The New Era of Electric Mountain Biking

The electric mountain bike represents a true revolution in the world of off-road cycling. This technological innovation offers enthusiasts the opportunity to transcend their physical limits and explore territories previously inaccessible. In this rapidly evolving market, two distinct philosophies now compete, each catering to specific needs and ambitions. In this text, we explore trends in electric mountain bikes, as well as the most important factors to consider before purchasing one.

Trends and Innovations in Electric Mountain Biking:

Full Power vs Light E-bike: Two Visions of Electric Mountain Biking

Today, the market is divided mainly between two fundamentally different concepts:

• "Full Power" models are designed to maximize electric assistance. Equipped with a high-capacity battery and a powerful motor (usually 85Nm), they provide immediate and vigorous support from the first pedal stroke. This setup easily tackles the most daunting obstacles and steepest slopes with confidence. Ongoing developments, such as Bosch’s upcoming update for their Performance CX Generation 5 motor, promise to reach an impressive torque of 100Nm.
• "Light E-bikes," on the other hand, embody a more minimalist approach. Prioritizing lightness and a riding experience close to traditional mountain biking, they feature smaller batteries and less powerful motors (50-60Nm). The result? More subtle, natural assistance requiring more effort from the cyclist but offering a more authentic feeling and increased maneuverability.

The current trend clearly favors Light E-bikes, preferred by customers seeking the perfect balance between electric assistance and traditional sensations. Iconic models like the Orbea Rise or Devinci E-Troy Lite exemplify this new philosophy of electric mountain biking.

Continuous Evolution: Towards the Best of Both Worlds

The industry continues its pursuit of the ideal bike. Today’s Full Power models have significantly lightened their weight, dropping from 25-25.5kg a few years ago to around 22-23kg now. This drastic reduction balances maximum power with improved handling.

Simultaneously, a new trend is emerging: lightweight platforms with power comparable to traditional models. Thanks to smarter assistance management, these bikes can incorporate smaller capacity batteries while maintaining impressive performance. The Orbea Rise is a perfect example of this evolution, as are bikes equipped with the new Bosch SX motor, which is lighter, more compact, yet surprisingly powerful.

Advances in battery technology, offering higher energy density for reduced weight, also contribute to this transformation.
Electric mountain bikes are thus continually reshaping, becoming sleeker and more refined to deliver an experience closest to the essence of mountain biking: freedom and riding pleasure, enhanced by discreet but effective assistance.

Carbon: The Essential Ally for Performance

Similar to the gravel bike world, carbon has become the preferred material for high-end electric mountain bike frames. This choice is not just about achieving lightness; a carbon bike typically features premium components that further optimize overall performance.
This combination provides a significant advantage on technical trails where maneuverability makes all the difference. Every gram saved translates to increased responsiveness and a more exhilarating riding experience.

Range: The Complex Equation

Range remains the central concern for every electric mountain biking enthusiast, especially in mountainous areas where energy demands are at their peak. Beyond just battery capacity, several factors come into play:

• The specific geometry of the bike
• The suspension travel and quality
• The type of tires used
• The terrain and riding style adopted

A key innovation in recent years is the possibility to add an extension battery. Most recent models now allow for an extra battery mounted at the bottle cage, adding between 200 and 250Wh of autonomy. This flexibility helps tailor the bike’s configuration to meet specific outing requirements without permanently compromising agility due to excess weight.

Important Elements to Know Before Buying an Electric Mountain Bike:

Motor Power: The Art of Compromise

Choosing the motor is the fundamental equation in any electric mountain bike. Between brute power and energy efficiency, the perfect compromise depends intrinsically on the rider’s profile and aspirations.

Wheel Evolution: 29" vs Mullet (29"/27.5")

Wheel size greatly influences bike handling:

• 29" Configuration: Favored for technical terrains, excelling in obstacle clearance due to a more favorable attack angle. It offers remarkable versatility suitable for all skill levels. However, the greater inertia of these large wheels requires efficient braking systems.
• Mullet Setup (29" front / 27.5" rear): This hybrid geometry enhances agility downhill thanks to a shorter rear triangle. Particularly suited for flowing trails with fast corners, favoring downhill sensations over climbing efficiency.

Dominant Geometries

Two design philosophies dominate the market:

• Trail (140-150mm travel): The perfect balance for versatile riders. Modern Trail geometries are increasingly open and permissive, offering remarkable versatility and optimal comfort in most conditions.
• Enduro (160-180mm travel): These bikes are primarily designed for downhill. Interestingly, despite a geometry that is theoretically less efficient uphill, electric assistance makes these bikes surprisingly versatile, compensating for any

Our flagship models:

Orbea Wild 

• Geometry focused on downhill with 170mm of suspension travel at the front and rear
• New generation Bosch CX motor, 85Nm, with potential to reach 100Nm
• Battery options of 600 or 750Wh + a 250Wh range extender
• Compatible with 29” and Mullet wheel setups
• Many configuration options in carbon and aluminum
• Possibility to customize frame colors in carbon with the MyO program
• Excellent balance between power and performance, weighing 48 lbs

Orbea Rise SL 

• Optimized for lightweight performance, weighing between 36 and 41 lbs
• Trail bike with 140mm of suspension travel
• 29” wheels to enhance traction and climbing ability
• Battery options from 420 to 630Wh + a 210Wh range extender
• Unique assistance configuration with the new Orbea RS+ platform, capable of reaching up to 85Nm torque
• Possibility to customize frame colors in carbon via the MyO program

Devinci E-Troy Lite 

• The ideal bike for those seeking a playful downhill ride
• More modern/youthful geometry with 160mm of front and 150mm of rear travel
• Mullet setup to optimize agility downhill
• New generation Bosch SX motor, 55Nm, capable of delivering up to 600 Watts, similar to full power models
• Aluminum frame made in Quebec, weighing between 43 and 45 lbs
• 400Wh battery + a 250Wh range extender