Full Suspension vs. Hardtail E-Bikes: Which One Is Right for Me?

Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 20, 2024 | Time to read 5 min

I think the deciding factor between hardtail e-MTBs and full-suspension e-MTBs comes down to the terrain you want to ride. Full-suspension bikes let you take on any trail you want, absorbing the biggest bumps and jumps along the way. If you are going to ride through bike parks, rock gardens, and downhill routes with big obstacles, you’ll want to ride a full-suspension e-MTB.

Hardtails are built for agility and speed over lighter terrain. Smooth singletrack and XC trails are hardtail e-MTBs’ bread and butter. Hardtails are versatile and are more crisp on pavement, so you can switch between off-road routes and paved sections without losing too much efficiency. A mountain biking detour on your commute back home, anyone?  If you’re planning to ride through rooty cross-country terrain and forest paths, a hardtail e-MTB will deliver.

Mountain bikes need to perform well no matter which way they’re pointing on the mountain. Non-motorized hardtails are better for pedaling uphill because no energy gets lost by the squishy rear end. But when it comes to motor-equipped e-Bikes, this advantage mainly disappears. As mentioned, hardtail e-MTB batteries tend to last longer on the climbs due to the lower weight.

On the gnarlier downhill routes, full-suspension e-MTBs will be much faster. The added suspension provides more control over rough terrain at high speeds and the extra bike weight helps a bit, too.

The more complex system on a full-suspension e-MTB will require a bit more care to ensure everything’s working as it should. Servicing and adjusting forks and rear shocks isn’t the most simple task in the world, so you’ll want to do your research. If you have a grasp on basic e-Bike maintenance, you’ll be most of the way there regarding hardtails.

On both styles of electric mountain bikes, you’ll want to take care of the battery and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

Full-suspension e-MTBs are more expensive than their hardtail siblings. A lot of design work goes into optimizing the shock-absorbing rear end and the additional components raise the cost. They are still a great investment, though— full-suspension models perform better and last longer under heavy use. Hardtails are an excellent option that delivers tons of value for budget-conscious mountain bikers.

Choosing between a hardtail and full-suspension e-MTB ultimately depends on your riding goals, terrain preferences, and budget.

Hardtails excel on smooth trails and cross-country routes, offering agility, efficiency, and affordability. That’s a perfect combo for developing and recreational riders. Full-suspension e-MTBs shine on technical trails and downhill routes, delivering control and superior performance for more aggressive adventurers.

You won’t have to choose where to get your next e-MTB— Upway has a huge selection of electric mountain bikes at huge discounts.

Ready to hit the trails? Browse our full collection of electric mountain bikes to find the perfect fit for your next adventure. Check out our hardtail e-MTBs and full-suspension e-MTBs to see what suits your style. Still deciding? Explore my recent blog on how to choose the right e-MTB or the 5 best electric mountain bikes of 2025 for some inspiration.