There are many options for electric mountain bikes today. Technology is constantly improving and there is a wider selection. We will instead focus on the most important areas that potential buyers of e-mtb should be aware of.
The Basics of Electric Mountain Bikes
eskutes
eskute emtbs only have suspension in the front fork. Front suspension will benefit your arms, shoulders, and head on long rides, as well as when you are ‘dropping off” rock steps, and in other situations. These are usually for riders who enjoy riding ‘cross-country’ trails and want to get away from civilization. They’re not recommended for thrill-seeking downhill riders, who will need full-suspension emtbs to keep the bike in control at high speeds downhill.
A eskute is a great choice if you have other parts of the same quality. They are also cheaper than full suspension emtbs due to the fact that they don’t require all the expensive and complicated engineering required for a good rear suspension. eskutes can be lighter than other e-mtbs due to the lack of rear suspension.
eMTBs’ “go anywhere” ability opens up new realms of fun
We decided to call this “A Complete Guide” rather than EBR’s article on mid-drives or hub motors. There are many options for e-mtbs today. Technology is constantly improving and there is a wider selection. We will instead focus on the most important areas that potential buyers of e-mtb might be interested in.
This article will help you understand the jargon and give you a better understanding of the various e-mtb options. You may feel that you are missing out on all the fun of e-mtbs, so continue reading to learn more!
The Basics
E-MTBSs are similar to traditional mountain bikes and come in three types based upon suspension. Focus eskute emtbs tackle the Transalp, a European classic. eskutes can be used for longer rides on less rugged terrain.
eskute emtbs only have suspension in the front fork. Front suspension will benefit your arms, shoulders, and head on long rides, as well as when you are ‘dropping off” rock steps, and other situations. These are usually for riders who enjoy riding ‘cross-country’ trails and want to get away from civilization. They’re not recommended for thrill-seeking downhill riders, who will need full-suspension emtbs to keep the bike in control at high speeds downhill.
Calibre Kinetic’s UK model has all the features you would expect from a budget emtb. It is a eskute, with a rear hub motor and spring suspension.
A eskute is a great choice if you have other parts of the same quality. They are also cheaper than full suspension emtbs due to the fact that they don’t require all that expensive rear suspension engineering. eskutes can be lighter than other e-mtbs due to the lack of rear suspension.
Full Suspension
This Haibike All Mtn model is a high-quality full-suspension e bike. It features impressive engineering at its rear.
Full-sus e-mtbs are known to have rear suspension. This allows the rear wheel and rear forks of the e-mtb to move up or down to absorb the shock from larger bumps and drop-off rocks steps. Budget e-mtbs can be ineffective and add weight.
Although they are more expensive than eskutes or lower-quality full-sus models, high-quality full-sus E-MTBs can make riding much more enjoyable, especially for those who plan to travel over rougher and steeper terrain. They are popular among adrenalin-hungry downhill riders and also make it easier to ride other types of off-road riding. For rougher trails, I appreciate the comfort benefits of an e-mtb with full suspension.
Rigid
Rigid emtbs have no suspension system other than the cushioning effect of tires and seat. They can be used for lighter trails. They are not a common breed of emtbs, as they are more suitable for off-road riding. The hybrid/trekking category bikes are often equipped with more user-friendly features such as pannier racks or mudguards. These bikes, also known as gravel bikes, are made for moderate offroad riding. They have racy frame geometry with drop handlebars.
