How to Choose the Right Electric MTB
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 17, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Upway’s big selection of e-MTBs means there are a ton of options, but what is the best electric bike for dominating descents and crushing climbs? Learn about the different types of e-MTBs and amplify your next trail adventure.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Electric mountain bikes have cracked the code on how best to explore your favorite stretches of trails. While roadies have hesitated to embrace the impending (read: already arrived) e-Bike revolution, trail shredders love the benefits of boosted riding.
Demand is big and bike manufacturers have delivered plenty of fun and diverse e-MTBs to send singletrack and steep chutes— but how do you choose? I’ve packed my mountain of e-MTB knowledge into this brief buyer’s guide to point you in the right direction. Keep reading and I’ll meet you at the trailhead!
What is an e-MTB?
An electric mountain bike (e-MTB) is a mountain bike with an integrated motor that provides pedal assistance. There’s no throttle, so pedaling is the only way to receive the additional power on climbs. While you’ll enjoy the helpful boost uphill, e-MTBs are designed to handle just like acoustic MTBs (no motor) while descending technical terrain.
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Choosing the right electric mountain bike
Narrowing in on the perfect e-MTB for you means deciding on the style of mountain bike that fits your needs. Think about the type of riding you intend to do as you learn about the main categories of electric mountain bikes below:
Cross-country (XC) e-MTB
These efficient e-MTBs are designed for your local XC circuits and trails with uphill sections. Speed and technical handling matter, so these e-Bikes typically run larger 29” wheels and lightweight components. XC mountain bikes are usually hardtails, meaning they don’t have rear suspension.
Trail e-MTB
Trail e-MTBs embrace an all-rounder approach to the mountain, equipped with the right specs to handle a wide range of terrains and gradients. These versatile bikes perform excellently no matter which way they’re pointing on the mountain, and typically have between 130mm to 150mm of suspension travel on the front and rear.
Enduro e-MTB
The next step up in big trails and chunky terrain, enduro e-MTBs have even longer suspension travel. These rowdy e-Bikes let you shuttle yourself up the mountain and test your skills on the downhill descent. They typically have around 160mm to 180mm of travel on the front and rear.
Note: Wondering why there aren’t any electric downhill mountain bikes? Gravity riders are already used to taking chairlifts to get up their favorite DH bike parks, and the extra-long suspension would make these e-MTBs super-duper pricey. But word on the street is that there are few electric DH models in the works…
Note: Wondering why there aren’t any electric downhill mountain bikes? Gravity riders are already used to taking chairlifts to get up their favorite DH bike parks, and the extra-long suspension would make these e-MTBs super-duper pricey. But word on the street is that there are few electric DH models in the works…
All-terrain/adventure e-Bikes
There’s a new class of e-MTB-related electric bikes skyrocketing in popularity. I refer to them as all-terrain or adventure e-Bikes, and they are typically more affordable than standard e-MTBs. They typically have front suspension, fat tires, a rugged design, and hub-drive motors for plenty of trail fun on a smaller budget.
e-MTB purists may scoff at me including these recreational e-Bikes in this guide, but their enormous popularity and value deserve an honorable mention. They are excellent entry-level models to get into e-Biking and explore lighter terrains. Best-selling models like the Aventon Aventure, Pedego Trail Tracker, or RadRover are solid examples of this style of e-MTB.
e-MTB purists may scoff at me including these recreational e-Bikes in this guide, but their enormous popularity and value deserve an honorable mention. They are excellent entry-level models to get into e-Biking and explore lighter terrains. Best-selling models like the Aventon Aventure, Pedego Trail Tracker, or RadRover are solid examples of this style of e-MTB.
Hardtail e-MTB or full-suspension e-MTB?
At some point during your search, you’ll need to decide between hardtail or full suspension. Hardtails have front suspension but no rear suspension (hence the rigid tail, or rear end) while full-suspension bikes have a rear shock. Hardtail e-MTBs are great for beginner riders or riders who stick to lighter terrains that don’t require tons of suspension travel. Hardtails are approachable, easier to maintain, and less expensive than their full-squish counterparts.
How much travel does my e-MTB need?
Longer suspension travel allows you to take on bigger and badder trails, so it depends on what time of riding you intend to do. Entry-level and most XC riders stick to hardtails with shorter suspension specs, around 120mm and below. All-mountain machines typically clock in around the 130mm to 150mm mark on the front and rear; any more than that and you’re entering enduro territory— think big bike parks and chunky rock gardens.
What’s the deal with wheel size?
Another important consideration when it comes to e-MTBs is wheel size— 27.5” and 29” wheels are the modern standard. Fast-rolling 29” wheels help navigate over large obstacles while smaller 27.5” wheels can feel a bit more playful, ideal for technical terrain with tight corners. Some “mullet” or mixed-wheel models have a 29” front wheel and a 27.5” rear tire. Other models equip XS and S frames with smaller wheels and larger sizes with 29” wheels in the pursuit of more balanced geometry.
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How much does a good electric mountain bike cost?
e-MTBs’ advanced suspension, trail tech, and powerful motors make them one of the most expensive types of electric bike, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get an excellent ride.
New electric mountain bikes can start around $1,500 and blow well past the $10,000 mark, with great mid-tier models costing $2,500 to 5,000. Check out the best e-MTBs under $3,000 and some of Upway’s favorite e-MTBs this year.
New electric mountain bikes can start around $1,500 and blow well past the $10,000 mark, with great mid-tier models costing $2,500 to 5,000. Check out the best e-MTBs under $3,000 and some of Upway’s favorite e-MTBs this year.
Hit the trail with Upway
But the secret to purchasing an amazing trail-munching e-Bike at a great price is buying used! Okay, we’re biased but, it’s true that getting a certified pre-owned e-MTB from Upway lets you enjoy that pedal assist at a huge discount. Find some of your favorite models at unbeatably low prices and with a one-year warranty so all you have to worry about is planning your next adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Match Your e-MTB to Your Style: XC, trail, and enduro e-MTBs suit different terrains and riding preferences.
- Hardtail vs. Full-Suspension: Hardtails are budget-friendly for lighter trails; full-suspension bikes handle tougher terrain.
- Budget Wisely: e-MTBs range from $1,500 to $10,000—certified pre-owned options offer premium features at lower costs.
