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E-bike trekking bike or e-mountain bike? This is a fundamental decision that influences all other questions. Do you need an e-MTB at all or are you better off in the e-trekking bike category? Even if some trekking bikes look like they have simply had mudguards and a lighting system fitted to the mountain bike: The two categories are fundamentally different. We show the differences and explain where the bikes have their strengths and weaknesses.
The e-bike trekking bike
Trekking bikes or touring bikes have a rather short geometry with steep angles. This means you sit upright and comfortably for long tours on roads and cycle paths and for travelling to work. With good suspension (some e-bike touring bikes have full suspension), trekking bikes can also cope with gravel tracks. They have permanently installed lights and mudguards as well as sturdy pannier racks. When it comes to the drive, there are Trekking category of e-bikes different approaches. Some have the same powerful motors as their mountain bike counterparts. Others have to make do with cheaper, less powerful motors. Trekking bikes reach their limits when it comes to serious off-road riding. With the comfortable riding position, there is little pressure on the front wheel. This means you lose traction on climbs. The steep geometries of these bikes are also quickly overtaxed on descents. Due to the many add-on parts, trekking bikes are naturally also significantly heavier than e-MTBs. The tyres also generally cannot withstand tough off-road use. The gear ratios of trekking bikes are designed for flat terrain rather than steep climbs. Do you want to take your new e-bike safely and comfortably off-road? Then this category is out of the question.
SUV e-bikes - the hybrid class
SUV e-bikes are - in the style of the car class - currently very much in vogue. The basis for this is usually a mountain bike frame with add-on parts from the trekking sector. For example, the handlebars are lined with spacers and steep stems so that the rider sits more upright. Furthermore SUV e-bikes mudguards, pannier racks and lighting systems ex works. The fully equipped e-bikes usually roll on lightweight mountain bike tyres and are powered almost exclusively by powerful motors from the e-MTB sector. In general, the Zwitter models are closer to mountain bikes than trekking bikes and are aimed at a sporty clientele. They can be used on easy terrain without any problems. The sticking point: The add-on parts not only add considerable weight, they can also rattle unpleasantly on uneven terrain. Especially the side stands. The big advantage: Once you've discovered the fun of off-road riding, these bikes can be converted into genuine e-MTBs with a manageable amount of conversion work.
The e-mountainbike
Basically, the E-MTB is designed for tough off-road use. This starts with the frame, which must not only be stable, but also sufficiently rigid. All components and add-on parts on the e-MTB must also be able to withstand the stresses of off-road use. On an e-mountainbike, you sit in a more stretched and sporty position than on a trekking bike, which puts more pressure on the front wheel. This allows braking forces to be transmitted better and traction is distributed more evenly between both wheels. Longer geometries and slacker steering angles further stabilise the E-MTB off-road. Some E-MTBs - especially E-hardtails - offer preparations for fitting mudguards and pannier racks. Here you can find a Test of twelve e-hardtails up to 3000 euros. A lighting system can also often be retrofitted with little effort. There is therefore nothing to stop you using an e-mountainbike for everyday use. So if you want to take a sportier approach anyway and can cope with the longer geometry, an e-MTB is the bike with the widest range of use. Even those who do not fully utilise the off-road capabilities of an E-MTB can benefit. This is because the suspension and tyres make the bikes significantly more comfortable and safer. You are sure you want an e-mountainbike but don't know how much suspension travel your new e-bike should have. Then we can help you here with the Choosing the right E-MTB category.
You can find a large selection of e-mountainbikes, for example, at Bicycle XXL, Liquid Life or Fitstore24.
