Why keep it simple when you can make it complicated? Many people who are new to e-mountain biking or who have previously only cycled through the terrain on classic bikes without a motor are probably asking themselves this question. The basic characteristics of this special, young genre of e-bikes are quickly explained:

1. Unlike some e-bikes or trekking bikes, real e-mountainbikes are all equipped with a mid-motor. Hub motors (whether front or rear) do not play a role on e-MTBs, as they have clear disadvantages in terms of centre of gravity and handling.
2. E-bike motors cannot be retrofitted to conventional mountain bikes either, as the frame must be specially prepared and more stable to accommodate the drive and battery.
3. How fast are e-mountainbikes? In the off-road e-bike sector, the answer is simple: only normal e-bikes - so-called pedelecs - are used, with a motor that provides assistance up to a speed of 25 km/h. After that, the drive switches off. Then the drive switches off. These e-bikes are classed as bicycles and can also be ridden off-road on trails, forest tracks and gravel paths.

What advantages do e-bikes offer?

Compared to a non-motorised bike, you can travel faster on an e-bike, complete the same tour with less effort or travel further in the same amount of time. The more technical the terrain, the more the e-mountainbike has the edge over a conventional MTB. Differences in performance in groups can be equalised with e-bikes and even steep, long climbs can be conquered. This means that less trained people can also enjoy beautiful bike tours that were previously reserved for more trained athletes.

Brands, motors and types of e-mountainbikes

Wondering which brand builds the best e-mountainbikes? There's no general answer to that question. This is because pretty much all bike manufacturers now also offer various e-mountainbikes. Some offer more, such as Cube, Bulls or Haibike, while others only offer selected models such as E-hardtails or E-MTB fullys with plenty of suspension travel. There is also a wide variety of e-bike motors on the e-MTB market. Some bike manufacturers rely exclusively on one drive manufacturer for their bikes, for example Bosch e-bike motors. Other bike brands offer individual e-MTB models, sometimes with two different drives. For a good indication of which e-bikes are good or have even won a test, you can regularly read our EMTB comparison tests. So that you are fully equipped with basic e-bike knowledge for our e-MTB tests and know what to look for, we have created the right foundation with our special "Basic knowledge for e-mountain bikers"!

Our special "E-mountainbike basics" at a glance:

• Trekking bike or e-MTB: What is the right e-bike for me? Do you even need an e-mountainbike or would you be better off with an SUV e-bike or e-trekking bike? We can help you make a basic decision between the two e-bike categories.
• E-bike hardtail or fully e-MTB: the differences. The decision in favour of an e-bike hardtail or e-MTB fully is primarily a question of budget. This is because different arguments count than with non-motorised bikes. We explain and help with the e-bike purchase decision.
• E-bike types: E-MTB categories at a glance. Are you more of a leisure biker or do you fancy technical MTB trails? We explain the most important e-MTB categories, help you categorise the e-bike classes and ensure that you end up with the right bike.

• Advice on which E-MTB motor is right for whomBosch, Shimano or light motor? Are you looking for an e-mountainbike and wondering which drive is the best? We explain which e-bike motor makes sense for whom - and why the question of Bosch or Shimano is not the decisive one.
• Six current E-MTB motors in a big comparison testWhat do the new e-MTB motors from Yamaha, Rocky Mountain and Panasonic do? Together with the Bosch Smart System, Shimano EP8 and Brose Drive S Mag e-bike motors and extensive measurement technology, we set out to test them in practice.
• Batteries and range for e-mountainbikesBatteries for e-MTBs are now available in all shapes and sizes and from light to heavy. A capacity of around 700 watt hours is standard for classic e-bikes. Some offer more. But are larger batteries always better?
• We show how the range of the e-bike motor changes depending on the gear level. How far does my e-mountainbike go in which gear? We have used a test to determine ranges and provide valuable tips for saving battery power.

• 15 technical tips for e-MTB beginners and experts: Braking, starting, wheelie - but all uphill! The new possibilities of e-mountainbikes require a special riding technique. E-bike expert Stefan Schlie reveals his 15 most helpful tricks and tips.
• How much a good e-mountainbike costsWe provide answers to the question: "How much does a good E-MTB cost?" We recommend at least 2500 euros - that much is already clear. Read this guide to find out when €1000 makes more sense.
• You should pay particular attention to this equipment on an E-MTBThe Shimano XT rear derailleur alone should not be a criterion when buying an e-MTB. We provide tips and explain which e-bike components you should pay particular attention to.