Suspension is one of the most important parts that make up a vehicle. Having an idea about what eBike suspensions are and how they work cannot only help you buy the right suspension bike but also enable you to maintain them better – which is why we have put together this ultimate guide on electric bike suspension. 

Here’s what we’ll cover.

• Why Electric Bike Suspension is Important?
• Types of eBike Suspension Systems
• Types of Suspension Electric Bikes
• Electric Bike Suspension Seat Post
• How to Maintain Your eBike Suspension?
• Which Suspension Bike Do I Need?
• FAQs

Why Electric Bike Suspension is Important?

Commonly referred to as shock absorbers, electric bike suspension is what dampens the effects of jolts, jerks, or vibrations that may be experienced by the rider while traveling on bumps, potholes, rough terrains, or any kind of uneven surface.

While electric bikes are fully operable without suspension, their presence certainly makes a huge difference. 

Depending on the type, suspension systems can considerably reduce the load on the handles and seats of your eBike. And by absorbing the vibrations caused by riding on undulated surfaces, they make your ride fun and comfortable, allowing you to ride longer and explore even the most inaccessible areas.

Electric bike suspensions also allow for a more stable ride as they prevent tires from losing contact with the road, ensuring more safety.

Types of eBike Suspension Systems

Electric Bike suspension systems can be categorized into four types: spring, pneumatic, resistance rubber, and hydraulic. 

While spring and hydraulic systems are the most common types of eBike suspension, each system offers something unique to the table.

Spring Suspension System

Spring suspensions are some of the cheapest options available on the market and are usually seen in bikes ranging from $1000 to $2000. Despite their affordable nature, they provide substantial amounts of damping. 

Spring suspensions are often used in front suspension or in full suspension eBikes, paired with another type of suspension. As a downside, they weigh more than the other types of suspension systems. 

Pneumatic Suspension System

Pneumatic systems work by making use of a compressible gas. 

The shock absorption effect is achieved by compressing the gas in the suspension chamber and allowing it to expand back again. This allows the suspension to provide adequate damping without having to compromise on the weight of the system. 

Pneumatic suspension systems are not susceptible to aging either, which means you can use them for extended periods without the need for replacement.

The only downside is that gas leakages may cause an imbalance of air pressure in the system, which may damage the suspension forks. This can be avoided by frequent calibrations.

Resistance Rubber Suspension

As the name suggests, these suspension systems are made up of resistance rubbers and are, therefore, lighter when compared to spring suspension systems. They also require low maintenance and can be adjusted easily to fit the user’s preference.

The only drawback of a resistance rubber suspension system is that it is susceptible to aging. Prolonged use of the rubber suspension system can cause the quality of the rubber to deteriorate, resulting in less shock absorption as time passes. 

Hydraulic Suspension Systems

The hydraulic suspension system is an all-in-one solution. It’s just like the pneumatic system but uses oil instead of compressed gas.

Hydraulic suspension is not only one of the lightest options on the market, but it is also one of the safest and most efficient suspensions out there. The shock absorption is remarkable and the system requires little maintenance.

The only drawback is that it is the costliest of all. Aside from being a hefty one-time purchase, repair expenses in case of any damages can prove to be quite expensive as well. 

Nevertheless, there is no compromise in the quality of this suspension system and it proves to be a reliable purchase in the long run.

Types of Suspension Electric Bikes

Based on the number and placement of shock absorbers, eBikes can be categorized into the following types: full suspension eBikes, front suspension eBikes, and no suspension eBikes. 

Each type has its own list of pros and cons; ultimately, the choice comes to the rider’s preference. Let’s explore them in detail.

Full Suspension Electric Bikes

Full suspension electric bikes, also known as dual suspension eBikes, are the most effective when it comes to shock absorption. Consisting of both front and rear suspension forks, they often use a combination of spring and hydraulic systems, with the hydraulic suspension present on one end and the spring on the other. 

Dual suspension electric bikes, particularly the ones with fat tires, offer the best stability and control on rough terrains like mountains, uneven roads, and hills – which is why full suspension fat tire eBikes are always high in demand. 

Additionally, full suspension mountain eBikes allow the rider to traverse long ascents or descents at incredible speeds without having to compromise on the handling as the double shock absorbers can dampen the effects of even the hardest unwanted impacts.

Full suspension electric bikes also allow users to perform difficult maneuvers like jumping with their eBike as the dual suspensions prevent the impact from directly reaching the frame or rider.

Dual suspension eBikes are, however, more expensive than other options. A good full suspension eBike usually costs around $2500, with high-end options being available in the $3500 – $4000 range. They’re also costlier to maintain.

Pros

• Better traction and handling control on uneven terrains
• Can endure drops and jumps
• Allow for longer and more comfortable rides 
• More adjustable than other options
• Protect your arms and lower back by absorbing sudden impacts
• Suitable for trail and downhill riding, CX, and enduro

Cons

• Most expensive 
• Costly to maintain and repair
• Consume more power
• Due to more moving parts, need frequent maintenance
• Dual suspension adds more weight to the bike

Front Suspension Electric Bikes

Front Suspension electric bikes, also known as hardtail eBikes, have a suspension system in the front end only. All the shock absorption is carried out by the front fork, which is also responsible for preventing damage to the bike frame by cushioning the impacts due to terrain.

Front suspension eBikes cost less than their full suspension counterparts and, when paired with fat tire eBikes, are just as good! The front suspension can be either hydraulic or spring based, depending on the cost of the bicycle.

Hardtail electric bikes are responsive, due to their single-piece rigid frame, allowing riders to get a better feel of the terrain without compromising on comfort. The hardtail eBikes are also more energy-efficient than full suspension eBikes as they weigh less and their rigid frame ensures seamless transfer of power.

If you ride on smooth tracks while occasionally switching to rougher tracks, then in terms of price to performance value, having a front suspension or hardtail eBike is the best choice for you.

Pros

• Best value for money
• Weigh less than full suspension eBikes and are easier to handle
• Lesser parts imply less maintenance
• Simpler design compared to full suspension
• Better energy efficiency, which translates to a longer range
• Best option for beginner off-roaders
• Perfect for urban terrains with rough tracks
• Versatile; suitable for several types of riding

Cons

• Front fork is susceptible to early damage
• Fewer adjustment options than full-suspension eBikes
• Less capable than dual-suspension electric bikes
• Cannot endure drops and jumps

No Suspension Electric Bikes

While having suspensions on an electric bike is a plus, there are cases where you can work without needing them at all. This is where no suspension electric bikes come in. 

As the name suggests, these eBikes don’t possess any form of suspension. While it may seem like a disadvantage, if you require a bike for casual city rides and want to cruise at speeds lesser than 20mph, then the eBikes without suspension are a viable option.

Since most city roads use asphalt, they tend to lack any form of bumps and rough patches. This means an eBike can function well without needing any mechanisms for shock absorption if it’s solely meant for the tarmac.

Additionally, these bikes are also suitable for terrains that provide natural damping, such as sand and snow – though they wouldn’t offer the same level of comfort offered by hardtail or front suspension electric bike.

Pros

• Lightest weight due to lack of suspension
• Cheaper than full or front suspension eBikes
• Perfect for urban beginners 

Cons

• Lack traction
• Not suitable for rough terrains 
• Riding on uneven surfaces can result in damage
• Usage limited to just paved surfaces
• Uncomfortable, especially during longer rides

Electric Bike Suspension Seat Post

Aside from the standard front and rear suspensions, the seat of your eBike can also be equipped with suspension. Seat posts sit on a kind of a tube that can be adjusted according to the preference of the rider to provide maximum comfort.

The most common type of seat post suspension uses a piston, in which the sliding post adjusts itself with the external tube of the seat post based on the applied pressure. These pistons can also be adjusted according to the rider’s preference to avoid the seat from slightly moving from side to side.

Another kind of suspension that’s used in seat posts is parallelogram suspension. It makes use of two parallel connected bars that join the post with the clamp of the saddle. The arc is adjusted to compensate for different designs of eBikes.

How to Maintain Your eBike Suspension?

While eBike suspension may be ideal in cushioning external impacts due to rough tracks, they are also susceptible to damage. Improper maintenance can reduce the lifespan of your electric bike suspension, making them unable to absorb impacts and resulting in bends in your bike frame.

Learning how to properly maintain your electric bike suspension will save you from the problem of repairing or replacing the suspension or other affected components of the eBike altogether. Here are some basic tips to maintain your eBike suspension.

Keep Them Clean 

This is the easiest way to ensure your suspension’s longevity. You can use any soft and clean cloth to remove dirt and mud from your suspension forks after every ride.

Lubricate Periodically 

Lubricating your suspension forks can greatly improve the lifespan of your eBike by reducing the friction within the components of the fork. Though lubrication helps all kinds of suspension systems, it’s practically a gamechanger for spring suspensions.

Consult a Professional

Aside from regular maintenance at home, you should get your eBike suspensions serviced by a professional as well. A good rule of thumb is to get your suspensions serviced after half a year or after every 1,000 miles.

Which Suspension Bike Do I Need?

With all the key factors of eBike suspension covered, you might be wondering which suspension bike do you need? Well, the answer is, “it depends.”

If you live in an urban area with well-built routes for transportation, investing in a no-suspension bike is right for you. In case you’re looking to ride on rough, uneven terrains without compromising on speed or comfort, you should opt for a full suspension eBike instead. 

But if your commute involves off-roading and you can’t afford the high tag of a dual suspension eBike, a hardtail or front suspension eBike is the best option for you.

Compared to other bikes, a hardtail is more versatile in nature. It’s suitable for several riding types – be it urban roads or rugged hills. In addition to that, it’s typically about $1000-$1500 cheaper than full suspension bikes.

And if you get a hardtail or front suspension bike with fat tires, such as the Sivrock CJ500, you’ll have the all-terrain performance of a full suspension eBike – but at an extremely economical cost. You’ll simply get the best of both worlds!

FAQs

Do e-bikes need suspension?

Yes, eBikes need suspension. It not only saves your bike from damage by protecting its frame from sudden impacts but also ensures that your rides are free from any sort of discomfort by dampening all surface undulations you encounter. 

How do electric bike shock absorbers work?

Electric bike shock absorbers work by absorbing the kinetic energy generated from the impacts faced by the eBike on uneven terrains and dissipating it as thermal energy. Simply put, shock absorbers dampen the bumps one may experience during a ride by removing the excess energy as heat.

Can I ride an e-bike without suspension?

If you feel like your go-to travel routes are free from any sort of bumps, patches, breaks, and cracks in the terrain, investing in an eBike without suspension is fine. However, if you have the budget, buying an eBike that is equipped with a front suspension will do you wonders.

Is a full suspension bike better than a hardtail?

If your commute involves hills or hardcore off-roading and you can afford the high price point then, yes, a full suspension bike is better than a hardtail. If that’s not the case, you’ll be better off with a hardtail bike – which is just as good but a lot more economical.

Dual suspension vs full suspension bike: What’s the difference?

Dual suspension and full suspension are the same kind of suspension system. So, there’s no difference between these terms – both refer to bikes that are suitable to be ridden on off-road tracks and uneven terrains. 

Which eBike suspension is best for off-roading?

The answer varies based on your budget as well as the kind of terrain you’ll be riding on. Both dual and front suspension bikes are best for riders who experience rough terrains in their commute, though the former provides more capability and the latter provides more value for money.