Electric Mountain Bikes Australia: The Complete Buying Guide

Electric Mountain Bike Australia have surged in popularity recently, and with good reason! Pedal assist eMTBs help you tackle trails, hills and distances that would push your limits on a manual mountain bike. But with the explosion of new eMTB models now available, how do you choose the right electric mountain bike for your needs and budget? This comprehensive buying guide has you covered.

An eMTB lets you enjoy mountain biking more by removing some of the physical barriers. Whether you’re a new rider wanting help up the climbs or an experienced shredder wanting to go bigger, farther and faster, there’s an eMTB perfect for you. Let’s explore how to pick your ideal electric partner for hitting the trails!

How Do Electric Mountain Bikes Work? Key Components Explained

Before diving into buying considerations, let’s quickly overview how eMTBs work since the technology is still new to many riders.

At their core, eMTBs are like regular mountain bikes but with some added electric juice. A rechargeable lithium ion battery powers a small motor to provide pedal assist when you need it.

Here are the main eMTB components:

• Rechargeable battery – Stores power, usually integrated into the downtube. Ranges from 300-700 watt hours.
• Electric motor – Provides extra torque as you pedal. Located in mid-drive or rear hub areas. 250-750 watt power range.
• Control unit – Varies the motor output based on your pedaling and terrain. Gives a natural cycling feel.
• Sensors – Measure your pedaling force and speed to tailor the assist. More rider effort = less motor power needed.
• Drive system – Gearing like a normal bike but withstands motor torque. 1×10 to 1×12 most common.
• Brakes – Beefy hydraulic disc brakes required to handle the bike weight and speed.

So you still get a workout, but the eMTB gives you a boost when needed! Now let’s explore how to select the ideal setup for your trails and budget.

Evaluate Your Riding Style and Local Terrain

With the wide variety of eMTB categories and tech available today, your first step should be assessing how and where you want to ride. Be honest about your current skill level and fitness too.

Key considerations:

• Terrain – Flowy singletrack? Steep technical climbs? Downhill runs?
• Distance/duration – Short rides after work? All day backcountry epics?
• Fitness goals – Want a workout or just leisurely cruising?
• Technical skills – New to mountain biking or experienced shredder?
• Budget – Entry-level, mid-range or high-end eMTB?

Think about the trails and riding you love most right now, but also where you want to progress in the future. Discuss your goals with a quality eMTB dealer for guidance.

Test riding different eMTB models is also hugely helpful for getting a feel for the power delivery and handling. Now let’s break down key elements to look for in your dream eMTB…

Motor Power – Torque for Taming Trails

The motor is what gives an eMTB its juice, so power output should be one of your top considerations. More torque lets you climb steeper terrain and tackle tougher trails.

• 250-500W – Best for cross country, smoother trails, maintaining fitness
• 500-750W – Provides more torque for technical terrain, steep climbs, carrying gear
• 750W+ – Maximum power but sacrifices some weight and efficiency

Mid-drive motors centered around the crank offer better traction, balance and natural feel compared to hub drive motors in the rear wheel. Look for established brands like Shimano, Bosch, Brose for reliability.

Battery Capacity – Range for Longer Rides

Your battery capacity not only affects range, but also the weight of your eMTB. More watt hours (Wh) provides longer runtime, but adds cost and heft.

• 300-500Wh – Good for shorter rides under 2 hours
• 500-700Wh – Gives you 2 to 5 hours of pedal assist
• 700Wh+ – Maximal range but quite heavy

Consider your typical ride duration and if you need to carry spare batteries. Also factor in if you’ll charge the battery in your vehicle between trailheads.

Frame Materials – Strength and Durability

eMTB frames see heavy loads from the motor torque and larger impacts than traditional mountain bikes. Popular materials include:

• Aluminum – Most affordable. Durable but can be stiff. Mainstream option.
• Carbon Fiber – Lightweight and compliant but very expensive. For high budgets.
• Steel – Strong and lively feel but heavy. Rare outside custom builds.
• Titanium – Low weight with strength and stiffness balance. Costly exotic option.

Look for established mountain bike brands with engineering experience. Frame construction quality makes a big difference in eMTB handling and lifetime.

Wheel Size – Rollover Versus Nimbleness

Wheel diameter impacts rollover traction and handling agility:

• 27.5 inch – Quicker handling and acceleration. Good for tight switchbacks.
• 29 inch – Rolls over obstacles like rocks easier. More momentum built up.
• Mullet setup – 29″ front with 27.5″ rear. Compromise approach.

Wider plus size tires with tread provide extra cushion and grip. But watch out for pedal strikes while cornering on technical climbs.

Suspension – Soaking Up the Rough Stuff

Suspension smooths out rugged terrain to maintain control and traction:

• Cross country – 100-120mm travel sufficient
• Trail/All mountain – 130-150mm does well for varied conditions
• Enduro/Downhill – 160-200mm for big hits and high speeds

Look for air spring forks and rear shocks with damping adjustments to tune rebound and compression for your weight and riding style.

Brakes – Stopping Power You Can Trust

Quality hydraulic disc brakes with at least 200mm rotors provide the stopping muscle you need to rein in an eMTB running at speed downhill:

• Shimano – Consistent performance across groupsets
• SRAM – Code RSC widely used. Great power and modulation.
• Magura – MT Trail Sport has cool gyroscopic sensor to counter brake dip

Finer control modulation suits long alpine descents. More bite benefits steep bike park laps. Ensure your brakes match the terrain and speeds.

Additional Components to Evaluate

Don’t overlook other components when speccing your eMTB:

• Gearing – Look for 11-12 speeds to handle motor torque on climbs
• Tires – Meats hooks with sturdy casings prevent flats and roll over rocks
• Dropper post – Crucial for getting the saddle out of the way on steep descents
• Handlebars – Wide 780-800mm gives stability and control

Test ride different setups to experience the performance nuances firsthand. An eMTB is an investment, so get the best components you can afford.

Electric Mountain Bike Costs – What Should You Budget?

eMTB prices range widely based on the components and overall quality. Here are typical price tiers to give you an idea of costs:

• Entry-level – $1500 to $3000
• Mid-range – $3000 to $6000
• High-end – $6000 to $12,000+

What impacts eMTB pricing?

• Motor and battery power
• Frame material and quality
• Suspension travel and performance
• Wheels, tires, drivetrain specifications
• Brakes, dropper post, other components
• Brand prestige and reputation

Talk with shops about where to get the most value based on the trails you’ll ride and your budget ceiling. Test rides also give you a feel for whether upgrades are worthwhile for you.

Demo and Test Rides – Essential for Dialing In Your eMTB

With so many new terms and specs around eMTBs, test riding as many models as you can is invaluable for understanding the technology and choices available.

Demo days:

• Attend a group demo day to try out bikes from various manufacturers in one place. Lots of events at trail areas and shops.

Individual test rides:

• Shops often have eMTB demo fleets available for booking individual test rides around your schedule. Call ahead and check policies.

What to evaluate during test rides:

• Power delivery – Is the motor response smooth and intuitive? Too abrupt or laggy?
• Handling – Does the eMTB corner and steer predictably? Easy to control?
• Braking – Do the brakes provide ample power and modulation? Any fade?
• Suspension – Does it soak up bumps and keep the tires planted? Too harsh or too soft?
• Fit and ergonomics – Do you feel centered and comfortable on the bike?

Test rides let you experience subtle differences between eMTB models that are hard to convey on paper. Don’t commit until you try!

Types of Electric Mountain Bikes Explained

Comparison of Electric Mountain Bike Types

2. In the “Evaluate Your Riding Style and Local Terrain” section:

Think about the trails and riding you love most right now, but also where you want to progress in the future. Discuss your goals with a quality eMTB dealer for guidance.

Comparison of Electric Mountain Bike Types

Test riding different eMTB models is also hugely helpful for getting a feel for the power delivery and handling. Now let’s break down key elements to look for in your dream eMTB…

Now that you know what to look for in an eMTB, here is an overview of the main styles of electric mountain bikes and their characteristics:

Cross Country / Marathon eMTBs

Best for: Long backcountry rides, maintaining fitness, all day adventures

Motor: 250-380W lighter motors, eco/trail modes widely used

Battery: 300-500Wh keeps weight down

Suspension: 100mm (XC) to 120mm (marathon)

Examples:

• Giant Trance E+
• Trek Powerfly FS
• Specialized Turbo Levo SL

Trail / All Mountain eMTBs

Best for: Riding varied terrain, shorter distances, having fun

Motor: 250-500W provides balanced assist

Battery: 375-550Wh good blend of capacity and weight

Suspension: 130-150mm balances efficiency and capability

Examples:

• YT Decoy
• Canyon Spectral:ON
• Commencal Meta Power

Enduro / Downhill eMTBs

Best for: Aggressive riding, bike parks, steep descents

Motor: 500-750W produces max torque and power

Battery: 500-700Wh enables running higher modes constantly

Suspension: 170-200mm keeps you stable at speed

Examples:

• Pivot Shuttle
• Scott Ransom eRide
• Trek Rail

Hardtail eMTBs

Best for: Cross country, smooth singletrack, affordability

Motor: 240-500W lighter/smoother focus

Battery: 375-500Wh saves weight

Suspension: 100-120mm fork

Examples:

• Giant Fathom E+
• Specialized Turbo Levo Hardtail
• Cannondale Treadwell Neo

FAQs – Electric Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

Still have some questions about choosing and buying an eMTB? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How much does a decent electric mountain bike cost?

Expect to spend $3000 to $5000 for a quality mid-range eMTB from an established brand with good components for trail riding. High-end models run $6000+. Go lower if you want a budget eMTB just to try out the technology.

What motor power should I get as a beginner?

Look for a 250-500 watt motor if new to eMTBs. This provides a moderate assist level without being overwhelming. Hardcore eMTB riders may prefer a more powerful motor up to 750W.

Do eMTBs require special maintenance or servicing?

The motor, battery, and electronics require specialized annual service from an eMTB mechanic. Other components just need standard mountain bike maintenance like gearing, brakes, etc.

How long does an eMTB battery last before needing replacement?

500-1000 full charge cycles is typical, which equates to 2-5 years with proper care and storage. Cold weather and deep discharging reduce battery lifespan. Quality name brand batteries last considerably longer.

Can an eMTB motor burn out from excessive strain?

It’s very rare for modern mid-drive motors to overheat or burn out even under maximum load. They are designed to be self-protecting against damage from pushing too hard. Don’t be afraid to open it up when you need the power!

Conclusion

With some guidance on the key features and components to look for, finding your dream electric mountain bike that fits your budget and trails is easier than ever. Test ride as many models as possible from quality brands. Be realistic about your riding abilities too. The right eMTB will help take your mountain biking experience to the next level and beyond! Just remember to respect access rules on motorized trails. Now get out there, ride more trails, have fun, and appreciate the scenery with just a little electric boost.