Times are pretty hard for many at the moment but, even if you’re not strapped for cash, you may be considering moving from a normal bike to an electric version and you want something at a low price. You’ll obviously want the greatest ‘bang for your buck’ so we’ve spent a few days looking for the best budget electric hardtail mountain bike 2024.
What is an electric hardtail mountain bike?
Hardtails have front suspension only and generally are more efficient and faster on smooth surfaces and climbs. Many riders prefer the handling as it’s rigid and you can feel the trail more underneath you. Others prefer to use a full suspension bike for a more comfortable ride, however, the extra complexities of the bike’s build results in a higher price.
An electric hardtail mountain bike can easily be used on the road too so it’s suitable for commuting and/or also hitting some trails at the weekend.
How and Why We’ve Made Our Choice
In a similar way that we showcase models of bikes from different retailers on our website so you can compare prices and/or deals, we’ve researched data for this analysis from cycling experts and user reviews. This will give you an accurate summing-up of why we’ve chosen the best budget electric hardtail mountain bike 2024.
Taking into account the price, performance and buyers’ general satisfaction with the bike, we’ve concluded that the best budget electric hardtail mountain bike 2024 is the Hyuhome Electric Hardtail Bike, at under £700. Model number: 250W13A80KM at £649.00 to be exact – it’s a great price for such a performer!
Design and Build Quality
The Hyuhome Electric Hardtail Bike has a bold and sporty design – it’s not shy and doesn’t try to mimic the look and lines of well-known mountain bike brands. With a sturdy aluminium alloy frame, it’s currently available in blue, red and yellow. The bike feels to users to be well-built and robust, with internal cable routing enhancing aesthetics and protecting them. Its weight is around 22kg which is quite light for an electric bike.
Performance
This electric bike excels on moderate trails and light off-road paths. The 250W brushless rear hub motor provides enough power for climbing hills and cruising effortlessly. It offers 5 levels of pedal assist, reaching speeds up to 25km/h (15mph), in compliance with UK regulations. The 21-speed drivetrain provides decent gear range for varied terrain, although we’re unable to determine the brand name. Mechanical disc brakes front and rear to ensure reliable stopping power. The maximum range per charge is around 50-90km (31-56 miles) in pedal assist mode and 35-50km (22-31 miles) – both figures will vary according to terrain, wind and rider weight.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The bike comes with a reasonably wide, height-adjustable, comfortable saddle and an adjustable handlebar for personalised positioning. The front fork suspension is lockable so you can adapt the control of the bike to different road conditions. (Keep in mind this is a hardtail – no rear shock absorber – so expect some bumps to translate to the rider!). The maximum recommended rider weight is 150kg (331lbs or 23st 8lbs) with a height of between 160-185cm (5’2″-6’1″).
Features and Tech
The Hyuhome features a clear, waterproof LCD display showing speed, battery level, gears and mileage. It has a built-in headlight but no fitted rear light. The 36V 13Ah battery is removable and takes around 3-4 hours to charge fully. The bike comes with 26-inch wheels with CST All Terrain tyres, offering good grip even on rough terrain.
Value for Money
At £649, this best budget electric hardtail bike 2024 offers excellent value compared to similar models which tend to cost at least £80 more but a few users rating it 1* talk about screws and bolts coming loose and a couple have said the battery doesn’t last long enough. However, if you read the 4* and 5* reviews, which represents 87% of reviewers, they remark on the looks, quality, performance, value for money and ease of assembly. If they’ve had small problems, they’ve found customer support spot-on.
Generally, this electric mountain bike offers a comfortable ride, decent performance and good build quality, especially for its price. It also comes with a kickstand and a useful pannier rack at the rear which will take up to 30kg load (66lbs or 4st 10lbs)!
Want to go straight to read more about this bike? Click here
Pros and Cons (Based on User Reviews)
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Stylish appearance
- Comfortable riding position
- Good build quality
- Decent performance for everyday use
- Easy to read display
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Some assembly required – building instructions here: https://youtu.be/SKdfzRbg-_0?si=dhm2TW__qT8aYquA
- Not suitable for very technical trails
- Mechanical disc brakes require more frequent adjustments than hydraulic ones
Our final thoughts on the best budget electric hardtail mountain bike 2024
The bike we’ve picked is a compelling option for budget-conscious riders looking for a fun e-bike for commuting, moderate off-road adventures or leisurely trail rides. According to reviewers, its comfortable ride, decent performance and robust build quality make it a great value proposition. The average of almost 400 users’ reviews is 4.5* which we think is very good for a ‘non-branded’, lower-priced bike. However, if you plan to tackle demanding terrain or require a longer range, consider pricier models with more powerful motors, batteries and suspension systems = you’ll have to spend quite a bit more!
Additional Insights:
- Consider your intended use and terrain when making your decision.
- Factor in the cost of additional accessories you might need.
- It’s important to check all around the bike and tighten all screws and bolts, after first uses too. This is something you should do with every new bike as these fastenings take a while to bed in.
Check out the Hyuhome Electric Hardtail Bike: Click Here
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