Boost your mountain bike with an electric kit: easy, efficient, durable!

Electric mountain biking has seen a real boom in recent years, driven by technical innovations and a growing interest from riders for longer and more accessible outings.

Today, over 200,000 electric mountain bikes are sold each year in France, and the trend continues to accelerate. However, buying a new electric bike often represents a significant investment. This is where the electric bike kit, A flexible and economical solution for transforming your classic mountain bike into a high-performance electric bike. Thanks to electric mountain bike kits reliable and tailor-made like those offered by Virvolt, It is now possible to combine passion, performance and sustainability.

Summary

1. Mountain biking today: trends & news

• New models and innovations in 2024
• Electric mountain bikes in trade shows and catalogues
• The influence of hybrid practices (gravel, bikepacking, urban mountain biking)

2. Why electrify a mountain bike?

• The electric mountain bike boom
• The motivations of the practitioners
• The kit, an alternative to a new electric bike

3. What type of mountain bike can be electrified?

• Frame and component compatibility
• Focus on motors: wheel vs. crankset
• Choose your kit according to your needs

4. How do I install an electric mountain bike kit?

• Conversion steps using a Virvolt kit
• What you need to plan for (battery, assistance, braking)
• Tips for a successful installation

5. General Conclusion

1. Mountain biking today: trends & news

The world of mountain biking is experiencing unprecedented growth. Whether in competition, recreational riding, or sport touring, the discipline continues to attract more and more enthusiasts. And with it comes a new wave of technical innovations and hybrid models that are more versatile, more comfortable… and above all, more electric.

By 2024, more than one in three mountain bikes sold will be a electric bike, And the trend isn't slowing down. The reason? A growing demand for more accessible, longer, but also more sustainable practices. Electrification is therefore becoming a key lever for meeting market expectations, whether through a new electric bike or a electric mountain bike kit to install.

New models and innovations in 2024

Major mountain bike brands like Trek, Specialized, Cube, and Lapierre are heavily investing in mountain bikes with integrated electric assist. These bikes feature increasingly compact batteries, ever more powerful motors (up to 90 Nm of torque), and frames redesigned to accommodate this technology without compromising geometry or weight.

But faced with this increase in quality and price, many cyclists are turning to an alternative: electrify their own bicycle. Indeed, innovations are not reserved for industrial brands: manufacturers of electric bike kits as Virvolt now offer high-performance solutions, adaptable to a wide variety of non-motorized mountain bikes.

Electric mountain bikes in trade shows and catalogues

THE Electric mountain bike (e-MTB) took center stage at major trade shows such as Eurobike Or Bikes in Paris. We discover increasingly specialized models there:

• Electric Enduro for challenging descents
• Electric trail mountain bike for long-distance hiking
• Electric hardtail mountain bike for mixed sport/urban use

But not all cyclists have the budget (often exceeding €4,000) or the desire to replace a bike they already know and love. That's where the electric mountain bike kit : a choice that allows you to transform your current mountain bike into a real electric bike with powerful, responsive, and above all, durable support.

The influence of hybrid practices (gravel, bikepacking, urban mountain biking)

The evolution of mountain biking goes hand in hand with the development of so-called hybrid practices. bikepacking, For example, it blends long-distance adventure and nature trails. electric gravel, He blurs the lines between road, path, and forest. In these uses, the electric assist kit becomes a strategic companion: it extends the cyclist's autonomy, allows for carrying more equipment, and opens the way to more physically demanding routes.

More and more practitioners are now using their Mountain bike converted into an electric bike For everyday journeys : Going to work, doing your shopping, avoiding the car. The electric conversion kit for mountain bikes It then becomes a fully-fledged mobility tool, far beyond simple leisure.

Thus, mountain biking today is much more than a sport: it's a culture, a lifestyle, and a modern response to the needs of sustainable mobility. And in this silent revolution, electric mountain bike kits play an increasingly central role, democratizing access to bicycle electrification.

2. Why electrify a mountain bike?

Mountain biking is evolving rapidly, driven by technical innovations, a growing interest in sustainable transportation, and a shared desire to push personal limits. In this context, theelectrification of mountain bikes thanks to a electric mountain bike kit it stands out as a practical, economical and sustainable solution.

So why do so many cyclists choose to converting their mountain bike into an electric bike Instead of buying a new one? Three main reasons emerge: the explosion of the electric vehicle market, the search for comfort and performance, and finally, the sound ecological and financial sense offered by a electric bike kit.

Here, for example, is an electric mountain bike with a Virvolt 900 kit ⬇️

The electric mountain bike boom

In just a few years, the Electric mountain bike (e-MTB) has gone from a niche product to an essential reference in the cycling market. In France, nearly 200,000 electric mountain bikes were sold in 2024, a figure up 24% compared to the previous year, according to the Union Sport & Cycle. A similar dynamic is observed throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

But this success is also accompanied by a significant rise in prices.For a quality e-MTB, prices generally start around €3,000 and can easily climb to €5,000 or more for sporty or full-suspension models. A significant investment, sometimes difficult to justify when you already own a mountain bike in good condition.

This is where the electric motor kit truly shines. It allows you to transform a regular bicycle into an electric bike, at a lower cost and without compromising quality or performance. An electric mountain bike kit, like those offered by Virvolt, provides a smart alternative, combining advanced technology and durability.

Assistance to expand its possibilities

Electrifying your mountain bike opens up a whole new world of experience. Electric assistance allows you to travel longer distances, to tackle more technical terrain, and to enjoy your outings with less fatigue. We're not talking about "cheating" here, but about adjust the effort according to one's desires or physical abilities. This partly explains the success of electric assistance kits to a very diverse audience.

More and more experienced mountain bikers are choosing electrification to explore new routes or extend their rides without compromising their riding enjoyment. Conversely, older cyclists or those returning to the sport find in the electric bike kit an ideal solution to regain sensations while protecting their joints or breathing.

The technology embedded in a electric mountain bike kit It also allows you to adapt the assistance according to your desired level of effort, thanks to cadence and torque sensors and intuitive control interfaces. Whether climbing, on technical trails, or on smooth tracks, electrification comes in handy. amplify the cyclist's capabilities, without ever replacing them.

The electric kit: a sustainable alternative to a new electric bike

Many cyclists ask themselves the following question: is it really necessary to buy a new electric bike when you already own a good regular mountain bike? The answer is increasingly often no. No. Thanks to a bicycle conversion kit, it is now possible to reuse an existing frame while accessing the power and flexibility of electric assistance.

Besides the economic aspect, it's also an ecological approach. Electrifying an existing bicycle rather than producing a new one allows you to reduce its carbon footprint Significantly. At Virvolt, we advocate for this more circular approach to cycling: less waste, fewer resources used, and a product designed to last.

A Virvolt electric mountain bike kit allows you to customize every element: the type of motor (crank or wheel), the battery capacity, the level of assistance, the positioning of the components. The result? A custom electric bike, that respects your needs, your practice and your budget.

A solution for all profiles

The true power of a electric kit for mountain bikes, Its strength lies in its ability to adapt to very different rider profiles. It can breathe new life into an old, high-end mountain bike that you refuse to leave in the garage. It can also transform an entry-level mountain bike into a fun machine.For some, it can finally replace the car on a daily basis, transforming the sports bike into mobility bike.

In short, electrifying your mountain bike is no longer a simple technical choice: it's a way to reinvent one's relationship with cycling. More accessible, more flexible, more responsible.

3. What type of mountain bike can be electrified?

One of the great advantages of electric bike kits, it's their versatility. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a high-end or recent bicycle to switch to electric. The majority of classic mountain bikes can be equipped with electric mountain bike kit, provided that a few simple technical criteria are met.

But not all frames are created equal, and not all kits are suitable for every use. This section will guide you to find out. What type of mountain bike can be electrified?, and how to choose the right one conversion kit depending on your practice.

Frame and component compatibility

The first thing to check before converting a bicycle to electric, it's the compatibility of the frame with the electric motor kit. The good news is that most of Hardtail mountain bikes Or full suspension are eligible for electrification. Models with aluminum or steel frames are particularly robust and therefore well-suited.

Here are some technical elements to consider:

• The bottom bracket : To install a bottom bracket motor, it must be of the BSA type, which is the case for the majority of mountain bikes.
• The space in the front triangle : It must allow a battery to be attached, either on the bottle cage inserts or via an adapter bracket.
• The shrouds and aft bases : if you opt for a wheel motor, They must be sufficiently strong and aligned.

At the house of Virvolt, our electric kits for mountain bikes They are designed to be compatible with a wide range of frames. An online pre-diagnostic tool or a simple workshop check will quickly confirm whether your bike is eligible.

Focus on motors: wheel vs. crankset

The choice of engine type is a key step in electrification. It influences both the perceived power, the pedaling sensation, and the bike's behavior on the terrain.

The wheel motor is usually installed at the rear. It is discreet, quiet, and easy to install. It is very suitable for recreational use or a Electric urban mountain bike, with smooth and linear assistance.

The bottom bracket motor, As for it, it is installed at the bottom bracket. This is the preferred solution for a electric mountain bike kit performance-oriented. It offers better torque management, optimized traction on climbs, and a more natural feel thanks to the direct measurement of the effort exerted on the pedals.

At the house of Virvolt, we recommend the bottom bracket motor for regular or sporty mountain bikers, especially those who venture into technical terrain or mountains.

Choose your kit according to your needs

The best configuration depends on your style of practice and your expectations. If you use your mountain bike for leisurely rides or daily commutes, a electric bike kit A simple one with a wheel motor and a 500 Wh battery can be more than enough.

However, for long outings, the bikepacking, technical hiking or mountain outings, a electric assist kit with bottom bracket motor, A high-capacity battery (650 to 750 Wh) and an intelligent controller would be much more suitable.

It is also possible to customize other elements:

• THE engine torque level (from 35 to 80 Nm)
• THE control interface type
• THE Battery Type

The choice of electric mountain bike kit It must therefore be done carefully. At Virvolt, Our experts assist each user in finding the best configuration according to their bike, their use and their budget.

Yes, Almost all mountain bikes can be electrified.. But first, you have to choose the electric motor kit tailored to your frame and your riding style. Thanks to a range of versatile and robust kits, Virvolt allows anyone to transform their mountain bike into an electric bike efficient, reliable and perfectly suited to his riding style.

4. How do I install an electric mountain bike kit?

Electrifying a mountain bike isn't just a technical choice—it's also a personal project. And like any serious project, it requires a minimum of preparation and maximum reliability. That's why at Virvolt, we made the choice of a network of authorized distributors, specially trained for install our electric mountain bike kits according to best practices.

Unlike some self-assembly kits sold online, A Virvolt kit cannot be installed alone : the intervention of a professional is not only a guarantee of safety and performance, but also a Prerequisites for benefiting from the warranty, engine optimization and after-sales service.

Conversion steps using a Virvolt kit

Here's how it works in practiceinstallation of a Virvolt electrification kit on your mountain bike:

1. compatibility diagnosis : It all starts with a technical check of your bike. The distributor analyzes the frame, the type of crankset, the available space, the cabling, the brakes and the general geometry of the mountain bike.
2. Choosing the right kit : Depending on your activity (leisure, trail, urban, mountain) and your needs (range, power, engine type), the professional will guide you towards the electric mountain bike kit the most relevant.
3. Complete installation : the authorized distributor installs the electric motor kit, It integrates the battery, attaches the sensors and controller, and then configures the assistance. Every detail is adjusted to guarantee a fluid and natural experience on all types of terrain.
4. Road test : Before returning the bike to you, the professional performs a series of dynamic tests to ensure that everything works perfectly.
5. Handover of the electric bicycle : you leave with a perfectly tuned electric bike, Ready for adventure, the city or the mountains.

What you need to consider: battery, brakes, assistance

Electrification transforms the way your bike behaves. Even if your mountain bike remains 100% functional in pedal-assist mode, it's important to understand the key elements added by an electric motor. electric bike kit :

• The battery : As the system's energy core, its capacity directly influences the range. Virvolt offers different options depending on your needs: up to 110 km of range on a single charge.
• The engine : In the case of mountain bikes, Virvolt favors the pedal motors for their uphill efficiency and natural traction. The motor torque is automatically adjusted according to the effort and the terrain.
• Braking : An electric bike goes faster and longer. The dealer can check that your brakes are suitable or recommend an upgrade if necessary (discs, pads, levers).
• Intelligent assistance : The system analyzes your cadence, incline, and applied torque in real time, and adapts the motor power accordingly. The goal: to assist you without replacing you.

Why use an authorized Virvolt distributor?

One of the major advantages of Virvolt kits, that's precisely their Professional installation required. This choice guarantees our users:

• Maximum security : The installation complies with all electrical and mechanical standards for the cycle.
• Optimal performance : Well-integrated motor, clean wiring, software configured according to your usage.
• A preserved guarantee : Workshop assembly is a condition to benefit from Virvolt assistance and after-sales service.
• Peace of mind : You are supported from diagnosis to the first outing, with a clear point of contact should you need it.

Our network of authorized distributors and installers covers a large part of French territory. Simply make an appointment with one of them to start your project.electrification of mountain bikes with a custom electric bike kit.

General Conclusion

The electrification of mountain biking via a electric bike kit is much more than just a trend: it's a real revolution in the way we practice mountain biking.

The choice of a electric mountain bike kit, Especially when installed by an authorized Virvolt distributor, it allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of electric assistance without giving up your favorite bike. Greater range, less fatigue, access to more varied terrain, and an enhanced riding experience are all tangible benefits for all enthusiasts, beginners or experts.

By opting for a Virvolt electric mountain bike kit, You're also making a responsible choice, extending the life of your bike and contributing to more sustainable mobility. Whether you're drawn to touring, enduro, or simply the joy of exploration, electrification is the key to pushing your limits and redefining your mountain biking experience.