Buying an electric MTB : everything you need to know

The MTB electric bike is the ideal solution for those who want to set off on mountain adventures without burning out. These MTB bikes are equipped with a powerful motor and battery, giving you great assistance when climbing steep slopes and riding over rough terrain. With an electric MTB , you can ride faster and further without tiring, giving you more time to explore nature and challenge yourself.

The suspension on an electric MTB is a crucial element that serves to absorb shocks generated by uneven terrain, such as rocks, roots or bumps. Not only does it offer greater riding comfort by preventing the rider from feeling the jolts, it also provides better grip by keeping the wheels in contact with the ground as much as possible. In addition, it contributes to the bike's handling and control, enabling safer, more precise riding, especially on technical descents or at high speed.

• Full-suspension VTTAE : this type of VTTAE has suspension on both the front and rear of the bike, which helps absorb shocks on rough terrain and offers greater control and comfort for the rider. They are ideal for mountain trails and technical terrain.
• Rigid VTTAE: rigid VTTAEs have no rear suspension, making them lighter and more efficient in terms of pedaling, particularly on flat terrain or steep climbs. They are often preferred for their ease of maintenance.
• Semi-rigid VTTAE : these VTTAEs have suspension at the front but not at the rear. This offers a compromise between the pedaling efficiency of rigid VTTAEs and the comfort and control of full-suspension VTTAEs. They are ideal for less rugged terrain or for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with MTB electric bikes.

There are many different types of electric mountain bikes on the market, each with its own unique benefits and features. Here's an overview of the most popular categories:

• VTTAE Cross Country (XC): designed for long distances and varied terrain, these bikes are built for speed, efficiency and lightness, with suspension travel generally between 100 and 120mm.
• VTTAE Trail: more versatile, these VTTAEs are suitable for a wide variety of terrain, offering a balance between uphill and downhill thanks to suspension travel ranging from 130 to 150mm.
• Enduro VTTAE: designed for fast, technical descents, with suspension travel between 160 and 180mm to absorb shocks on rough terrain, while remaining capable of climbing steep slopes.
• VTTAE Downhill (DH): these VTTAEs are made for pure downhill riding, with large forks and suspension travels of over 200mm to handle the most demanding terrain, but they are less effective for climbing.
• VTTAE Fat Bike: these VTTAEs have very wide tires (up to 5 inches), enabling them to ride on soft or unstable surfaces such as sand, snow or mud with ease.
• All-Mountain VTTAE: offering a mix of Trail and Enduro models, they feature suspension travels from 140 to 170mm, enabling versatile use on a variety of mountainous terrain.

Your choice of MTB electric bike largely depends on how you intend to use it. If you're looking for a bike for long off-road rides, an all-suspension VTTAE with a powerful motor is an excellent option. It will offer exceptional comfort and grip, even on the roughest terrain, and the motor's power will make climbing easier. 

If your route includes mainly well-maintained paths and country roads, a semi-rigid VTTAE might be more appropriate. This bike offers a good compromise between performance and comfort. On the other hand, if you're mainly planning urban trips with occasional off-road outings, a rigid VTTAE might be more appropriate. This bike is lighter and more agile, perfect for navigating traffic and tackling urban inclines. Always remember to evaluatebattery autonomy and drivetrain quality when choosing the MTB electric bike that best suits your needs.

Entry-level models, often rigid or semi-rigid, can start at around 1,000 euros. This is the case with electric bike brand Decathlon, with the Decathlon Rockrider E-ST model. This low-cost entry-level model is equipped with a rear-mounted VISION motor, offering 42 Nm of torque and 250W of maximum assistance. The motor is powered by a sturdy 380 Wh battery. The aluminum frame houses a MICROSHIFT MS25 8-speed transmission and incorporates a SUNTOUR XCT 30 fork with 100 mm travel to absorb shocks on varied terrain. The Rockrider E-ST is equipped with Tektro TKD68 mechanical disc brakes. 

These inexpensive MTB electric bikes often come with basic components and lower-capacity batteries, which are perfectly satisfactory for VTTAE beginners. If you're looking for a more powerful bike, capable of handling more challenging terrain, you'll need to budget more. 

Mid-range semi-rigid VTTAEs cost between 2,000 and 4,000 euros. Such is the case with Trek electric bikes, with the Trek Powerfly 4. This MTB electric bike is powered by a Bosch Performance CX motor, a 500 Wh battery and a RockShox Judy Silver fork with 120 mm travel. It features hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano rear derailleur for precise gear changes. The Trek Powerfly 4 offers a good compromise between performance and comfort, making it a popular choice for intermediate-level electric MTB enthusiasts.

Electric bikes reconditioned by Upway are sold for 20% to 60% less than new VTTAEs. So this is an excellent opportunity to save money, especially if you're looking for a high-end model that might be out of your budget if it were new. 

Unlike buying second-hand, Upway reconditioning assures you that the MTB electric has been carefully checked, cleaned and repaired if necessary by our specialist mechanics. This means you can trust the quality and reliability of the product.

All MTB electric bikes reconditioned by Upway come with a warranty on the structural components of your bike: frame, battery, motor and electronics, giving you peace of mind for 12 months. If you have a problem with your VTTAE, you can call on the warranty for repair or replacement at no extra cost.

Buying an electric MTB refurbished is an excellent way of supporting the circular economy. By opting for a refurbished bike at new, you are helping to reduce the demand for new products, thereby limiting the exploitation of natural resources and the production of waste. It's an environmentally-friendly and sustainable approach.

By making electric bikes more affordable, reconditioning enables more people to enjoy the benefits of assisted cycling. It's a way of democratizing access to this technology and promoting sustainable mobility, and it's one ofUpway 's objectives!