Are E-MTBs robust enough? This is how you voted.

It's questions like these that put many bikers off buying an e-MTB: How long does the battery retain its capacity? Are the components designed for the high loads on an E-MTB? Can the sensitive electronics withstand dirt and off-road use? We asked you about your experiences and were delighted with the numerous responses we received. You can find some of our readers' comments and the results of our online survey below, at the end of the article. Here are the biggest weaknesses of the E-MTB:

The motor

Sensitive electronics meet dirt bombardment, mud and water. Can this go well? Can e-bike motors withstand the harsh reality of mountain bike use? Should there be problems with the drive: How accommodating are the manufacturers?

The battery

Everyone knows this phenomenon from their smartphone: after two years at the latest, the battery performance decreases significantly. While the phone only had to be plugged in every other day when it was new, the energy source no longer even lasts a day. How pronounced is this phenomenon on an e-bike? Do the expensive batteries become e-waste after a short time, or is the durability satisfactory?

Other components

Torn chains, bent sprockets or brake pads that wear out every week. A fairy tale, or the harsh reality of E-MTBs? The loads are generally higher with an e-motor than on a normal bike. Too high for the add-on parts?

E-MTB durability: results of the online survey and readers' opinions

In an online survey, we asked how satisfied e-mountain bikers are with the durability of their equipment in general. In a second step, we wanted to know whether the susceptibility to wear and tear of e-MTBs is comparable to that of conventional mountain bikes.

Engine damage
I ride a Cannondale Moterra LT 1 with very high-quality equipment. Wearing parts such as the sprocket, chain, chainring and brakes had to be replaced, of course. Only the Bosch Performance CX motor was disappointing. It has already had to be replaced three times due to noise, bearing problems and rusted ... Fortunately everything is under warranty, but the waiting time spoils the fun.
Felix S. via Email

Movement
My two Giant-E MTBs with Yamaha drivetrains run like clockwork. No problems, even in the most adverse conditions. I've now ridden over 10,000 kilometres in total on two bikes.
Marc Halfpape via Facebook

Problem-free
Twelve months and 4200 kilometres down the road ... The only things that are through and have just been changed are the chain, cassette and drive sprocket. But that should have been done earlier. A flat tyre now and then, but that's about it.
Mario May via Facebook

The EMTB editorial team has put the latest e-mountainbikes with various drive systems through their paces. Read on to find out how the new models fared in the long-term off-road test. EMTB 1/2019, on newsstands from 12 March.