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The electric bike market is booming in the UK, but by far and away, the most popular choice is an electric MTB, so we have put together a guide to help you choose the best electric mountain bike for you and answer some important questions for beginners and experts alike. In the first part, we explain some of the essential basics that you should know about your next eMTB.

What is an electric MTB?

An eMTB is a regular mountain bike with superpowers. E mountain bikes have a few extra components that work together; a battery, an electric motor, a sensor, and an electronic display (Please see our blog on how electric bikes work). The integrated motor assists the rider when pedalling and is only activated when the rider starts to pedal. So the rider still has to put effort into riding, getting a great workout, but a boost from the electric motor gives to make the ride easier.

Do I need a driving license for an eMTB?

Generally, you do not need a driving licence to ride an electric bike in the UK, as the same regulations govern them as standard bikes. However, some electric bikes for sale in the UK are capable of speeds of over 30mph, but under current UK legislation, they are restricted to 15.5mph (25kph). Although it is possible to derestrict or tune electric bikes, you immediately remove your compliance with UK regulations if you ride on any public road or pathway.  Please see our article on Electric bike tuning.

Hard Tail or Full Suspension electric mountain bike

“Hardtail” “Full-suspension”? Hardtail ebikes have a suspension fork up front and a rigid rear end. An eMTB with a shock on the rear wheel, and a suspension fork on the front, is known as a fully or a full-suspension ebike. The amount of suspension the bike offers is known as travel. As a rough guide, 130-170mm travel is perfect for all-around use, giving you plenty of traction on climbs and still able to cope with a commute in the urban jungle.

So which electric mountain bike should you choose?

Hard Tail eMTBs are generally cheaper and easier to maintain and really shine on smoother trails, perfect for anyone just getting into the eMTBing; that being said, we sell some fantastic Hard Tails with incredible spec’s. Choose a full-suspension eMTB if you are willing to spend a bit more hard-earned cash, and you want to ride technical trails.

Hard Tail eBike

• Natural choice for cross country racing

• Faster on climbs and smooth trails

• Lighter weight

• Great for beginners and easier terrain

• Simpler to maintain

Full Suspension eBike

• More capability and versatility

• Faster on challenging trails with lots of obstacles

• Increased stability while descending in the bumps

• Instant confidence boost for beginners

• Smart choice for all types of racing

Is riding an electric mountain bike cheating?

While eMTBs do make the climb more manageable, it still requires effort to get the ebike moving. The difference between an eMTB and a regular bike is that the electrical assistance raises the limits for the rider, so even novice eMTBers can keep up with the pros. Essentially, e-MTB riders will end the ride as tired as you would have been on an ordinary mountain bike, but you will have just covered more terrain.

Check out this video with Motocross Champion David Knight MBE

For the Dirt Diva’s

While it’s not always a case of choosing either a men’s electric mountain bike or a women’s electric mountain bike, many eMTB’s are designed to be unisex machines. Many manufacturers do make ebikes with geometries better suited to the female form. Check out this Cube electric mountain bike:

2021 Cube Reaction Hybrid Performance 500 Low Crossbar Hybrid Electric

A fantastic ladies full suspension mountain bike.

eMTBs to replace your car

Why buy an electric mountain bike?

Electric bikes really do bridge the gap between traditional bikes and cars. Many of our customers use their eMTB for the daily commute and enjoying some incredible benefits, including:

• Cheap running costs
• No congestion charges
• Free parking
• Charge the e-bike at work (free fuel!)
• Quickly pays for itself
• No driving licence needed
• Practical
• Choose your route and never getting stuck in traffic again
• Easily keep up with traffic, accelerate away from lights faster than a standard bike
• No sweaty commutes
• Build fitness into your daily routine
• A lot more fun than driving

What’s the best electric mountain bike?

A question we get asked all the time!! The honest answer depends on your budget, what you want to do, and where you want to go on your eMTB. At Electric Bike Sales, we have absolutely incredible electric mountain bike for sale from brands like Haibike, Cube, Lapierre and Riese and Muller. Our team is on hand to help you find your dream eMTB. See you on the trail!!

Some e mountain bikes you will love

2021 Haibike HardSeven 4 400Wh Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike

So you want a powerful yet agile hardtail eMTB?

The Haibike HardSeven 4 is equipped with the powerful Bosch Performance Line motor always offering the right level of support you need to suit the terrain. This eBike, equipped with 27.5″ wheels, a sophisticated selection of components will always get you to your destination even after countless miles on the trail.

2021 Haibike FullSeven 4 500Wh Electric Mountin Bike

The FullSeven 4 not only looks awesome, but delivers e-performance to match any terrain.

The Yamaha PW-ST drive unit with an integrated 500Wh battery provides phenomenal power starting with the first pedal stroke. With the Shimano brake and derailleur system, with this full suspension mtb you are in control of your bike in any situation while the 120mm travel provides ample comfort on the downhill. Check out our other Haibike bikes here.

2021 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Race 625 27.5 Electric Mountain Bike in Carbon/Black

With a state of the art carbon mainframe the Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC Race 625 puts you firmly in control, a full sus MTB with 160mm of RockShox air-sprung suspension travel front and rear. Magura’s MT Thirty hydraulic disc breaks give you all the stopping power you’ll ever need. Check out our other Cube bikes here. This Cube Full Suspension mountain bike really does take some beating!!!

2021 Riese and Muller Superdelite Mountain Rohloff Electric Bike

One of the most advanced full suspension mountain bikes for sale in the UK. The utimate electric trail bike, equipped with the latest generation of Bosch Performance Line CX motor and Control Technology. This Float Fox full suspension MTB clears the pathway right to the top.

STAR BUY!!

What is the best Electric Mountain Bike for under £2500?

2021 Haibike HardSeven 5 500Wh Electric Mountain Bike

Adventure tour or cross country trail? Uphill or downhill? With the new HardSeven 5, there are no need for trade offs with this is a versatile and agile eMTB.

With 120mm travel, powerful disc brakes, agile 27.5″ wheels and an incredibly powerful Bosch Performance Line motor with a neatly integrated 500Wh battery you will have a huge amount of fun on and off road. eMTB Adventures – here we come!

Features:

• Frame material – Aluminium
• Drive unit – Bosch Performance Line, 65Nm, 25km/h
• Battery – Bosch PowerTube 500Wh
• Fork – SR Suntour XCM32 Boost DS, Travel: 120mm