E-Bike Suspension Types: Front, Rear and Full

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Many factors affect your electric bike's performance; one is its suspension. Also called the shock absorber, the ebike suspension system determines how comfortable and stable the bike moves on various surfaces.

In addition, it protects the rider and the bike's frame when riding on rough terrain. Due to this, it is prevalent with mountain bikes since they commute on the most uneven terrains. Here's more information on ebike suspension, how it works, and the types.

What Is an Ebike Suspension?

Ebike suspension is a protective mechanism common on most electric bike types. It acts as a buffer between you and your ebike when riding on a rugged road, reducing the road's impact. Ebikes without suspension are known as rigid ebikes, and most are road ebikes.

By acting as a shock absorber, the suspension system makes it easier for you to move over bumps and uneven ground. As a result, an ebike with suspension is a must-have if you want to ride on rough terrains without getting worn out.

It also facilitates traction by keeping both tires on the ground and making them more level with each other as you ride. However, there are different types of suspension, which affect how exactly the ebike will perform.

Suspension for e-bikes can extend the life of your frame. Bikes without suspension wear out and break down quickly, primarily when used on mountain terrains.

Ebike suspension also has downsides, with the most apparent being price. An ebike with suspension is significantly more expensive than one without. Some bikers purchase traditional bikes and install suspension systems, but they are costly too.

In addition, a suspension system is like an extra device on an ebike that increases its weight. To improve shock absorption, suspension ebikes are built with heavier frames.

Furthermore, ebike suspension demands more maintenance; else, it won't work properly. You'll need to replace seals and change oils more frequently. Nevertheless, there are more upsides than downsides to having a suspension system on an ebike.

How Does a Bike Suspension Work?

An ebike suspension system consists of different mechanical parts, but the most important are the forks/shocks, springs, and dampers.

The shocks, also called rear shocks, are built into the frames on ebikes with rear suspension. On the other hand, forks are for front suspension ebikes.

Shocks differ in damper tunes, size, and stroke length depending on the frame. Most shocks are specifically made for a particular frame and can't be changed. Meanwhile, forks are relatively easy to change if the wheel size and travel length are compatible.

However, the springs and dampers handle most of the work done by the suspension system. Resistance comes from the spring, while the damper regulates the resistance. In other words, the spring provides the force to withstand rough terrains, and the damper compresses this force for optimal performance.

Practically, the damper either increases or reduces the suspension without directly affecting how much that comes from the spring. This design ensures you do not have to adjust the spring rate regularly as you change terrains.

There are different types of damping mechanisms, but rebound and position-sensitive damping are the most common. The latter is more common with high-end mountain and hybrid ebikes.

Rebound damping controls how quickly the ebike suspension returns to the original spring rate after compression damping. Some ebikes feature a dual rebound – high and low speed – but most have just a single rebound – high or low speed.

In contrast, position-sensitive damping is automatic and relatively safer. It has a lower damping force for regular roads and higher for off-road terrains.

Electric Bike Suspension Types

There are three main types of suspension systems on ebikes: front, rear, and full suspension. The difference between these systems is straightforward. Front suspension systems feature a suspension fork, and rear suspension systems feature a rear shock. Meanwhile, full suspension systems feature a suspension fork and a rear shock.

With a front suspension system, you get a rigid rear, and with a rear suspension, you get a rigid front. As a result, full suspension systems are more dependable since neither the front nor the rear is rigid. Such ebikes are highly flexible, comfortable, and fast.

An ebike with a single suspension system – either front or rear – is called a hardtail. However, the term is almost synonymous with front suspension ebikes since most single suspension bicycles use the front wheel.

Hardtail ebikes are not as expensive as full suspension ebikes and are not as heavy. Performance-wise, full suspension ebikes perform better than hardtails.

What Is the Best Mountain Ebike with Suspension?

Netuno Pro Electric Mountain Bike

Netuno Pro Electric Mountain Bike is our best mountain bike with suspension. The bike's suspension system is staunch enough to keep you stable and comfortable on the toughest trails. It features a spring fork that absorbs shocks from the ground, doesn't stress your joints, and gives you the comfort you need while riding.

Although it has a suspension system, the bike isn't heavy compared to many other ebikes on the market; it weighs just 27.5 kg. Still, its lightweight aluminum frame is rigid and carries up to 125 kg.

Almost anyone can ride the Netuno Pro Electric Mountain Bike as it's perfect for riders between 160 to 200 cm in height. The best part is that you get a range of 80miles/ 130km on a full charge.

The Best Way To Tell If Your Bike Has Suspension

It should have a suspension system if you have an electric bicycle or a traditional one. The easiest way to know if your bike has one is by consulting the manufacturer's manual.

Generally, a bike with a front suspension should have telescopic tubes near the front wheel. If it is a rear suspension bike, you should find a swingarm with shock absorbers at the rear.

A full suspension system will include telescopic tubes and a swingarm with shock absorbers.

Another way to know is when you ride over rough surfaces. If your cycle has a suspension system, you should not feel the unevenness. However, this is not a foolproof method as bumpy rides could indicate that the shock absorbers are weak and need replacement.

Conclusion

Ebike suspension systems help reduce the possibility of accidents when commuting on rugged terrains. It's a must-have feature for every electric bike. The most common are the front, rear, or full suspension systems. Full suspension can protect the front and rear wheels; however, the front fork is the most commonly used on electric bikes to absorb bumps.

At Eskute, we have various reliable electric bicycles equipped with a suspension; contact us today to find out more.