There are many types of electric mountain bikes on the market, and many cyclists will encounter many problems when choosing. So, as a cycling enthusiast, how do you choose an electric mountain bike? What should you pay attention to when choosing an electric mountain bike?
Next, in this article, you'll learn the essentials of choosing an electric mountain bike to help you choose the model that best suits your needs.
What is an electric mountain bike?
An electric mountain bike is anall-terrain electric bicycle equipped with an electric motor to provide pedal assistance.
It differs from traditional bikes in that electric mountain bikes make it easier to ride on steep and uneven terrain and also help you cover longer distances with less effort. The assistance is activated only when the rider is pedaling, providing a comfortable and safe riding experience while helping you reduce fatigue.
If you're an adventure enthusiast and want to tackle rugged and steep trails, then an electric mountain bike is a great choice for you. Its performance and durability are enough to help you tackle more challenging terrain.
The different types of electric mountain bikes
There are many types of electric mountain bikes on the market, and each type has its own unique features. You need to find the one that best suits your riding style, terrain, and the performance you need. Below are four main types of electric mountain bikes.
Full suspension electric mountain bike
Equipped with front and rear suspension, the electric mountain bike can provide better comfort and grip on rough terrain. It also has shock absorption capabilities to absorb the impact of rough terrain.
Additionally, it not only improves the stability of the mountain bike but also reduces rider fatigue. It is perfect for downhills, mountain routes, and rocky trails.
Fat tire electric mountain bike
Electric mountain bikes with oversized tires have a larger contact area with the ground, providing excellent grip and increased comfort. They are suitable for riding on rough terrain such as gravel roads, sand, snow, or mud.
Plus, fat tire electric bikes are ideal for those who want to ride all year round, whatever the weather conditions.
Semi-rigid electric mountain bike
Hardtail e-mountain bikes are a more common model. They feature suspension only at the front, usually in the form of a telescopic fork, while the rear of the frame remains rigid. This design reduces the bike's weight and increases pedaling efficiency, making it ideal for long rides on hilly trails.
Due to its simple mechanical structure, this AE mountain bike requires less maintenance than a full-suspension model. The absence of a rear shock also means fewer parts likely to wear out over time.
Additionally, its rigid frame optimizes energy transfer when pedaling, providing an energetic feel on flat terrain.
Downhill electric mountain bike (DH)
It's a bike designed to tackle the most extreme terrain. It features long-travel suspension, typically between 180 and 200 mm, which can absorb the shocks of steep descents and jumps. Their reinforced aluminum or carbon frames guarantee great robustness while maintaining a reasonable weight, even when equipped with a motor and battery.
This electric mountain bike features a powerful motor, essential for quickly climbing back uphill after a descent. It offers optimized assistance, allowing you to tackle steep climbs without exerting too much effort, allowing you to complete several descents in a row while saving energy.
Thanks to its specific geometry, the bike ensures maximum stability at high speeds and excellent handling in tight corners.
Why choose an electric mountain bike?
For cyclists who like to push their limits and seek the joy of riding, electric mountain bikes are an ideal choice. Thanks to its pedal-assist sensor , it can provide you with a safer and more comfortable riding experience, whether you are riding in the mountains or exploring rugged terrain.
The main advantage of an electric mountain bike is that it reduces your physical effort, especially when climbing, and also allows you to explore longer and more challenging trails. The pedal-assist sensor adapts to the rider's pace, providing the perfect balance between effort and performance.
Furthermore, it is an ecological and economical alternative to motor vehicles, promoting sustainable mobility without compromising power and autonomy.
What criteria should be taken into account?
The types of electric mountain bikes mentioned above are also criteria to consider. Additionally, you should also consider motor performance, battery life, and frame quality, and carefully evaluate them to ensure they meet your riding requirements. The following will outline these aspects.
Engine and power
The motor is a key element that affects the performance of an electric mountain bike:
- Mid-engine: Provides good balance and progressive assistance, perfect for natural driving.
- Rear wheel motor: Provides more power and traction for steep climbs and difficult terrain.
In Europe, the motor power of electric bikes is generally limited to 250W to comply with regulations, but the electric assistance varies depending on the model and the motor torque (Nm), an important criterion for tackling slopes.
Autonomy and battery
The range of an electric mountain bike depends on the battery capacity and the assistance mode. For long rides or mountain trails, a battery of 500 Wh or more is recommended. It's also important to check the charging time and the possibility of installing additional batteries to extend the usage time.
Transmission and braking
Generally speaking, a good quality transmission ensures smooth gear changes, which plays a very important role in adapting to different terrain conditions. In addition, it is recommended to use hydraulic disc brakes to ensure powerful and precise braking, especially on steep slopes.
Weight and frame
The bike frame should be strong yet lightweight. Aluminum frames offer a good balance between weight and strength, while carbon fiber models further reduce weight for even better handling. Choosing the right frame size is also important to ensure optimal comfort and better ergonomics.
With these criteria in mind, it will be easier for you to choose an electric mountain bike that suits your riding style, performance, and comfort expectations.
How to choose the size of your electric mountain bike?
Choosing the right size mountain bike depends mainly on your height, arm length, and comfort level. Here are some tips to help you choose the right size mountain bike:
- Determine your size range: Mountain bike sizes are usually expressed in "inches to the nearest inch," such as 15 inches or 17 inches. Typically, 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters. So, a 15-inch mountain bike is equivalent to a wheel diameter of 38.1 cm (approximately 38 cm).
- Measure your arm length: While standing, use a ruler to measure the distance from your shoulder to the tip of your middle finger. This distance can help you determine the right mountain bike size for you. Generally speaking, there is a certain correspondence between arm length and mountain bike size. For example, if your arm length is 60 cm (about 23.6 inches), you can choose a frame size of 54 cm (about 21.3 inches).
- Consider riding comfort: Comfort is an important factor when choosing the right size for your mountain bike. Choosing a size that's too small can cause discomfort in your arms, legs, and back while riding; choosing a size that's too large can affect your handling and speed. So, after testing different sizes of mountain bikes, choose the size that best suits your comfort level.
- Consult a professional: If you are not sure how to choose the right size mountain bike, you can consult a professional at a bike shop.
What should you pay attention to before buying an electric mountain bike?
Many cyclists don't know what to look for when buying an electric mountain bike. If you want to choose a suitable electric mountain bike, you should pay attention to the following points. Before purchasing, you should check the following points to avoid many pitfalls.
- Bicycle engine: Check the type and power of the engine;
- Bike Battery Life: Check battery charging time, battery replacement cycle, whether the battery is built-in or removable;
- Compare suspension systems: semi-rigid and front and rear suspension systems, choose the appropriate suspension system according to the terrain;
- Frame weight and quality: Aluminum frames offer a good balance between strength and lightness, while carbon fiber frames are lighter but more expensive.
- Consider your budget: It is recommended to choose an electric mountain bike that fits your budget;
- After-sales service: You should check the warranty period of the motor and battery, as well as the availability of electric bike accessories;
- Customer Reviews: Check out customer reviews of the electric bike brand.
If you check the above points before purchasing, you will be able to choose an electric mountain bike that perfectly suits your needs, ensuring high performance and a long-lasting riding experience.
Which electric mountain bike should you choose?
If you want to choose a high-performance electric mountain bike, it is recommended to choose the LANKELEISI brand, which can guarantee you a better and safer ride and provide you with the most enjoyable adventure riding experience.
LANKELEISI's most cost-effective electric bikes include the MG800Max , MG740PLUS , and other models. Both models are equipped with a 2000W motor, which can guarantee the best power for the bike. They all feature 26 x 4.0-inch wide tires, capable of perfectly conquering any type of terrain.
Both models use a 48V, 20Ah lithium-ion battery. The MG800Max electric bike can travel 55 kilometers in pure electric mode and 130 kilometers in electric assist mode. The MG740PLUS electric bike has a range of up to 70 kilometers in pure electric mode and up to 150 kilometers in pedal assist mode.
Of course, LANKELEISI also offers other mountain bikes that offer excellent value for money. For example, the XC4000 and RV700 models, among others, are equipped with 1000W motors, while the XT750 PLUS and GT800 models, among others, are equipped with 500W motors. The choice of motor depends on your needs.
In addition, LANKELEISI also offers a 3-year warranty and a 15-day return policy to provide you with the most comprehensive after-sales service. If you want to know more about electric mountain bikes, please visit the LANKELEISI official website .
FAQ
Which brand of electric mountain bike should you choose?
LANKELEISI stands out for its powerful and robust models, suitable for all terrains. Therefore, you can consider choosing the LANKEILEISI brand electric mountain bike.
What is the range of a 500w electric mountain bike?
If you choose the LANKELEISI XT750 PLUS electric mountain bike, you can benefit from a range of up to 60 kilometers in purely electric mode and up to 120 kilometers in assisted mode.
If you choose the LANKELEISI GT800 electric mountain bike, it allows you to travel 70 kilometers in pure electric mode and 150 kilometers in pedal assist mode.
