Key Takeaways
- Electric MTBs use a rechargeable battery and motor to assist your pedaling, and you control how much help you get by selecting an assist mode.
- Compared to a standard mountain bike, an eMTB lets you cover more ground and climb easier, but it also brings more weight, a higher price tag, and the need to plan around charging.
- Full-power eMTBs focus on providing additional power and range for more ambitious rides, while lightweight eMTBs aim for a more nimble, “closer to a regular bike” feel by trading some power and range for less weight.
- Pedal-assist and throttle setups work differently, with throttle mountain bikes taking away the need to pedal entirely.
Electric mountain bikes, often called e-mountain bikes or eMTBs, make it easier to ride farther, climb more, and squeeze a solid trail day into a limited window of time.
Riders use them for all kinds of reasons, from exploring remote areas of a trail system to keeping a mixed-skill group together. Plenty of experienced riders also use eMTBs as a fun way to change up a familiar trail system or get more reps in at the jump park while they practice their technical skills.
If you’re interested in renting or buying an e-mountain bike, it can help to know how they work and their pros and cons before you make a decision.
What Is an eMTB?
An eMTB is a mountain bike with a rechargeable battery and an electric motor that adds assistance while you pedal, helping you climb and ride longer with less fatigue.
You still get a real mountain bike setup with the same core parts you’d expect, such as tires, brakes, suspension, and a drivetrain. The difference is that the motor and battery add support on the climbs and flats, depending on the assist level you choose.
What’s the Difference Between eMTB and MTB?
An eMTB adds a motor and battery that help you while you pedal, while a standard MTB is powered only by your legs, which keeps standard MTBs lighter and simpler.
On the trail, the biggest difference shows up on climbs and longer days. With an eMTB, you can dial in how much support you want, which can help you ride more miles, chase more elevation, or keep a steadier pace when the grade kicks up.
A non-electric mountain bike is easier to lift onto a rack and easier to roll around off the trail. It’s also usually less expensive than a comparable eMTB. While you can still get a workout in with an eMTB, the lack of electric assistance also makes standard MTBs a better choice for exercise.
How Does an e-Mountain Bike Work?
An eMTB uses a battery and a motor to add power through the drivetrain when you pedal. You can also usually control how much help you get by choosing an assist mode.
Most eMTBs use a mid-drive motor mounted near the bottom bracket, where the crank arms attach to the frame. The motor sends power to the chainring, which means the bike still climbs and accelerates the way a mountain bike is designed to, just with extra muscle behind each pedal stroke.
The battery is often integrated into the downtube, and the system is typically controlled with a handlebar remote and a small display. Most bikes offer multiple assist levels, so you can conserve battery in a lower mode or use a higher mode when you want maximum support.
Off the trail, the main requirement is charging. Charge time depends on the battery size and charger, but fully recharging from empty can take several hours, so planning ahead helps.
Types of e-Mountain Bikes
E-mountain bikes often fall into two broad categories: full-power eMTBs and lightweight eMTBs. Knowing the difference between them can ensure you get what you’re looking for out of an e-mountain bike:
Full-Power E-Mountain Bike
A full-power eMTB is built for maximum assistance and strong climbing performance, and it usually pairs a higher-torque motor with a larger battery.
These bikes are a popular choice if you want big days with lots of elevation, repeated laps, or consistent support on steep grades. The tradeoff is weight, since the more powerful drive systems and larger batteries often add pounds compared to a lightweight build.
Lightweight E-Mountain Bike
A lightweight eMTB focuses on a more nimble ride feel, and it typically uses a smaller, lighter motor and a smaller battery to reduce overall weight.
Many riders like lightweight eMTBs because they can feel closer to a traditional mountain bike on rolling terrain, corners, and quick direction changes. You usually give up some peak power and some range compared to a full-power setup, so the bike is often best for a rider who still wants to put in steady effort.
What is the Difference Between Pedal-Assist (PAS) vs Throttle e-Mountain Bikes?
Pedal-assist e-bikes add power only while you’re pedaling, while throttle e-bikes can use a throttle to propel the bike without pedaling. Most trail-focused eMTBs are pedal-assist, because the motor is designed to amplify your effort instead of replacing it.
Pros and Cons of Using E-Mountain Bikes
Benefits of e-Mountain Bikes
- Easier climbs: A rider can use the assist feature on their eMTB to smooth out steep grades. Doing so can make climbing feel more fun and less punishing on a long ride.
- Faster and longer rides: A rider can cover more miles and more elevation in the same window on an eMTB, which works well for busy schedules and quick trail sessions.
- More accessible for group rides: If you like mountain biking with a large group but your friends are at different skill and fitness levels, it can be difficult to keep everyone together. eMTBs make it easier for an entire group to fall into a shared pace, letting the ride stay social instead of turning into a fitness test.
- Greater chance to explore trails: A rider with an eMTB can push deeper into a trail network or add an extra loop without worrying that the return climb will wipe out the rest of the day.
- Easier skill development: Being able to cover more ground and more laps often means more practice. Due to the time-saving nature of eMTBs, riders can repeat a feature or a section in a shorter amount of time, helping them get more reps in, build confidence, and improve their technique.
Potential Disadvantages of e-Mountain Bikes
- Higher weight: Many eMTBs are noticeably heavier than a comparable non-electric bike, which affects lifting, transport, and sometimes the feel in tight terrain.
- Larger price tag: The motor, battery, and electronics of an e-mountain bike make them more expensive than a similar non-electric mountain bike.
- More planning required: With an e-mountain bike, a rider needs to manage battery charge, bring a charger for multi-day trips, and think about range based on terrain and assist mode.
- Higher chance of trail limits: Some trail systems allow only certain classes of e-bikes, and some areas restrict e-bikes to motorized routes.
- Increase wear on parts: More weight and more torque can mean faster wear on chains, cassettes, and brake pads, especially if a biker rides hard and rides often.
e-Mountain Biking FAQs
Do You Have to Pedal an Electric Mountain Bike?
On most trail-style eMTBs, you’ll need to pedal to activate the motor, though some e-mountain bikes may have a throttle you can use to move without pedaling.
Are eMTBs Allowed on Trails?
Sometimes, but trail access depends on the land manager and local rules. Many places also limit access to specific e-bike classes or specific designated routes.
What’s the Difference Between eMTB and MTB?
An eMTB adds a battery and motor that assist pedaling, while a standard MTB relies only on your legs, which keeps it lighter and usually less expensive.
What are the Disadvantages of eMTBs?
eMTBs tend to be heavier and more expensive. Riders also need to manage charging, range, and trail-access rules that vary by location.
How Long Does an eMTB Battery Last?
Battery life varies a lot, but many riders plan around a typical single-ride range, adjusting for terrain, assist mode, rider weight, and temperature.
How Far Can an e-Mountain Bike Go?
Range depends on battery size and riding conditions. The distance can swing widely based on assist level, terrain steepness, and how hard you pedal.
Can an eMTB Get Wet?
Yes, quality e-bike systems are designed to handle rain and normal washing, but you should avoid using high-pressure spray for cleaning. Additionally, never submerge the motor or battery.
Try an Electric Mountain Bike at Wildside
If you’re looking for electric mountain biking trails and rentals in Pigeon Forge, WildSide is ready to welcome you to our adventure park. At WildSide, we have a jump park and 20 trails covering 11+ miles, making it easy to find a challenge that suits your skill level. We also have a variety of manual and electric mountain bikes for rent. You can even sign up for fundamentals classes or a guided ride to receive expert instruction from one of our PMBIA-certified instructors.
Learn more about our mountain biking adventures today. If you’d like to reserve a bike, you can do so by booking a pedal pass.