Electric mountain bikes are gaining a lot of popularity these days. There is a wide range of models available at various prices because of which buying a bike can be an overwhelming process.
Most people are confused about how much money to spend to get a decent e-bike. Should the frame be carbon or alloy? What are mullet wheels and is more power better?
You have to make decisions between the battery and motor system too. Many people get confused about how big the battery should be because nobody wants to run out of it in the middle of the ride. So, researching a little won’t hurt you.
Check out our solid guide where we break down the major differences between the top features and how to choose the right electric mountain bike for you.
What is an e-bike?
Electric mountain bikes are also known as eMTBs. They come with compact motors with rechargeable batteries, providing riders with an instant pedaling boost whenever needed.
What makes e-bikes great?
The best cargo bike helps riders supercharge off-road adventures. Mountain e-bikes are popular because they take the effort out of steep hills so you can ride longer without running out of energy.
The power batteries also allow you to access remote areas not serviced by shuttle roads or chairlifts. The best part about eMTBs is that the riders can do more laps and miles in less time and effort.
How do e-bikes work?
Electric mountain bikes are extremely user-friendly and easy to operate. The best electric bike for hills comes with an easily operated controller to toggle between different levels of pedal assist.
Almost all electric components are framed to protect them from hurdles and various elements on the trail.
Your e-bike will turn on by simply pressing the button on the controller near the handlebars. Once you start pedaling, the motor will start kicking in and then you can select the amount of assistance you need based on the terrain.
Electric bikes for big guys turn off automatically after a period of no pedaling but if you want, you can switch off the motor manually too. Always remember to recharge the battery after you are done riding.
How to choose the best cargo e-bike for yourself?
The first question to ask yourself before buying a mountain bike is where and how you would like to ride it. These factors will determine the style of the e-bike. You will get options between riding a mid drive e-bike, the best electric bike for hills, and so on.
Once you have decided on the style, you can start thinking about the power, suspension, battery capacity, and frame material.
3 classes of electric mountain bikes
All electric mountain bikes are categorized between 3 classes based on their speed and power modes. The best way to segregate between the best electric bikes for hills is to decide on what class matches your needs.
Certain trails have restrictions on a few e-bike classes. So, don’t forget to check the local guidelines before deciding on one.
Class 1 – No throttle, pedal assist up to 20 mph
Some of the best mid-drive e-bikes belong to class 1. Also, class 1 e-bikes are allowed on most trials and are the go-to choice of all the serious riders.
Class 2 – Has a throttle, and pedal assist up to 20 mph
Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle which allows you to go pedal-free free but in terms of trail performance, they lag as compared to class 1 e-bikes.
Top brands like Summit Bicycles don’t even sell class 2 e-bikes. They work if you want to go for short rides on the nearby trails. Beginners can opt for this e-bike.
Class 3 – No throttle, pedal assist up to 28 mph
Class 3 mountain e-bikes offer speed but are restricted on certain trails. The best electric dirt bikes for adults fall in this category as they are better suited on wide-open dirt roads as compared to narrow technical trails.
7 key e-bike features to look for
eMTBs are built for tough and rugged adventures. They are integrated with robust tech and electronics so that they can give you the necessary support on trails.
1. Electric Bike Battery
Batteries of the best cargo e-bike are unified in the downtube of the frame and have a capacity that is measured in watt hours (Wh) which ranges between 540Wh to 900Wh. eMTB batteries can be charged on or off the bike.
The distance that you can travel on a single charge depends on the pedal assist mode that you choose. At the same time, the terrain, rider weight, and other things are also taken into consideration. Most mid-drive e-bikes have an eco-saver mode for the battery with powerful output modes.
Larger batteries give longer ranges but they also add to the weight of the e-bike. So, you will have to decide between the weight, range, and budget.
2. Electric Bike Motor
The motor is the most essential component of any mountain e-bike. To understand the capabilities of the motor, you will have to understand these 4 elements.
- Position
High-performance electric mountain bikes have mid-drive systems which means that the central position of the motor is in the bottom bracket. This position helps to preserve a natural center of gravity as it distributes the weight evenly.
Also, this integration is far better than the outdated rear hub motors. If you love trail riding, then you should buy a mid-drive e-bike.
- Modes
All electric mountain bikes come with basic levels of assistance. However, some come with a “walk” mode that slowly moves the bike ahead and is especially handy on steep trail sections.
The best electric bike for big guys also has intelligent modes that automatically adjusts the assistance based on the terrain you are riding. Such modes are present in the best mountain e-bikes under $5000.
- Torque
It is one of the most critical elements of a mid-drive e-bike. It determines the performance on steep hills or while carrying heavy loads. The usual mountain e-bikes have torque ranging from 40 Nm to 80 Nm.
If you love flying up the hills, then you will have to look for e-bikes with higher torque. If you are looking for a natural ride, then the torque doesn’t matter so much.
- Watts
The power output of electric mountain bikes is measured in watts. The highest limit in the US is 750W. The simple thing to understand is that more watts equals a powerful motor.
However, the best electric bike for big guys only offers power of around 250W. The experts believe that this is a sweet spot between having enough capacity to easily ride those steep terrains and still feel like a mountain bike instead of an overweight usual bike.
3. Electric Mountain Bike Display
The best cargo e-bikes come with handlebar or frame-mounted LCDs that show ride data and bike metrics. The display also shows other stats like speed, distance traveled, battery life, and pedal assist mode.
Certain displays are compatible with smartphones and GPS which makes it easier for you to navigate the trails. All features aren’t present in each e-bike so decide which ones matter to you the most and choose accordingly.
4. Electric Mountain Bike Controller
Controllers are small units that are located near the handlebar grip. They allow you to easily toggle between pedal assist modes with a thumb. Certain controllers also help you turn the bike on or off.
The best electric bike for hills has intuitive and slick controllers so that riders can switch effortlessly. Do check the elements of the controller before deciding on an e-bike.
5. Electric Mountain Bike Brakes
Quality brakes are extremely essential as they keep riders in control and help in balancing the bike’s extra weight.
The best electric bike for hills runs on hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm disc rotors and heavy-duty 4-piston calipers to give necessary stopping power for downhill riding to heavier bikes.
6. Electric Mountain Bike Frame Design & Material
Frame design and budget go hand in hand. Carbon fiber saves weight if you have chosen a heavy battery but costs more. Aluminum mid-drive e-bikes are cheaper but heavier.
If you are looking for fast pedaling and precise handling, then choose an e-bike with shorter wheelbases and steeper angles. If you are looking for gravity-focused trail bikes then go for lower, longer, and slacker designs.
7. Electric Mountain Bike Drivetrain
The best electric dirt bike for adults comes with modern 1x drivetrains attached to a cassette of 12 gears.
It is a straightforward setup that offers better shifting and a wide gear range for efficient climbing. You should aim for a 400-500% range between the smallest and largest cogs.
These are some of the features that you should check before buying a mountain e-bike. Also, consider your riding style with the feature and it will be 10x easier for you to decide on the bike.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cargo e-bike can be daunting, but the adventure that awaits is worth the effort. By understanding key features and considering your riding style, you can make a well-informed decision.
With the right eMTB, you will conquer trails with ease, explore remote areas, and enjoy longer rides without the extra effort. So, make a bit of effort in choosing the right e-bike for yourself.
