MTB or e-MTB: which one should you choose?
MTB or e-MTB: which one should you choose?
Deciding between an MTB or e-MTB is not easy. This guide will help you make the decision. Read on to find out more.
If you're tantalisingly looking at trails and thinking just how amazing it'd be to take a mountain bike on them, or maybe an electric mountain bike would be better? No, definitely a traditional mountain bike. But an e-MTB would surely make those climbs easier...
The verdict around mountain bike vs e-mtb is open to debate. We get it.
In addition to all the other decisions when buying a new bike (27.5", 29" or mullet? Shimano or SRAM? Which suspension fork? Trail, Enduro or Downhill?), there are now electric motors to add to the equation.
And with the rise of electric assistance on some of the coolest mountain bikes you've ever seen, it's sometimes hard to decide which type of mountain bike to go for.
So, the big question is: how do you decide between a mountain bike and an e-mtb?
What's the point of e-mountain bikes?
Mountain biking can be hard work but it's fun. Mountain bikes are primarily designed for going downhill fast. But to go downhill, you need to go uphill.
Here's where electric mountain bikes come into their own.
Like other e-bikes, e-mtbs are fitted with a motor that assists with speed. You can save your energy for the fun stuff like whizzing downhill time and again. Make light work of the crushingly steep ascents. Squeeze in one more lap of the bike park before heading home. Steep sweaty slogs are a thing of the past with an electric mountain bike.
Can I turn my mountain bike into an electric bike?
Why would you need to fork out for an e-bike that can take on the same sort of trails as a regular mountain bike? It’s a valid question. But there's a reason both bike types exist – and it's not just convenience.
We spoke to our Global MTB Category Director Sebastian Maag to understand why you should avoid converting traditional mountain bikes into electric mountain bikes.
"In theory, you can convert any single bike into an electric bike and there are many suppliers that offer retrofit kits. But e-bikes and MTBs are classified differently and are therefore subject to different guidelines," says Sebastian, before diving into the technical reasons. "There are other forces and loads that can lead to damage. Such an intervention also changes the intended use of the product and therefore voids your warranty."
The main differences between e-MTBs and MTBs
Stand an electric MTB and traditional MTB side-by-side and you'll be hard-pressed to point out the differences beyond a couple of subtle physical features. The bigger differences manifest during the ride itself.
Pedal power vs battery power
Purists will say you can't beat regular mountain bikes for really challenging yourself on the tricky climbs. Physically overcoming obstacles, gradients and terrain with just your own power is hard to beat.
Electric mountain bikes take the sting out of the trail particularly when riding uphill. A small boost means you can conserve energy, enjoy the landscape and have more fun on the descent.
Ride quality
It's hard to compare e-mountain bike rides to regular mountain bike rides. They're two very different experiences. Pedalling an enduro bike uphill will get your muscles working but result fatigue much earlier than if you rode an e-MTB. On the latter, you’ll still get a good workout, but you’ll get to the top faster.
When it comes to the descent, the two bikes ride differently due to their weight and geometry. Each bike has its own ride characteristics – like all of us. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
E-Bikes vs Mountain Bikes: the pros and cons
The best way to compare the two types of mountain bikes is to take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Pros of electric mountain bikes
- More relaxing to ride
- Saves time riding uphill meaning you can get in an extra run before sunset
- They make bringing your kids in the trailer with you a breeze
- Everyone can ride together regardless of ability
Cons of electric mountain bikes
- Heavier than traditional mountain bikes
- Cleaning and maintenance can be tricky
- Batteries can drain quicker in colder weather
- Batteries cannot be taken on aeroplanes
E-Bikes vs Mountain Bikes: the pros and cons
Pros of regular mountain bikes
- An excellent form of physical exercise
- No restrictions on some events or competitions
- No range anxiety (apart from how far you are from a snack stop!)
- Lighter and therefore easier to load into a car or van
- Cheaper than a like-for-like electric version
- No electric motor or battery maintenance to worry about
Cons of regular mountain bikes
- Requires more energy particularly on climbs
- No option to add power if you're struggling
- More travel often means a heavier bike (less of an issue with e-bikes)
Should I get an e-MTB or MTB?
We want you to have fun whilst you're out in the fresh air whether that's on an electric mountain bike or traditional mountain bike. As you have read, there are pros and cons to both.
If you're looking for physical challenge, a light and playful bike to hone your skills on, a mountain bike is for you. If you're restricted with budget, you'll find a great MTB that allows you to go on big rides.
An e-MTB will take you further for the same amount of effort as a regular mountain bike. They're great for repeated laps, particularly tricky climbs and finding more adventurous trails in your riding vicinity. The more battery capacity, the more fun you can have on the trails without needing to recharge.
