Do I need an e-bike hardtail or fully e-MTB?

Markus Greber

 · 16.05.2022

Do I need an e-bike hardtail or fully e-MTB?Photo: Markus Greber
Do I need an E-MTB hardtail or fully?

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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.

First of all, the terms: As Hardtails is the term E-bikes that only have a suspension forki.e. unsprung at the rear. Fully is the Abbreviation for full suspension, i.e. front and rear suspension. Of course, rear suspension also means more material costs for the manufacturer: shocks, bearings and additional levers naturally cost money and increase the weight. The average additional weight of an E-MTB full-suspension bike is one to two kilos, depending on the equipment.

Good E-MTB hardtails with a decent frame and a good motor are available from around 2500 euros.Photo: Markus GreberGood E-MTB hardtails with a decent frame and a good motor are available from around 2500 euros.
The advantages of an E-MTB full-suspension bike in terms of comfort, safety and riding dynamics are often underestimated by beginnersPhoto: Markus GreberThe advantages of an E-MTB full-suspension bike in terms of comfort, safety and riding dynamics are often underestimated by beginners

When it comes to e-bikes, there is more in favour of the E-MTB-Fully

While there are several arguments in favour of a hardtail on a classic, non-motorised bike, budget is the main factor when deciding between a rigid main frame and full suspension on an E-MTB. The reason: A lightweight, non-motorised hardtail saves a lot of energy on the climbs and is easy to pull over obstacles in the terrain. Both of these advantages are lost on a motorised bike.

That speaks in favour of full-suspension e-bikes

  • More comfort
  • More safety downhill
  • "Only" 1-2 kilos more weight than an e-bike hardtail

An E-MTB hardtail is only marginally lighter than its suspension counterpart and is difficult to take the weight off the rear. If you ride sportily, you will hit every root and stone relatively unfiltered. The advantages of rear suspension in terms of comfort, safety and riding dynamics are often underestimated by beginners. Anyone who does a lot of serious off-road riding will sooner or later need an e-bike fully. Incidentally, the comfort advantage of an e-mountainbike is more significant than that of a non-motorised bike, as the e-MTB is ridden much more from a seated position. This means that a lot more shocks go directly into the spine with a rigid rear end. However, the e-hardtail scores some points when it comes to service and adjustment. This is because the missing bearings and shocks do not need to be serviced and adjusted.

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That speaks in favour of e-bike hardtails

  • Cheaper than E-MTB fullys
  • More service-friendly
Easy forest trails and gravel tracks can be ridden on E-MTB hardtails. When it gets rougher, full-suspension e-bikes have a clear advantage.Photo: Markus GreberEasy forest trails and gravel tracks can be ridden on E-MTB hardtails. When it gets rougher, full-suspension e-bikes have a clear advantage.

The following online shops offer a large selection of e-mountain bikes:

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