and range. Bigger riders will burn through batteries quicker, so bear this in mind.
If you fancy longer rides with more assistance and want to have a go at some technical climbing, full-power is probably the way to go.
2. Pick the right style of eMTB
Picking a category is a great place to start narrowing your choice down.
Lightweight eMTBs started with bikes such as the original Orbea Rise and Specialized Levo SL. They showcase a smaller motor, non-removable battery and lightweight trail components.
Lightweight eMTBs are designed to feel more like traditional non-assisted mountain bikes, but sacrifice range, power, and/or component strength and stiffness in that pursuit.
If you lift your bike up onto a rack or into a workstand at home, you may want to consider a lightweight eMTB.
Full-power eMTBs are the heaviest and most powerful, usually including 800-1,000Wh batteries, and up to 120Nm torque and 1,000W power.
Mid-sized eMTBs are usually sub-22kg, with around a 600Wh battery and a 60-85Nm motor.
3. Think outside the box
Some bikes showcase lighter MTB componentry and less travel, but bigger batteries and motors, like the Amflow PL Carbon with 1,000W power that can be supplied with an optional smaller 600Wh battery to save weight; claimed bike weight is less than 19kg.
It can be vice-versa for bikes with more travel and burlier components, but lightweight motors and smaller batteries. The Orbea Rallon RS, which has a smaller motor, battery and carbon rocker that the non-assisted Rallon lacks, to save weight. It has burly components such as a Fox 38 fork and big brakes, but a claimed weight of only 17kg.
4. Consider usability as well as power
Power is important, but how natural the assistance feels is a big selling point for eMTBers who enjoy flowy trails.
DJI’s Avinox is one of the most desirable motors of the moment, with 1,000W of peak power, 120Nm of torque and a natural feel thanks for the 22 sensor points on the rear disc rotor.
Most motors are warrantied for two years, but do your research because different brands offer different cover, and sometimes motor and battery warranties can be different.
Unfortunately, eMTBs can go wrong, and even if they don’t, they still need servicing. A local dealer or shop qualified to service your steed will save you removing the motor and battery, and shipping it to the manufacturer yourself.
5. Choose the right battery size
Battery size and capacity increase together; the bigger the battery, the more range it will have, and the heavier it will be.
A removable battery can make charging easier and add the option to carry a spare; a pit stop for a fresh battery could maximise your riding time with no need to lug that heavy spare around.
If they're available for your bike, range extenders can keep you riding for longer, in exchange for a weight sacrifice.
Fast chargers are available from brands such as Specialized: with many bike parks now offering charging stations, a fast charger could significantly increase your riding time.
6. Ancillaries can make or break your build
Check the reviews for the eMTB-specific app for your bike; is it user-friendly and compatible with your phone?
Electric bikes with SRAM’s Eagle drivetrain, Shimano’s EP8, Bosch’s e-Ride, and Pinion’s MGU gearbox can be equipped with auto-shift and coast-shift. Automatic-shifting capabilities are incredible, but consider whether you need them, because they will add cost.
Check the spec of the bike to see if there are any hidden compromises that save money but affect performance. EMTBs lunch drivetrains and rear tyres so keep an eye on yours and budget for replacements.
