Complete Guide to Buying an Electric Mountain Bike

Your Guide to buying the best Electric mountain bikes

Overview

An electric mountain bike (e-mountain bike) is a great way to explore the outdoors. With its combination of power, speed, and convenience, an e-mountain bike can help you conquer terrain that you never thought possible. This buying guide is designed to help you make the right decisions when it comes to purchasing an e-mountain bike, so you can enjoy the trails for years to come. We will discuss what types of electric mountain bikes are available, important considerations to make when picking the right bike for you, and some of the best models on the market. By the end of this guide, you should have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision and get out on the trails with confidence.

Key features

  1. Price Range - Electric mountain bikes vary greatly in price, so it is important to consider what range you are comfortable spending, as it will impact the quality and features of the bike.
  2. Size and Weight - Pay attention to the size and weight of the bike as it will determine how comfortable the ride is, and whether or not the bike can be transported easily.
  3. Battery Life - Look into the battery life of the electric bike, as this will determine how far you can go before having to recharge the battery.
  4. Features and Components - Different bikes have different features and components, like suspension, gears, brakes, and more. Consider what type of riding you plan to do and the features and components that are important to you.
  5. Motor Power - Electric mountain bikes are powered by motors, so it is important to consider the power of the motor when making your selection. Higher powered motors will help you climb hills more easily.
  6. Parts and Accessories - Be sure to consider what parts and accessories you need, from lights and fenders to racks and water bottles.

See the most popular Electric mountain bikes on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Ease of Use - Electric mountain bikes provide a much easier way to ride long distances or ascend steep hills compared to traditional mountain bikes.
  • Speed and Efficiency - With an electric motor assisting your pedaling, you can reach speeds not achievable on a regular mountain bike.
  • Increased Range - With an electric motor assisting, you can go much further on a charge than you could with just your own pedaling power.
  • Accessibility - Electric bikes can help make mountain biking accessible to people who may not have the level of physical fitness or strength to ride traditional mountain bikes for long distances or steep hills.

Cons

  • Cost - Electric mountain bikes come with a hefty price tag and can be very expensive, which is often a major deterrent to those interested in purchasing an electric bike.
  • Size and Weight - Electric mountain bikes are typically larger than standard bicycles and can be quite heavy, making them more difficult to maneuver on trails and tight areas.
  • Battery Life - The battery life of an electric mountain bike is limited, so you may need to carry extra batteries if you plan on taking longer trips.
  • Lack of Pedaling - Electric mountain bikes do not require you to pedal, meaning you may not get the same workout as you would with a traditional mountain bike.
  • Maintenance - Electric mountain bikes require more regular maintenance than regular bicycles, and the costs for repairs can be quite high.
  • Noise - Electric mountain bikes are often quite loud, so you may not be able to enjoy the peaceful solitude that comes with a regular mountain biking trip.

Best alternatives

  1. Fat tire bicycles - bicycles with unusually wide, knobby tires, typically between 4-5 inches wide, resulting in improved traction and stability on rough terrain
  2. Hybrid bicycles - bicycles that combine features of mountain, road, and touring bikes, allowing riders to comfortably ride on a variety of terrain
  3. Folding bicycles - bicycles designed to fold up to a fraction of their full size, allowing for ease of storage and transport
  4. Cruiser bicycles - bicycles designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring large seats, upright handlebars, and wide, 26 inch tires
  5. Recumbent bicycles - bicycles designed for an upright, reclined riding position, featuring an extended, bucket-style seat and a low center of gravity for improved balance

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Battery Pack - Rechargeable battery that powers the electric motor Charger - Device used to charge the battery pack Pedal Assist Sensor - Measures the torque and speed of the pedals, and communicates this information to the motor Motor - Electric motor that provides additional power to the pedals Display unit - Monitors and displays battery level, speed, and other metrics Throttle - Device used to control the power output of the motor Shifter - Device used to change gears Brake Lever - Activates the brakes on the bike Suspension - System of shocks and linkages that absorb impacts from the terrain Lighting - Lights used for visibility while riding at night Fenders - Covers that block mud and dirt from spraying the rider Kickstand - Stand used to support the bike when not in use Panniers - Bags used to store items while riding

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of Electric mountain bikes?
    • Electric mountain bikes offer many benefits compared to traditional mountain bikes. They provide easier pedaling, greater range and hill-climbing ability, increased speed, and more efficient overall riding.
  2. What types of Electric mountain bikes are available?
    • Electric mountain bikes come in three main categories: hardtails, full suspension and fat-tire. Hardtails are designed with one frame and no rear suspension, as opposed to full suspension models which have a frame and suspension for improved comfort and handling. Fat-tire bikes are designed with wider tires for better traction.
  3. What is the range of an Electric mountain bike?
    • The range of an electric mountain bike can vary based on the type of battery, motor, and other factors like terrain and rider weight. Generally, most electric mountain bikes have a range of 20-100 miles on a single charge.
  4. What factors should be considered when buying an Electric mountain bike?
    • When buying an electric mountain bike, there are a few important factors to consider. These include the type of battery, motor type, frame material, wheel size and type, suspension, components, and intended use.
  5. How much does an Electric mountain bike cost?
    • Electric mountain bikes can range in price from $1,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on the features and specifications you choose. Generally, the more expensive models offer better performance, range, and comfort.

Trivia

An interesting story about electric mountain bikes is the success of professional mountain biker Brandon Semenuk, who recently won the 2021 Red Bull Rampage on an electric mountain bike. This was the first time an eMTB had been used in the competition, and it was the first time the winner had not used a traditional mountain bike. Semenuk's success showed that electric mountain bikes are just as capable as traditional mountain bikes when it comes to off-roading and downhill trails. It's an inspiring story that proves electric mountain bikes are a legitimate option for mountain bikers at all levels. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.