Key factors To Assess When Buying An e-MTB For Your Thrilling Escapades

Photo by Miłosz Klinowski on Unsplash

No matter if you’re seeking out hidden backcountry gems, taking over the most technical terrain, or just looking to add more fun to your rides, electric mountain bikes (aka e-MTBs) stand out from other types of bikes and can take your off-road explorations to the next level. They come packed with compact motors designed to keep the vehicle moving through rechargeable batteries, and excitingly enough, it’s this feature that gives you an instant pedaling boost when you want that extra push.

Now, depending on numerous variables, like weight, range, modes, power on tap, and so on, a bike’s ability to facilitate some actions differs. Is the vehicle you’re eyeing used or new? This characteristic also opens the room for new questions to ask and answer. 

With a sea of variables, you need to ensure your chosen e-MTB has the features you need to meet all your wants and needs. Let’s break down some essentials and paramount characteristics to check up on so that you can push the pedal of the best e-MTB to suit your needs. 

The riding lesson

While you may have an idea about what an e-MTB implies, especially if you’re not a first-time possessor, it’s important to understand that these bikes vary extensively. Even after you’ve decided on a type, you need to consider the brand you’ll go for.

If you want to venture into uncharted territory, away from the bike paths laid out, you’ll need a bike with oversized tires that can make riding on techy, dirty surfaces a breeze. Your bike also needs to ensure maximum comfort at every bump and jump, working flawlessly on pavement, rough terrain, and even soft surfaces like sand or gravel. There are fat tire e-bikes that resemble e-MTBs, the difference being that they come with considerably wider tires to meet the needs of taller bikers. With bulkier components, this bike ends up heavier than the typical e-MTB—something to keep in mind as you weigh your options.

Getting more bang for your buck

As with many acquisitions in life, premium products come with mightier price tags attached. This theory often applies to bikes, too. Now, the quality and reliability of the vehicle that will accompany you in some risky feats is to not be belittled. Rather than settling for a new e-MTB and making compromises, like choosing a bike with lower torque that may struggle on hills, you can look into the second-hand market. If you want a premium, built-to-last e-MTB but wouldn’t break the bank only to go with the first provider of e-bikes you stumble upon online or at the mall, then a used electric bike may be the best pick for you. 

Look for an e-MTB that guarantees it’s been professionally inspected before being listed for sale, offering every information you may need, including its true condition, traveled miles, and so on. Has your eyed e-MTB had components like tires and brakes fixed or repaired? A trustworthy seller specifies these paramount details. 

It’s also wise to look into the vehicle’s past usage and get the mechanic’s input; reputable suppliers include this information to answer potential buyers’ questions and help their decision-making. If the vendor you’re looking into can build trust, this is a green flag that you’re in the right place to get an e-MTB that hits the mark while allowing you to stick to a budget. 

The battery

One of the most important features of your e-bike, the battery’s capacity, speaks volumes about the distance you’ll be able to travel. E-MTB batteries, installed into a frame’s downtube, can be entirely charged on or off the vehicle in just a couple of hours. The battery’s autonomy is rated in watt hours (Wh), and going for a seller with standing on the market will offer you more flexibility in this regard, allowing you to take something as potent as 700+ Wh or 300+ Wh if your trips are short.

The chosen pedal-assist mode determines how far you’ll bike with only one range – aka battery charge – and other elements, like your weight and the terrain’s obstacles. Some e-MTBs come with an Eco mode designed to maximize battery efficiency alongside stronger output settings. Importantly, higher-capacity batteries may translate to larger charges, but they come with extra weight. You’ll thus have to consider how important superior range and weight savings are for you and decide on your favorite e-MTB accordingly. When vetting options, consider if you want a removable or fixed battery. For trips, picnics, and other outings away from home, an e-MTB with a removable battery will be a godsend, allowing you to charge it off your bike instead of moving heavy loads around. 

The controller

E-MTB controllers are compact components positioned near the handlebar’s grip. They are designed to help you effortlessly switch between pedal-assist levels using your thumb. On some models, this unit also manages the vehicle’s power, though the specific button for this might be mounted elsewhere.

This device connects to the cockpit’s superior, customizable displays. No matter the model chosen, premium e-MTB controllers are sleek and user-friendly, ensuring an intuitive experience anytime they’re ridden.  

The display 

One of the elements you may look at while riding is your bike’s display, showing details like how much range you have left, the pedal-assist mode, speed, and traveled distance, among others. eMTBs hook up frame-mounted or handlebar LCD screens to offer stats and bike metrics on the spot, which is why their readability is essential. Some high-end displays are compatible with GPS services and smartphone apps, coming with color instead of the classic b/w. 

Evaluate the features on the screen the electric mountain bike you’re researching presents and check out those that are most important to you.

Other things to check out.

As with the standard mountain bike, the electric variant presents various specific features chosen with an exact terrain type in mind. From off-the-beaten-track routes to chunky and steep trails to cross-country sets, the destination significantly impacts your selection.  

Determine your needs and priorities first, then choose a reliable supplier to ensure your electric buddy ticks all the boxes and confidently has your back during your most challenging jaunts.