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Electric bikes are perfect for urban use and as daily commuters, but there are also plenty of e-bikes designed to head off-road. There's an increasing range of e-mountain bikes available, offering grippy tyres and heavy-duty suspension to help you tackle tough terrain.
But with so many models to choose from, how do you find the best electric bike for off-road use?
In this guide, we'll show you how to compare your options and find the best e-MTB for your needs.
If you want an electric bike you can use off-road, it's time to start shopping for an electric mountain bike. These bikes offer many of the features you'd find on a normal e-bike, including a battery and an electric motor, but with extra inclusions designed to help them tackle rougher terrain. These features include wider tyres specifically developed for off-road use, as well as front and (in many cases) rear suspension.
Of course, the bike you choose will depend on the type of riding you plan to do. Some e-bike models are designed for light off-road use on gravel paths and fire roads, while others are kitted out with heavy-duty components for tackling much rougher terrain.
NCM Prague. This hardtail e-mountain bike features a 250W brushless rear motor, a 468Wh battery with a range of 32-65+km, and a choice of 26-inch, 27.5-inch or 29-inch wheels.
If you like this set of wheels, check out the durable NCM Moscow.
Marin Pine Mountain E2. Powered by a 500Wh battery and the Shimano STEPS E8000 system, the Marin Pine Mountain E2 features cargo attachment points and 12-speed Shimano gearing.
NCM Aspen Plus. Boasting four-inch-wide tyres and a 768Wh battery, the NCM Aspen Plus is designed to provide plenty of grip in a variety of terrain.
Focus Jam² 6.7 NINE. Kitted out with Maxxis tyres, 12-speed Shimano gearing and a Bosch Performance CX Gen4 motor, the Focus Jam² is ready to tackle tough terrain.
Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL Carbon. The Turbo Levo SL boasts a carbon frame, Fox suspension, a SRAM Eagle drivetrain and a weight of just 17.35kg. It also features a price tag somewhere around the $20,000 mark.
There are several factors you should consider when shopping around for the best e-MTB. These include:
If you're ready to buy, visit one of the following sites.
There's a huge range of off-road electric bikes available, so finding the right bike for you won't be easy. But if you're willing to shop around and compare a range of options, you should be able to find something suitable.
Make sure the e-bike you choose is designed for the type of riding you want to do, and that it has everything you need to head off-road. If you get the chance to test-ride a handful of off-road electric bikes before buying, this is also recommended.
What is a hardtail e-MTB?
A hardtail e-mountain bike is an off-road e-bike with front suspension but no rear suspension. It's different to a dual-suspension e-MTB, which features front and rear suspension for a more cushioned ride.
What is the range of an off-road e-bike?
You can check the battery capacity and the manufacturer's claimed maximum range to get an idea of how far you'll be able to ride your bike on a single charge. However, remember that factors like your weight, the type of terrain you're riding (eg, steep vs flat) and the level of motor assistance you select can all affect maximum range. Read more in our guide to long-range eclectric bikes.
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