Fully E-Bike – full suspension for greater riding comfort

E-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years - and not without reason. Thanks to their motorized support, you can easily cover longer and steeper distances. E-bikes are a great help, especially for people who are no longer able to walk well due to age or physical impairment.

But not all e-bikes are the same. There are different types, with different features and functions. In this article, we would like to take a closer look at what a fully e-bike is, how it works and what else you need to know about this topic.

the essentials in brief

A fully e-bike is an e-bike with front and rear wheel suspension. It is important to distinguish between air suspension and steel suspension. This special technology makes riding on any terrain easy and comfortable, as bumps and shocks are better cushioned. These e-bikes are therefore particularly suitable for riders who spend a lot of time off-road, but older people or people with health problems can also benefit from this technology. To ensure that the many advantages of full suspension are maintained, you should check and adjust the suspension of the e-bike regularly.

Fully E-Bike – what is that anyway?

The term " fully " comes from the English word "full suspension" and can be translated into German as "fully suspended". In the e-bike industry, there are two different types of e-bikes. There are hardtail e-bikes, which usually only have one suspension, and fully e-bikes , which have one suspension at the front and another at the rear of the bike.

How does a fully e-bike work?

Full suspension means that both the front and rear wheels of the e-bike have suspension. The front wheel suspension is usually achieved via a fork, while the rear wheel is suspended via a suspension on the frame or rear axle.

There are two different types of suspension: air suspension and steel suspension.

The air suspension

Air suspension is a technology that has been used in the automotive industry for many years and is also increasingly used in e-bikes. The air suspension consists of an air piston that is enclosed in a housing. The piston is connected to a damper that reduces the movements of the piston to a minimum.

The air piston is set in motion by a lever that is activated by the movements of the wheel. The piston then pushes the air into the housing, which also houses the shock absorber. The air pressure in the housing ensures that the shock absorber cushions the movements of the piston, thus reducing the vibrations of the bike.

The air suspension technology is very effective and can be easily adapted to the respective surface. It is therefore an all-rounder for mountain bikers on difficult terrain as well as for cyclists who prefer to ride on flat terrain.

Adjusting the air suspension

The setting of the air suspension depends on various factors, such as the weight of the rider, the surface of the route and the suspension rate. Especially in the professional sector, it is important to optimize the suspension in order to get the most out of the bike. But even for amateurs and leisurely routes, optimized suspension can ensure more comfort and healthier riding.

The weight of the driver

First, you should think about the weight: This is important because the weight of the rider has a big influence on the setting of the air suspension. The more weight presses on the suspension, the higher the air pressure in the suspension should be. Also include in this decision whether, for example, you have large bike bags on your e-bike that add extra weight.

Damping settings

The damping setting is also very important: the damping can be adjusted either on the fork or on the damper itself. The damping setting should be chosen so that the shocks and vibrations are well cushioned without affecting the handling of the e-bike.

Suspension rate

The suspension rate is another important factor when setting up the air suspension. It determines how strong the suspension is. The higher the suspension rate, the stronger the suspension. It should also be chosen so that it absorbs well without affecting the handling.

The steel suspension

The steel suspension consists of two springs that are attached to the front and rear forks. The steel suspension improves the damping and optimizes the handling. The steel suspension ensures better control and a safe feeling when driving.

How does a steel spring work?

The way it works is relatively simple: the steel spring consists of a spiral spring that sits in a housing. It is located between the frame and the damper and helps to absorb and dampen the wheel's movements. When the wheel drives over an obstacle, the spring is stretched by the friction on the inside of the housing and absorbs the impact energy. The steel suspension is particularly impressive due to its robustness and resistance, even on uneven terrain.

Suspension force

You can easily adjust the suspension force on your e-bike yourself. There is usually a button or lever on the underside of the shock absorber that can be used to adjust the suspension force. Strong suspension is recommended for routes where the fully e-bike is subject to heavy strain - the same applies if you have a high body weight or are carrying heavy luggage. Hard suspension is sufficient for leisurely bike rides.

In general, both types of suspension should be checked regularly for their settings. Otherwise, the main advantage of this bike, i.e. the better suspension, can be lost. So always think about the conditions under which you use your fully e-bike and how you need to adjust the suspension for that.

What are the advantages of a fully e-bike?

This special type of suspension has the great advantage that it is much more comfortable than the suspension on conventional bicycles. The shock absorbers cushion unevenness on any terrain and reduce vibrations.

This makes riding a fully-suspended e-bike much more comfortable and also suitable for longer distances. A fully-suspended e-bike is a good choice, especially for people who suffer from back or joint problems.

A particular advantage of the fully e-bike is that it can also be used on off-road tracks and descents. Especially on steep descents, it can be very strenuous to get to the start of the descent if there is no lift or alternative means of transport. The motor provides a solution here and saves energy.

Who is a fully e-bike suitable for?

Fully e-bikes are particularly suitable for people who often travel long distances by bike. The motorized drive allows you to move faster and easier, and the special suspension means you can use the bike on any terrain. Fully e-bikes can also be a good choice for older people or people with physical limitations.

What criteria should I consider when buying?

Finding the right fully e-bike is not an easy task. There are many different models, so it's easy to lose track. A full-suspension e-bike offers a good mix of comfort and performance. When making your selection, you should also pay attention to the following points:

Weight: Full suspension e-bikes can be heavier than regular e-bikes. You should make sure you are able to handle this weight (especially when transporting it).

Size: Size is also an important selection criterion. The e-bike should of course fit your height so that you can ride it safely and comfortably.

Price: Your budget is also a criterion that you should think about in advance. Fully e-bikes are usually a bit more expensive than other e-bikes, but you also benefit from the many advantages that a fully e-bike offers compared to others.

Tires: You should also consider the type of tires. Most e-bikes have 26 or 29 inch tires. Which size you choose depends on your personal preferences. 26 inch tires are usually lighter and more compact, which means that the bike is also lightweight. On the other hand, 29 inch tires offer better riding comfort and are ideal for longer tours.

Battery: You should also think about the size and type of battery. This affects the weight of the entire bike, but also the range of the battery.

Accessories: You can also think about what accessories your fully e-bike should have. For example, you can consider whether you need a luggage rack, a luggage rack box or, for example, a spare battery for longer rides or trips.

If you consider all these factors, you should be able to find the perfect fully e-bike for your needs.