EMTB Readers' Survey: Results & Readers' Awards 2022

What does the prototype of the EMTB reader look like? Simple answer: it doesn't exist. As the top trend of recent years, e-mountain biking has developed at breakneck speed. And the target group is changing at the same pace.

Sporty and lightweight e-mountainbikes are attracting younger bikers, leasing models are increasing the demand for expensive high-end bikes, and commuters are increasingly using e-mountainbikes as commercial vehicles.

Average values can of course be determined - according to this, e-mountain bikers with almost 50 years on average five years older than organic bikers, have a higher average age than the normal population, and have a lower average age. higher level of education and a considerable higher income.

So it's no wonder that e-mountain bikers are more crisis-proof and willing to spend. On average, EMTB readers plan to spend the following on the purchase of a new e-mountainbike 6286 euros to spend - a top score, also in comparison to the reader surveys of our sister magazine BIKE, TOUR and FREERIDE.

How much power does the E-MTB need?

70 % of our readers are satisfied with the performance of classic E-MTB motors. But they don't want anything less. 23,5 % say, however, that they hardly need the maximum power. They would therefore sacrifice engine power for a lighter bike.

Test top topic number 1

The tests in EMTB are of the greatest interest. With 77 % particularly important: Complete bike tests, followed by Component tests (63 %), new products (63 %) and Accessories (60 %). Second focus: Service topics like Screwdriver tips (54 %), Tour recommendations (49 %) and Driving technique (46 %).

Why E-MTB? The main thing is fun - but also more efficiency

Of course, fun is the top priority for all e-mountain bikers: 88 % cite this as their main motivation. And the e-drive helps them to have fun in a very practical way: more range, more metres in altitude, a quick ride up the mountain after work, collecting as many trail kilometres as possible.

Battery sizes: Bigger batteries from 700 WH win

Two trends are emerging when it comes to batteries: either you play it safe and go for the biggest battery, or you like it sporty: small and light. The 700 series batteries are the big winners: 56.4 % of EMTB readers put their cross in this category. Small batteries less than 500 Wh are only 8,2 %, but are increasing significantly.

The EMTB readers: 92 % men

High level of education: 22.6 % have A-levels, 35,8 % have completed a university degree. On average, EMTB readers are 49 years old.

45 % also use a bio-bike in addition to the e-MTB. 28,7 % also use the E-MTB in everyday life, 71,3 % exclusively as sports and leisure equipment.

54 % think e-MTBs are good for children

This has always been a controversial topic. But the pendulum is increasingly swinging in favour of e-bikes here too: 54% of our readers think e-MTBs are good for children. That used to be significantly less.

How much can an E-MTB cost?

Expensive bikes, high incomes, new financing models - there are several reasons why e-bikers are digging deeper and deeper into their pockets. More than a third, for example, are planning to lease their next bike rather than buy it outright. It's clear that the high prices don't hurt as much when employers and the state compensate for part of the cost. As a result, our readers are planning to spend an average of 6286 euros on their next bike purchase. Two years ago, this average figure was just 4834 euros. 43% of EMTB readers are looking in the price category above 6000 euros.

All favourites: EMTB readers' favourite brands & the E-MTBs of the Year 2022

Which brands are particularly popular? EMTB readers were able to vote for their favourite brands in 24 categories. The top 3 received the popular Readers' Award.

In addition to the Readers' Awards, other titles were also awarded. Part of the readers' survey was the vote for the best bikes of the year - the E-MTB of the Year 2022. There were 20 candidates to choose from in four categories - from touring bikes and all-mountain bikes to e-enduro bikes and light e-MTBs. Four candidates came out on top in the end. Here is an overview of all the 2022 award winners.

Type question: What type of E-MTB to buy?

All Mountains continue to rise in favour with e-mountain bikers: 65 % intend to buy such an all-rounder with 140-160 mm travel for their next purchase.

The Enduros lay with 26 % and hang the Touring fullys (18,3 %) is now declining significantly. Interest in the category Light bikes also seems to be on the rise: Only 2.3 % of EMTB readers own a light bike, but already 9,1 % want to buy one.

56,6 %: Bosch extends its lead

With the new light drives, the motor market is becoming more diverse. However, the new competition seems to be beating Bosch to the punch. The Swabians are even extending their lead by 3 %: 56.6 % of our readers are opting for a Bosch drive unit for their next bike purchase. Also Shimano increases by almost 5 %: to 20 %. Brose (12.8 %) and Yamaha (3.1 %).

93.5 % fullys: Is the e-hardtail dying out?

The crucial question: hardtail or fully? The advantages of the rigid rear end on classic bikes are not convincing for e-bikers. The pendulum is swinging ever further in the direction of the fully. 93,5 % of our readers want to opt for a full-suspension e-mountainbike for their next purchase.

Which brand to buy? The intentions of EMTB readers

The most exciting question for bike manufacturers: Who can look forward to particularly good business? Here is the Top ten ranking, which brands are on the shopping list of EMTB readers. Cube gains 6.5 % and leads with almost 24 % of the vote. Red deer makes the biggest leap to second place with over 10 %. Specialised saved 3rd place, but lost 5.8 percentage points. Narrowly missing out on the top 5 is Orbea with 7 %. With growth of 6.3%, the Spanish are among the big winners.