Electric Mountain Bikes (EMTBs)

How They Actually Work

EMTBs are pedal-assist, not throttle bikes. This means the motor only assists when you place pressure on the pedals. Once pressure is taken off, the motor cuts off and stops assisting you.

Specially placed sensors measure how hard you push and add help smoothly to match. Most electric mountain bikes have 3-5 levels of assistance. As you move up the levels, the motor adds more torque and power.

Most people think it's cheating. It's not.

Yes, your heart rate is lower compared to a non-electric bike. But you're still working. And your not red zoning at your cardio limit as quickly on an E-MTB; especially on long, technical climbs.

You may only cover a fraction of the distance on a non-electric bike too.

Compared to a Normal Mountain Bike

An EMTB is more than just a mountain bike with a motor added. Let’s look at how they stack up to a regular motorless bike.

• Climbing. You spin up hills rather than grinding up them. Long climbs feel less daunting. And technical climbs are so much easier to navigate.
• Distance. You're average speed crossing terrain is higher, so you naturally cover more distance.
• Fatigue. The point at which you fatigue is much further into the ride. The extra assistance means you're not exerting yourself through the climbs.
• Handling. Yes, an EMTB is heavier, but the weight sits low in the frame. That actually improves traction on climbs and stability on descents.

Importantly:

These are still proper Trail and Enduro bikes.

The geometry, suspension and tyres are designed for the rigours of mountain biking.

Motors (Why Mid-Drive Matters)

Most quality EMTBs use a motor mounted near the pedals, called a mid-drive motor. This keeps the weight balanced and the assistance feeling natural on trails.

Torque, measured in Nm, is what you feel on hills.

Lower torque feels gentle and smooth, where higher torque helps on steep and technical climbs. If you ride hilly areas, torque matters far more than speed.

Battery and Range

Battery size is measured in Watt-hours (Wh).

Think of it as your fuel tank, so the bigger battery the more potential range.

You’ll sometimes find an Eco mode that gives gentle assistance and long rides, or a trail mode is the most common everyday setting.

Some bikes will come with a turbo mode that provides maximum help but uses the battery faster.

Terrain, rider weight, and climbing all affect range, but in real riding conditions most riders get roughly 40–120 km per ride.

Suspension Travel (Trail vs Enduro)

Suspension travel determines how rough the trails the bike is built for.

Trail EMTBs will be more balanced and versatile, suitable for most riders and most terrain.

Enduro EMTBs come fitted with more suspension and stability for steep, rocky, technical descents.

More travel equals more downhill confidence and less travel equals a lighter and more responsive feel.

Frame Materials

Most EMTBs use either aluminium or carbon frames.

Aluminium is very durable, reliable and altogether good value.

There are also carbon options that are lighter and more responsive but more expensive.

For many riders, aluminium gets the balance between durability and performance just right.

Wheel Sizes

29-inch wheels roll faster and feel stable over exposed, technical terrain. 27.5-inch wheels feel playful and agile; faster to change direction.

Many bikes are now using a mixed wheel size setup, called a Mullet. This means the bike has a 29 front wheel and 27.5 rear.

Where People Actually Ride Them

It’s out on the Australian trail networks with long climbs and loose surfaces where an EMTB really shines.

Still, there are other places you can use them.

Most riders fall into three groups.

• Trail riders: General trail riding and mixed terrain.
• Enduro riders: Steep, rough trails and technical descents.
• Adventure riders: Long rides and exploring further distances.

Getting the Right Sizing and Setup

Because an EMTB is heavier and climbs faster, correct sizing will affect confidence more than many riders expect.

Getting a good fit improves your comfort on long rides, stability going downhill, and the handling in corners.

As with any bike, a test ride is the best way to know.

Come into one of our shops and we’ll be happy to size you up and find you the perfect ride.

The Proper Care and Maintenance for Your EMTB 

Battery Care

To improve the logevity of your battery, these are the things you can do:

• Avoid storing the battery in extreme cold or hot temperatures.
• Store the battery with 40%-60% charge.
• For newer Lithium-ion batteries do not run the battery down to 0%. Charge them up to 85% too.

Cleaning

Use low-pressure water only. Avoid spraying directly at the motor or battery seals.

Servicing

Because the bike is heavier and faster, brake pads and drivetrains wear more quickly. Regular servicing keeps everything working properly.

Accessories

Good accessories also help keep your bike in good condition. Many riders add MTB mudguards for wet rides and carry basic bike tool kits. 

Finding the Right EMTB for You

Instead of asking “what’s the best EMTB”, a better question is “where do you want to ride?”.

Bike paths and gravel will require an entry trail setup.

Mixed trails mean a Trail EMTB is needed.

For any steep and technical terrain, an enduro EMTB is your best option.

Choosing based on terrain and riding style leads to a much better experience than choosing on specs alone.