Only in the United States, sales of these types of bicycles increased 116%: from $ 8.3 million in February 2019 to $ 18 million a year later, just before the impact of Covid, according to market research firm NPD. Thus, and thanks to its engine, a new dynamic that brings independence which cannot be achieved with a normal wheel. Endless slopes are over: Now anything is possible!
As they are
Along these lines, the determining factor of these electric bicycles, also mountain bikes, is that they work, as their name suggests, hand in hand with an entire electrified system. Therefore, we can say that a bike with these characteristics is any using an integrated electric motor to aid in propulsion.
While some come equipped with a throttle and can be used like a moped, all can be pedaled, a distinction that legally separates them from motorcycles. With advances in controllers and on batteries, it is becoming easier to find a greater variety and especially better bicycles of this type.
However, in many European countries the use of electricity is a booming trend. The reason? Its great advantages: price (compared to other vehicles such as cars and motorcycles), comfort (they require less effort than conventional bicycles), or agility (they allow quick movements, avoiding traffic jams and parking difficulties).
Of course there is whole winning aspects, such as sustainability (pollution is reduced), and the health benefits of using it as a regular means of transport. The European markets that most target this trend are Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Holland and Switzerland. However, in Spain with a climate much more consistent than other European countries for its use, we are not yet joining this trend as much as we should.
What to keep in mind
At this point, as we have mentioned, these urban vehicles have experienced a ‘boom’ similar to, for example, electric scooters, although the latter have become tremendously popular due to their compact size. This is why there is something that more and more users are paying attention to.
And it is the security of not making a mistake in the purchase caused by situations of limited stock, since they are still elements that usually carry a high payout. Because in the same way that happens with cars or scooters themselves, electric bicycles, such as mountain bikes, even in these compasses are objects that hardly make the outlay they require justifiable.
Likewise, as in any electric vehicle, the batteries they play a very important role when choosing them. To begin with, we would have to see if we are looking for a bicycle with removable batteries or that are integrated into the frame. The main advantage of the former is that we can take them with us if we park the bike on the street and recharge them at work or at home.
This is a more comfortable way than having to take the bike to our home. In this way, autonomy is not so important and we can bet on lighter bicycles as they have less battery capacity. But there is more.
- Power. First of all, we will have to consider that the maximum power of your engine does not exceed the 250 W, which is the one required by European regulations to be considered an assisted pedal bicycle. Nor can it exceed 25km / h electrically assisting the cyclist.
- Type of motor. Once its power has been verified, and unlike electrified road bikes, for example, for electric mountain bikes the most appropriate thing is to opt for one that has its electric motor located in the pedal axle. They are the ones that will give more resistance and reliability.
- Batteries Battery size will determine the total distance that will last assisting the cyclist’s pedaling. There are bicycles that approach 1000 Wh capacity, and that thanks to this claim assisted pedaling distances of almost 200 kilometers or more with a load.
- Electric supplier. Shimano, Bosch, Fazua or Bafang are usually the most common suppliers for this type of bike, also because they tend to offer the best guarantees of use and reliability. They are the ones that give part to the motor and batteries, which are what make up its electrical scheme.
Main models
After knowing all the characteristics of this type of vehicles powered by electrified systems, we will focus directly on which are the main models, and what is even more important: which can be the most convenient, the best on the market, the most efficient, and the most reliable. …
In this way, we know that whoever tries one of these electric mountain bikes, also known as e-MTBs, does not go back. This is because the e-MTB allow longer routes and demanding without being a pure elite athlete.
Thus, with them we can climb steep technical slopes without having to get off the bike and add an extra thrill (and pressure) to the descents. In addition, the best thing about them is that they give to enjoy a reactive and extremely fun driving.
NCM Moscow
In any case, to verify that electrics are the fashionable bicycles, just take a look at the list of the best-selling models of the most popular sports stores, or even those found on online portals. And this of NCM Moscow It is presented as the great choice that we can acquire.
It is one of those electric mountain bikes that are very protagonists, and it is not for less. It has a removable battery of 624Wh, and a rear wheel motor with 250 watts of power capable of reaching 25 km / h (the maximum to not be considered a moped).
In addition, it is capable of providing six different levels of pedaling assistance. Made of aluminum alloy both the frame and the forks, the weight of the bike ranges from 28 kilos for the 27.5-inch model to 29 kilos for the 29-inch model. As for the rest of the components, it has mounted a Shimano gear system with 21 different speeds, while the brakes are from the Tectro brand. In addition, it has an additional brake sensor that makes the engine stop in case of urgent braking.
Merida eOne Sixty
The Merida eOne Sixty is one of those electric models inspired by the design and geometry of its non-motorized equivalents, in this case the Enduro One-Sixty. For this year 2021 it has been renewed by integrating the New generation Shimano EP8 motor. This is more compact and efficient, allowing greater integration into the frame, saving weight and improving handling sensations.
It is equipped with a battery a little larger in capacity than the previous one from NCM Moscow, this time with 630 Wh. Yes indeed; this stands out because it is an extended range unit and super fast charging capability. For sizes XS, a more limited range (504 Wh) is chosen.
The Merida eOne Sixty also stands out for the assembly of its wheels, installing a 29-inch with a 2.5 ″ width in the front and another of 27.5 ″ and a slightly greater width, of 2.6 ″. In this way, depending on the brand, a balance is reached between rolling capacity over obstacles and a high traction on the most technical trails.
NCM Prague
There are several electric mountain bikes, but few with these characteristics. If we do not need too much autonomy in our outings through the mountains and we do not plan to do demanding routes, the NCM Prague is a very interesting model. It is an e-MBT with 36V battery that stores 468 Wh.
So we can reach with it almost 100 km with assistance when pedaling on a single charge. In addition, it allows you to charge the mobile by connecting it to the USB port of its battery. The manufacturer presents it as a robust bike, although it does not exceed 25 kilos.
As for the electrical system, it has a 250-watt Bafang traction motor. In addition, it incorporates a Suntour XCT-HLO fork and, as usual in the models of this brand, the changes are Shimano Acera and Tektro and disc brakes.
Hyuhome e-MTB
Hyuhome’s is one that is made with a high carbon steel folding frame, and which is IP54 certified, so it is waterproof. In addition, it has an adjustable and anti-slip seat. It highlights several aspects that make it totally accurate for our days of adventures.
This is the case of its motor, without brushes, 360W high power. At its highest speed it can reach 42 km / h. Climbing ability can reach 30 ° in common road condition. This bike has a 36V 8AH lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of 50 km of travel.
It also has front and rear disc brakes and transmission system. 21 speed Shimano professional. Provides soft cushioning and shock absorbing performance when the mountain is rugged. It has Zhengxin 26 ″ tires and supports a maximum load of 150 Kg.
Focus Raven 2
Although less widespread in the electric segment, Cross Country E-MTBs also have highly developed and optimized models to cope with what can be, too, longer marathon tests. One such example is the electrified Focus Raven2, which borrows the design and geometry of the conventional XC Raven.
This, with very successful adaptations of the engine and the battery, achieves a set whose weight remains at 16 kg. This display of design and technology is what makes it one of the most outstanding. The range has only two models, both carbon and with a smooth delivery and compact size Fazua engine, whose battery is of 250 Wh.
Both motor and battery can be removed to lighten the weight below 13 kg and allow unassisted pedaling on a conventional XC bike. Thanks to this, the Focus Raven2 can be considered a mountain with two uses: electric and conventional.
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