Buying advice for e-mountainbikes: What you should look out for when buying an e-MTB
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 27.05.2023
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Buying advice: E-MTB categories
Before you buy, you need to clarify the basics: Which is the right e-MTB category for me? What will the costs be? Our overview explains.
Hardtail category
Hardtails, i.e. bikes with unsprung rear suspension, have a clear advantage: they are cheaper. You save around 1000 to 1500 euros compared to a similarly equipped bike with full suspension (fully). In addition, there is no need for maintenance on the shock and the joints of the suspended rear triangle. However, the slightly lower weight has significantly less impact than with non-motorised bikes. However, if you want to take your e-MTB off-road and on trails, we clearly recommend a full suspension bike - a fully.
Categories Tour / Trail / All Mountain Bike
The categories for suspension e-mountainbikes are becoming increasingly blurred. Whether a leisurely tourer or a sporty trail bike, the suspension travel is usually between 140 and 160 millimetres. Bikes with significantly less travel are becoming increasingly rare. And that makes sense, because an appropriately designed e-MTB with 150 millimetres of suspension travel has no disadvantages in shallow terrain, but provides all the more comfort and off-road capability. The frame geometry and orientation of the e-bike are more decisive than the suspension travel. Sporty models are aimed at trail riders with good riding technique and are not always the best choice for flat forest road tours. The weights are between 22 and 26 kilos, and the fun starts at around 4500 euros >> e.g. available here.
Enduro category
The transition to downhill-orientated enduro MTBs is fluid. Many all-mountain bikes with 160/150 millimetres of travel and sporty frame geometry already offer bike park potential. Real E-Enduros have over 160 and up to 190 millimetres of travel.
Bikes in this class only really blossom in extreme terrain with rough steep sections. Here they offer maximum riding safety. If you are focussing on extreme descents, this is the right bike for you. Solid equipment is a must, which is why enduro bikes only make sense in higher price categories. Recommended E-Enduros usually cost over 5000 euros. >> e.g. available here
Category Light-E-MTB
Light e-MTBs are the absolute hot topic. The focus here is on low weight and manoeuvrable handling. Less e-bike, more bike. The target group includes mountain bikers who are not comfortable with heavy and bulky e-MTBs but still want some motor support. The batteries are smaller, the motors weaker. As a result, at 16 to 20 kilos, the bikes are around 5 kilos lighter than classic e-mountainbikes. However, the rider has to provide more power and the battery has to be used sparingly on longer tours. Usually very expensive due to lightweight construction!
Buying advice: Motor and battery
Even if a motor - and its battery - do not determine the quality of an e-MTB, they do characterise the character of the e-bike. What do you need to look out for?
E-bike motor: a real power question
In addition to the classic electric motors, so-called light or minimal-assist drives have established themselves. These classics offer a wide range of use, a long range in combination with large batteries and plenty of reserves for tired legs or the steepest climbs. With their uncomplicated character, they have contributed to the great popularity of e-MTBs. This is because they rarely let their riders down. Light motors, on the other hand, are usually quieter, smaller and lighter - but also significantly weaker. They are suitable for fit riders who are looking for a bike with a slight tailwind and want to make their classic tours a little more relaxed. Power and range are limited.
Battery size for E-MTB
The battery size is linked to the motor power. The more power, the higher the power consumption. Classic e-MTBs currently usually have 700 to 750 watt hours, in exceptional cases up to 900 watt hours. Cheaper or older bikes also come with 500 to 650 watt hours. Advantage: Smaller batteries are significantly lighter, which is why light e-MTBs in particular rely on compact batteries. How much capacity an e-MTB really needs is extremely individual. Uphill climbs draw significantly more battery power than flat sections. The support level and physical conditions are also decisive. A light rider who has a lot of power will get much further than a rather weak and heavy rider.
Integration of the battery
Modern e-bikes now all come with integrated batteries that disappear neatly into the frame. However, there are significant differences in terms of integration. With classic systems, the batteries can be folded out of the down tube in just a few seconds. This is convenient, but makes the bike heavier. In order to save weight, more and more manufacturers are opting for a system in which the battery is pulled downwards out of the closed down tube (e.g. Specialized, see image). To do this, you usually have to turn the e-bike and loosen several screws. The easiest solution is a permanently installed battery that cannot be changed by the customer. When choosing the right system, you need to ask yourself: How often do I need to remove the battery? Am I dependent on a removable battery? Do I have a charging facility where my bike is parked, for example in the cellar or garage? Is a lock on the battery important to me?
Buying advice on features: What matters when it comes to specs
You've chosen the right bike category and found the right drive. We tell you which equipment details - or specs for short - you should look out for before buying an e-MTB.
E-MTB equipment
Even if you don't have any extreme descents on your list, you should make sure your e-MTB has solid equipment. Powerful Four-piston brakes with large discs (200 mm) are not a luxury. All the bikes in our test fulfil this requirement. Heavy riders, in particular, get a better ride with 220 mm discs, such as on the Specialised Turbo LevoThe new tyre design provides even more stability and therefore safety on the descent. Also Robust and grippy tyres make sense not only in the bike park. Good puncture protection prevents annoying flats, high traction provides riding safety. Going all out Stevens: The Eddy Current rear tyre from Schwalbe provides plenty of puncture protection. However, heavy and soft tyres have a negative impact on driving dynamics.
Components with everyday benefits
E-mountainbikes are perfect all-rounders. Because with the motor assistance, even longer flat sections on asphalt can be covered quickly and in a relaxed manner - despite the high weight and bulky tyres. And in all weathers. So if you also want to use your bike for everyday rides or commuting, you should think about weather protection and suitability for everyday use. Fully-fledged Mudguards, pannier rack or side stand can only be attached to specially prepared frames. There are also universal solutions, but these only offer limited functionality. Moderate E-MTBs are also available ex works with full equipment, e.g. the Giant Stance E+ from our test group.
Online or stationary retailer?
Online direct mail order companies, such as Canyon, Radon, Rose or Vitus, attract customers with favourable prices - because this sales model eliminates the dealer margin. However, the lack of dealers is also the disadvantage of this model. Advice? Test ride? Service? All of this is severely limited when buying online. Most mail order companies offer service partners or brand stores that can at least help in the event of damage. Check whether there is a partner near you. However, e-MTB newcomers in particular should attach particular importance to a test ride and testing different models. If you know exactly what you need and have some screwdriving skills, you can save money online!
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Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
