The best E-MTB at the lowest price! We explain why good E-mountain bikes aren’t the cheapest and give recommendations on how much you should at least spend on E-MTBs.
The price range of E-MTBs is huge. It ranges from about 1000 euros to 16.000 euros. From cheap E-MTBs from Lidl or hardware stores to noble E-MTB fullys from luxury bike brands. Between these two extremes there is a huge range of models, brands and quality levels. As a beginner, you ask yourself how much does a good E-MTB actually cost?. We could make it easy for ourselves and say: “You have to invest at least 2.300 euros for a good E-MTB.” But it’s not that easy. While beginners might be happy with an E-MTB hardtail costing 2500 euros, such a bike does not meet the quality requirements of others, nor does it suit the purpose. That is why we take a more differentiated and precise look at the price range for good E-MTBs in this guide from emtb-test.com. The goal: Concrete recommendations on how much you really have to spend on suitable, good E-MTBs.
Engine, frame material & Equipment determines the E-MTB price
Not just motors drive the prices up for E-MTBs
First, let us clarify how expensive E-MTBs differ from cheap ones. The E-MTB motor and battery are not among the biggest price increasers. Why? Because there are cheap and high-end E-MTBs with the same Bosch motors and batteries. Nevertheless, the motor naturally plays a central role in the price of E-MTBs. Because large manufacturers such as Bosch, Shimano or Yamaha often have different versions of their E-MTB mid-motors. The expensive E-MTB motors are lighter, more powerful and have larger batteries. Discounters or hardware store E-MTBs usually have cheap rear motors or “no name” aggregates.
The motor is a major expense for EMTBs, but it’s not the only price increaser for eMTBs. There are inexpensive E-MTB hardtails from €2300 with the high-quality Bosch Performance CX motor. When it comes to the battery, on the other hand, the following is very clear: the more capacity an E-MTB battery has, the more expensive it becomes. Inexpensive E-MTBs often only have a 500 watt hour battery.
Carbon is a price increaser for E-MTBs
The second decisive point for the E-MTB price is the frame material. If the frame needs to be light, manufacturers use carbon. The light, stiff carbon frame material also makes E-MTBs expensive. This is why carbon frames are only found in E-MTBs from 4000 euros upwards. Cheaper E-mountain bikes have frames made of aluminium. As an E-MTB frame material, aluminum is robust, functional and has the best price/performance ratio.
Components of E-MTBs. When it comes to add-on parts, the brand alone isn’t decisive
The third feature that distinguishes expensive E-MTBs from cheap bikes is the equipment – i.e. components such as gears, chassis or brakes. Because the E-MTB manufacturers – whether Cube, KTM or Haibike – do not produce these attachments themselves. These sometimes specialised E-MTB components come from Shimano, Rockshox or Continental, for example, depending on whether they are gears, suspension forks or tires . But be careful: The brand name alone is not a seal of quality. Because all these bicycle component manufacturers offer a wide range: from simple, functional entry-level components to lightweight high-end components that are state-of-the-art, that represent the latest in E-MTB technology. In concrete terms, this means: The high-quality gears have more range and work more precisely. The expensive suspension forks for E-MTBs are more sensitive and can be adjusted more extensively. And when it comes to tires, you get more grip for more money with less weight at the same time. The more expensive an E-MTB is, the higher quality components are used. In contrast to non-motorized bikes, the weight plays a lesser role with E-mountain bikes. Do pay attention to robust components that are specially developed for E-MTBs. Because they are tailored to the higher weight of E-mountain bikes – i.e. stiffer and also more robust. This will limit higher wear and tear on the E-MTB and will be less susceptible to defects.
No good: stay away from E-MTBs at low prices!
Discounters and hardware stores keep tempting people with cheap E-MTBs below the 1500 euro price limit – including E-mountain bikes. But don’t let that fool you, you’ll regret it! The aluminum frames of these extremely cheap electric bikes are heavy, the geometry is outdated and the built-in components such as gears or brakes only do their job to a limited extent and are of inferior quality. These heavy E-MTBs at low prices from discounters are usually not suitable for sporty use. When it comes to longevity, you won’t be satisfied with these bargain offers either. That’s why you won’t find such inexpensive E-MTBs on emtb-test.com.
Hardtails like the Radon Jealous Hybrid are well equipped for under €3000. E-Hardtails therefore cost significantly less than fullys.
With fullys like the Radon Render, however, the fun only starts at a price of €3300 and above.
This is how much good E-MTBs cost: from entry-level models to high-end
category
Price for good models
That’s to be expected
Weight
Hardtail E-MTB for beginners
from €2300
Solid E-MTBs with aluminum frames and smaller batteries (approx. 400-500 Wh). The equipment is rather functional and suitable for easy terrain and everyday use. Good models come from Cube, Giant or Bulls.
21-25 kilos
E-MTB fully for beginners
from €3300
On solid aluminum E-MTBs, the battery and motor are usually not integrated into the frame. You often have to be content with 500 Wh batteries and simple equipment (brakes, chassis, suspension). That’s why cheap E-MTB fullys are often heavy.
23-26 kilos
Mid-class E-MTB hardtail
from €3000
Larger batteries (longer range) and batteries and motors with more elegantly integrated into lighter aluminum frames can be expected from mid-range E-MTB hardtails. Components such as suspension forks, brakes or tires are also more valuable (better function, less weight) than on entry-level bikes. Overall, the price-performance ratio is usually very good. There are also the first good SUV E-MTBs in this price range.
20-23 kilos
Mid-class E-MTB Fully
from €4500
If you really want a full-suspension E-MTB and don’t want to spend huge sums of money, this is the place for you. You already get the top motors with 600-700 Wh batteries. The aluminum E-MTBs have proven chassis, powerful brakes and telescopic seat posts. They are suitable for touring around demanding terrain and on trails.
22-25 kilos
High-end E-MTB hardtail
from 4000 euros
Here, the selection is manageable, because many people choose the E-MTB fully in this price range. The most expensive E-MTB hardtails come with carbon frames, in which the most powerful motors and large batteries (700 Wh) are integrated. The rest of the equipment is mostly top class. Also worth mentioning: SUV E-MTBs with high-quality equipment as all-round bikes.
47-50 pounds
High-End E-MTB Fully
from 6000 euros
In this price range, you can expect the most modern motors, large batteries, a carbon frame and top equipment from most E-MTBs. E-MTB Fullys from exclusive brands such as Specialized, Yeti or Rocky Mountain are also available, but usually only with mid-range components. With German manufacturers like Cube, Canyon or Radon you often get the top models with the finest equipment. Expensive light E-MTBs with carbon frames, which are trimmed to be particularly light, also come into play.
17.5-20 kilos (light class) 20.5-26 kilos
What distinguishes good E-MTBs at a price of 2500 euros
There are also E-MTBs that cost less than €3000 and are equipped with the highest quality motors from Bosch or Shimano. So the motor alone is not the primary price driver for E-mountain bikes. Attachments and frame material often have a greater impact on the cost of an E-MTB than the motor.
When it comes to the battery, on the other hand, the conclusion is this: the larger the battery, the more expensive the bike becomes. Many manufacturers like Canyon therefore offer their bikes with a smaller battery and give you the option to buy a larger battery later.
The good E-MTB hardtails around 2500 euros already have high-quality mid-mounted motors such as the current Bosch Performance CX or Shimano’s EP8 motor. The batteries have a capacity of 500 watt hours, which guarantees a decent range (approx. 65-85 kilometers). In good models, the battery and motor are already smartly and unobtrusively integrated into the aluminum frame. Components such as gears (9 gears), brakes (two pistons) or suspension forks (steel springs instead of air springs) are solid, functional parts. They do their job, but they don’t shift as smoothly, springs aren´t as sensitive and do not brake as powerfully as more expensive parts. In addition, the equipment on inexpensive E-MTBs is often heavy. In terms of total weight, good E-MTBs end up around 2500 euros at around 22-23 kilos. This is fine for initial off-road use, but not for sporty mountain biking or frequent rides. If you want to ride serious trails, you should budget more than 3000 € for your E-MTB purchase.
Tours on gravel paths or in easy terrain are also possible with hardtails like the Radon Jealous.
These E-mountain bikes are good and cheap
We at emtb-test.com have evaluated over 1000 E-mountain bikes from 66 E-MTB brands with our innovative and objective test system. That’s why we want to give you some examples of brands that offer good, recommendable models for E-MTBs for 2500 euros:
Cube E-MTBs: The E-MTB hardtails of the Reaction Hybrid series are available in different frame shapes (diamond/trapezoid/wave). The E-MTBs with their good price/performance ratio are suitable for men and women. They are exclusively equipped with Bosch motors (battery sizes 500-750 Wh). Many Cube Reaction hybrid E-MTBs are available as pure E-mountain bike models and as fully equipped SUV E-MTBs.
Raymon: The HardRay E-MTBs from the German bike manufacturer are solid e-hardtails with Yamaha motors. The entry-level E-MTBs roll on 27.5 and 29 inch wheels, the batteries are half integrated into the aluminum frame.
Haibike: The E-MTB pioneer from Germany offers good entry-level E-MTBs under 3000 euros with the Hardnine and Hardseven. The batteries of the Bosch Performance motors are integrated, the equipment of the E-MTBs in 29 inches and 27.5 inches are on a similar level as the competition.
Radon: With the models ZR Team Hybrid (and ZR Lady Hybrid for women) and Jealous Hybrid, the Bonn-based bike mail order company has two affordable, good E-MTB hardtails on offer. All Radon E-MTBs are equipped with the latest generation of Bosch Performance CX motors. The equipment from the aggressively priced bike brand Radon is usually better than average.
Giant: The bike brand Giant is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. With the Talon E+, Giant builds a good, affordable E-MTB hardtail for less than 2500 euros. The Syncdrive motor comes from Yamaha, the batteries of the affordable E-MTBs for men are integrated in the frame. As a counterpart to the Giant Talon E+, the women’s E-MTB Tempt E+ can be found at Giant’s women’s brand Liv. Both Giant/Liv E-MTBs are also available as fully equipped SUV versions with mudguards, lights, luggage racks and kickstands.
Bulls: The bike brand Bulls has E-MTBs for men and women in the entry-level range. The e-hardtail models are called Copperhead EVO (E-MTB for men) and Aminga EVA (E-MTB for women). They are equipped with Bosch Performance Line CX drive and have the batteries integrated in the frame. The battery size (400-625 Wh) can be selected individually for the Bulls E-MTBs.
If you want to ride your EMTB off-road, you need at least a mid-range fully.
Conclusion on how much a good E-MTB costs
For good E-MTBs you have to spend more than 2000 euros! Below this price limit, you should usually stay away from new E-MTBs. Reasonably equipped, good E-MTB fullys for sporty off-road use start at around 3300 euros. If you want the latest motors, large batteries and E-mountain bikes with less weight, you will quickly end up with 4000 euros and more. From an E-MTB price of around 6000 euros, the sky is the limit. Price increasers for these high-end E-mountain bikes are the brand image, carbon frames or luxury equipment such as electronic gears.
About the author
Ludwig
... hat mehr als 100.000 Kilometer im Sattel von über 1000 unterschiedlichen Mountainbikes verbracht. Die Quintessenz aus vielen Stunden auf dem Trail: Mountainbikes sind geil, wenn sie zu den persönlichen Vorlieben passen! Mit dieser Erkenntnis hat er bike-test.com gegründet, um Bikern zu helfen, ein ganz persönliches Traumbike zu finden.
