What Is An e-MTB?

Simply put, an electric bike is a normal bicycle equipped with a motor to assist the rider’s performance. You still pedal as you usually would, but you get a little more oompf for your stroke.

You can get varying types of e-Bikes with different motors, batteries and set up, but mountain bikes tend to have a general rule.

The main additional components for an e-MTB is a motor, pedalling sensor, battery and controller/display unit.

E-MTB’s often have central bottom bracket motors which are better for weight distribution across the bike. Having a BB motor provides better pedalling control, and won’t interfere when changing an inner tube, unlike hub motors.

Pedalling sensors can be basic enough to know when you’re pedalling, and complex enough to understand the amount of torque in your stroke. By knowing the torque and cadence, the sensor relays information to the motor so it can augment the assistance, providing a more natural and even feel.

An e-MTB battery can add 3 – 5kg onto the weight of the bike. This weight is better placed on the slope of the down-tube for central weight distribution, and without being in the way of your performance.

A controller and display unit is usually fixed to the handlebars so you can set the assistance level as you ride. It’s ideal for monitoring battery life and useful for making quick motor changes without taking your hands off the grips.

Argument Against e-MTB’s

With every argument, there’s the for and against and whilst the pro points are quite compelling, there’s some weighty arguments against e-MTB’s too.

BATTERY: It’s hard to miss a hefty 3 – 5Kg box attached to your down-tube, and like all battery powered appliances, you need to charge them up from time-to-time. Battery life will vary from manufacturer and brand, and charging times can be anything from 3 – 6 hours. Not too inconvenient, if you remember to actually charge them! This may also pose problematic if you’re away on cycling holidays and have restricted access to a power outlet.

WEIGHT: Adding weight is usually the opposite of what we want to do with our steeds. With the additional electric components required for an e-bike, a heavier bike can be more difficult to quickly manoeuvre in tight sections. It can also add extra faff when picking it up over gates, and to transport it in the car.

MAINTENANCE: A regular bike can be tricky enough to maintain at the best of times, but having a motor adds more complication and the chance of more things going wrong.

COST: With the extra kit, engineering and design, you’re going to have to have a slightly bigger budget. With basic models from £1200+, eMTB’s can easily reach high-end budgets into the thousands.

CHEATING: If you ride an e-MTB at a bike park, you’re going to get some looks, some mumbling and some flat out laughs. Still considered to be the lazy option, most mountain bikers begrudge admitting their practicality, with a timeless phrase: “You have to earn your descents”.

Overview

The social stigma around e-MTB’s are similar to that when the 29er and Fatbikes were launched, and like all trends and fashions, the novelty of them will wear off until they become common place on the trails.

Growing demand for e-MTB’s just goes to show that there is a market for them, and with that, more riders can be exposed and introduced to the world of dirt and descents. Surely this can only be a good thing?

While e-MTB’s have their valid drawbacks, the arguments for them are quite convincing too, and continual growth in the demand pedal assisted power will eventually quash these points.

Just like the fatbikes, the 29er’s and various other novelty introductions to the MTB market, there is a place for e-MTBer’s too.

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