Class 1 e-MTBs are the most accepted, and you can go on a lot of trails with them. Classes 2 and 3 are often subject to stricter limitations on where you can go and what you can do.
What Should I Know Before Buying An Electric Mountain Bike?
Written by: Robbie Ferri | February 24, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
Buying your first electric mountain bike is exciting and slightly overwhelming. Motors, batteries, suspension, sizing… there’s a lot to get right. The good news is that once you understand a few key basics, choosing the right e-MTB becomes much simpler.
More about the Author: Robbie Ferri
Robbie is a UK-based ultra cyclist, former bike shop worker, and qualified bike fitter. Deeply passionate about e-Bikes and adventure cycling, he combines hands-on experience with real-world riding to help others go further on two wheels.
Buying an e-MTB without doing any research is a very expensive way to learn about bikes, batteries, motors, and quite often regret. Electric mountain bikes are brilliant, but you have to buy the right e-MTB for you. This article will teach you everything you need to know, from the right type of bike to buy to the checks you should make, whether new or pre-owned, and we will recommend where you get the best deal.
👋 Welcome to Upway!
Upway is your top destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Discover your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail prices, available in new or like-new condition.
What Type of E-MTB Do You Actually Need?
E-MTBs come in many shapes and sizes. You have different models designed for different riding and trail types. The first step is to determine which type of bike is ideal for you, based on your riding style.
It’s also important to discuss e-MTB classes. Depending on the bike you choose, it will fall into a certain class. Depending on the bike's ability, you might not be able to ride it on certain trails. We recommend a Class 1 because they are most likely to be allowed on mountain bike trails, but here arel the options.
Class 1: Max speed 20mph, only works on pedal assist
Class 2: Max speed 20mph, uses a throttle
Class 3: Max speed 28mph, pedal assist only
What Brand E-MTB Should I Buy?
There are some fantastic e-MTB brands to buy from, with a very wide range of prices. Going with a well-known brand such as Giant or Specialized is a great option, but it generally comes at an extra cost.
Using a lesser-known brand such as Velotric or Lectric will be nice on the wallet and offer excellent specifications, but might not give you the ride feel you want. This comes down to budget and how much you want to spend more than anything.
Does the E-MTB Bike Brand Matter?
With e-MTBs, you're not just paying for the name, but also for the technology that comes with it and the extra research and development they've invested in. A good example is Specialized, which uses its own Brose motor design and offers the best efficiency for a lightweight e-Bike.
Some lesser brands will boast high specifications, but they will be using a generic, off-the-shelf motor. The bike will be much heavier, and you might not get the experience you want. There’s a reason these bigger brands survive, even with huge investments in research and development.
It’s good to mention that with the bigger brands the components are generally better. Suspension will be from brands such as Fox and Rockshox, Gearing will have more ratios and be smoother, and even the wheels will be lighter and equipped with better tires.
Are all E-MTB Motors and Batteries the same?
It's good to understand that all e-MTB motor and battery systems are not the same. Like a car with an engine, you can have the same specifications, but the power and delivery can be completely different. Going with a good brand with good motor technology makes a big difference in ride feel, reliability, and efficiency, while being lightweight and delivering good motor output.
You also get a lot from the motor's position. Some are in the hubs of the wheels. Others are mid-drive motors in the frame behind the bottom bracket. Mid-drive systems offer better handling, but hub motors are cheaper.
Getting a bike with a motor system from Shimano, Bosch, or Brose matters. Some of our favorite motors are the Shimano EP8, the Bosch Performance CX, and the Turbo system from Specialized (heavily designed by Brose). The rechargeable batteries in better systems last much longer and undergo more charge cycles.
Do size and fit really matter on my e-MTB?
This is where most of the bad buys happen. Some shops don’t overly worry about the bike's size when selling it. The term “Yeah, that should work” or “It will get more comfortable over time” comes to mind. Don’t go to these shops.
Getting the right size is vital for your height and reach. As a bike fitter, I can’t stress enough to do your research here. You don’t need to dig into geometry charts, but see what the manufacturer recommends on their website. Using a platform like Upway will recommend what heights suit what bike. Also you can filter it in the search.
What if I’m between sizes?
I get this question all the time when speaking to people about bike fits. Suppose you are looking for speed and an aggressive position, size down. If you are looking for comfort and distance, I recommend sizing up.
New vs Used: What You Should Know
Another thought that you might not have considered is buying new or secondhand. Buying new gives you that new bike experience, that new bike smell, more options, and even a warranty. It all sounds great, but it will drain your pockets much more, and resale values will drop massively.
Buying a secondhand e-Bike comes with its risks. You might get a dodgy seller. You could be buying a stolen bike. Has it been well looked after? What if it breaks when you start riding? And how is the health of the motor and the battery?
A massive saving but also risky. When looking, also try not to get caught up in strange wheel sizes (Homemade mullet wheels and mullet setups), carbon frames, and faulty hub motors.
🤝 Enjoy an even greater discount when you trade in your old electric bike today!
Click here for a price estimation
Is Upway the best of both worlds when buying an e-MTB?
Upway is a fantastic option that gives you all the benefits of buying new at the price of buying secondhand. Here’s why:
- E-MTB-specific mechanical inspection
- Motor and electronics fully tested
- Battery health checked and verified
- Class-compliant trail-legal bikes
- Suspension and drivetrain assessed
- One-year warranty included
- Better value than buying new
- Safer than private used sales
- Wide range of trail and enduro e-MTBs
- Ready-to-ride condition on delivery
It’s an excellent way to reduce costs for a better bike, and they come delivered straight to your door. Why not check out some of our amazing e-Bikes?
Browse some of our amazing e-MTBs below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-MTB?
Is an e-MTB worth it for beginners?
Yes. E-MTBs can actually be easier to ride than regular mountain bikes thanks to pedal assist. They are also a little heavier, keep you glued to the floor, and have a great feel.
Is buying a used e-MTB online safe?
It can be, if you buy from a reputable source. Platforms like Upway reduce risk by inspecting bikes, verifying battery health, and including a warranty.
Key Takeaways
- Buy the Right Type Before Chasing Specs. Choosing the right e-MTB style for your riding matters far more than buying the most powerful one. Type and size are the most important factors.
- Fit and Feel Matter More Than Brand Hype. Well-sized, well-balanced electric mountain bikes from a sensible brand will always beat a poorly fitting bike with flashy specifications.
- Smart Buyers Balance Value and Risk. Buying used e-MTBs can unlock far better bikes for your budget, but only if the motor, battery, and condition are properly checked.
