Do you want to give your e-MTB a new lease of life, adapt it to your technical or aesthetic preferences? Or perhaps take it further to better exploit its potential, improve your comfort, or enhance your performance?
Here are some ideas to help you upgrade your electric mountain bike.
The modifications that can be made will depend on the following factors:
- your bike model;
- your riding style;
- your frequency of use; and
- your riding style.
UPGRADING YOUR E-MTB: FOR SMALL BUDGETS UP TO €200
You can start by looking at the tyres of your electric mountain bike (e-MTB). If not already the case, choose tyres that carry the "E-Bike" label, with a reinforced casing, a higher load capacity and a compound optimised for e-MTB riding. With e-MTB tyres, you will benefit at every level: in terms of longevity, braking grip, acceleration, etc. Original equipment tyres are rarely 100% suited to your riding style. Yet they are major components that greatly influence the behaviour of the e-MTB. The first step to upgrading your electric mountain bike therefore consists of replacing the original tyres with "E-Bike" tyres with a tread profile suited to your riding style.
It is also an opportunity to switch to Tubeless setup (no inner tube), using a tubeless conversion kit if needed – you will reduce the risk of punctures and gain in traction and grip. If your e-bike is already set up Tubeless, you can consider tyre inserts. They allow you to ride descents more confidently by reducing the risk of punctures or mechanical damage. With tyre inserts, you can also lower the pressure and increase grip on the terrain.
On an electric mountain bike as on a standard mountain bike, replacing the original pedals is often a must for the rider seeking a minimum level of performance. Entry-level flat pedals are replaced by lighter aluminium pedals, clipless pedals or combination pedals. It all depends on your riding style and habits, whether you prioritise power transfer, pedalling security or weight saving.
You can make adjustments to the cockpit of your electric mountain bike. Depending on your profile/riding style, you can look to improve your position by adjusting the handlebar shape (rise, upsweep, backsweep), and the length and angle of the stem. Replacing these components also gives you the opportunity to shed a few grams by opting for CNC machined aluminium parts. On a highly committed e-MTB, opt for an oversized handlebar (35 mm diameter) to gain in power, robustness and rigidity. Replacing the grips allows you to improve the feel and personalise the style of your bike.
If your first rides are painful, you absolutely need to find a saddle better suited to your body shape and your e-MTB riding style. There is a very extensive range of MTB saddles, a multitude of models available in different widths and different profiles. Our advice page how to choose your MTB saddle covers all the comfort criteria.
The driving force of the bottom bracket motor, which delivers high torque, puts the drivetrain of electric mountain bikes under severe strain. It is important to look after the various components (chain, cassette, chainring) and monitor their wear. If your e-bike runs on a standard MTB drivetrain, it seems wise to invest in components specifically adapted to e-MTB use – the chain and cassette as a priority. Your drivetrain will gain in longevity.
If you find that your original on-board computer is limited in its functions, that its screen is too small and difficult to read, you can change it. You will need to carefully check compatibility and will probably need to call on a specialist for installation. High-end e-MTB computers will have several advantages: better ergonomics, colour display, numerous features, advanced connectivity, GPS function, etc.
UPGRADING YOUR E-MTB: FOR BUDGETS BETWEEN €200 AND €400
If your e-MTB does not come directly fitted with a dropper seatpost, this is definitely a major drawback for your comfort on descents. It is an essential component to facilitate handling – across all disciplines and all ability levels. The dropper seatpost allows you to find the best position and the best balance on descents, whether fast or technical.
The braking system of your electric mountain bike is an inevitably important element, to say the least critical! An e-MTB being heavier and more powerful, it needs more efficient brakes to control its speed. If you have doubts about the reliability of your original brakes, opt for a new e-MTB specific system, with a 4-piston calliper and e-MTB brake pads with an optimised compound. Moving up in brake quality is a matter of safety and performance. To meet the needs of the most aggressive riders, manufacturers have developed special braking solutions specifically for electric mountain bikes.
There are in particular specific rotors for electric mountain bike brakes. Thicker, they better withstand intensive use and have a greater capacity to dissipate heat.
With a budget at this level, a noticeable improvement to your drivetrain is also possible. You can upgrade your derailleur and acquire a new cassette with a new chain (e-MTB specific). You will feel the difference in terms of component lifespan and smoothness of gear changes. There are also cranks specially designed for electric mountain bikes, in machined aluminium or carbon, more robust and more rigid. High-end e-MTB cranks can add colour and enhance the design of your bike (motor compatibility to be checked).
UPGRADING YOUR E-MTB: FOR BUDGETS OVER €400
Suspension components are key elements of electric mountain bikes, determining their full potential. The fork and shock absorber do a great deal for comfort, but also for the safety, performance and dynamism of the bike. On an e-MTB, the suspension must be calibrated differently, to be able to support the weight and power of the bike. This is why specialist brands have adapted specific solutions, such as forks with a reinforced chassis (with oversized 38 mm stanchions). A significant upgrade consists of replacing your original suspension with higher-performance, more robust e-MTB suspension, with settings adapted to your riding style. You can also consider entrusting your suspension to a specialist, who will be able to tailor the settings to your profile and riding style.
If you opt for new suspension, prioritise forks and shock absorbers that carry the "E-Bike" label – you can be certain of having components tested and approved for committed e-MTB riding.
If your budget allows, consider replacing your original wheels with new, higher-performance E-MTB wheels, compatible with Tubeless. High-end e-MTB wheels are a guarantee of dynamism on the terrain. Designed for experienced riders, rigid carbon rims are the most effective: they offer you a significant weight saving, maximum reactivity and better precision in cornering. On wheels optimised for electric mountain bikes, the hub shell benefits from a reinforced construction. More robust, e-MTB wheels take into account the motor's force in the design of the various components (rim, spokes, hub).
If your e-MTB allows it, add a second external battery to increase range and push the total capacity to 1000 Wh or beyond. This extra energy will be useful for e-MTB touring enthusiasts, who prioritise adventure over pure performance and are used to setting off on multi-day self-supported trips.
Finally, your pursuit of performance may lead you to replace the entire drivetrain with an electronic shifting system, connected to your e-MTB computer. This ultimate upgrade to your drivetrain allows you to gain in reliability, smoothness and speed of gear changes.
UPGRADING YOUR E-MTB: TAKING CARE OF THE DETAILS, SETTINGS AND MAINTENANCE
Upgrading your e-MTB is a long-term mission: everyone can set their own priorities and progress at their own pace, one step at a time. As a priority, you can look to improve the performance and comfort of your electric mountain bike. You can also take care of the small components (seatpost clamp, headset, grips…), with the idea of refining the bike's aesthetics by coordinating colours and expressing your own style.
Upgrading your electric mountain bike would not make much sense if you did not take care of its maintenance. Regardless of the quality of its components, you should always regularly maintain your e-MTB. Cleaning, adjusting, carrying out maintenance operations… Do not forget the basic principles to enjoy your bike for longer!
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