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Winter riding in the UK is synonymous with wet weather, grey days and, well, not always the most enjoyable time on a bike. It's far too easy to put the bike away and forget about it until spring, and many of us are guilty of choosing the car over our e-bikes when the weather isn't looking that enticing. But what if we're just not on the right bike for winter?

Off-road bikes, and in particular, electric mountain bikes, are at the forefront of e-bike technology, often sporting the newest drive systems and battery tech before any other genre. They're also pretty damn fun to ride. Perhaps this is a left-field suggestion, or maybe it's just being practical, but let's take a look at why an electric mountain bike may be the best bike you can use this winter.
 

Best in class drive systems and battery tech

Perhaps more of a sweeping generalisation than actual fact, but it does feel like electric mountain bikes are the first types of bikes to get all the new cool stuff. In this instance, we're talking about the latest Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 motor, which was launched last month and has already seen at least 10 new bikes arriving in the market with it equipped. 

One such model is the Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE44, which not only comes with the Gen 5 Bosch motor, but the new, larger capacity batteries too. Imagine something that runs off a full-fat motor, with 85Nm of torque, and can last for miles more than your friend's average e-bike. Of course if you're riding up Alpine trails it won't last as long as if you're heading across the South Downs, but 800Wh is still a pretty neat amount of capacity to have. 

What this means in real winter terms is that the reduction in capacity due to the lower temperatures will hamper you less than if you had a smaller battery. Plus, the higher power of the motor means you'll still be able to get up technical climbs if your legs aren't warmed up just yet.
 

Adaptability and accessories

Particularly with the Cube Stereo Hybrid range, there's an element of adaptability and versatility you don't necessarily get with other types of e-bikes. For example, Cube offers an Allroad version of the Stereo Hybrid ONE44, which comes fully equipped for winter. 

By this we mean there are full-length mudguards, a subtle rear carrying rack, a kickstand and integrated lights from Cube's X-Connect technology. Plus, it goes without saying that an e-bike equipped with trail geometry and wide, knobbly tyres is going to give you far more confidence if you find yourself on the local towpath or bridleway in wintry weather. 

In fact, it's so capable off-road, you may even find yourself actively seeking out new trails to explore on your way to work. And if you do plan on using your e-bike for that, the ONE44 Allroad ticks a lot of boxes for a hardy winter commuter option. The X-Connect technology means you can plug in lights from Cube's range. This means you'll not get caught out by your lights unexpectedly running out of battery again, because they're connected to the bike's power. 

But, even if you don't got for the Allroad option, you can stil accessorise your e-bike the way you want to. For example, the Cube Acid Mudguard Vane Pro for front and rear wheels works well to protect you from splashes without that 'commuter' style appearance. They attach quickly to the frame front and rear and can work with both 27.5in and 29in wheels. 

There is also the option of running a somewhat more substantial rear carrying rack, like the Acid Carrier. It is specifically designed for full-suspension bikes, and mounts to the rear axle to keep it in place while you carry your belongings. 

If you're more of a trail rider, then the Stereo Hybrid ONE44 geometry lends itself to trail riding. It also offers 140mm travel front and rear, with Cube's 'Agile Comfort Geometry', which claims to blend agility and comfort into one trail-ready package.
 

More fun?

Not only are electric mountain bikes incredibly fun to ride, but they can really help to improve your bike handling skills. After a winter with a mountain bike you may well look as capable as Lucinda Brand or Mathieu van der Poel on a cyclocross course, gliding through deep Belgian mud as if it were nothing. 

The Stereo Hybrid ONE44 comes in a range of models and price points to suit different budgets, but if you want something that's a little bit lighter and aren't as bothered about top-end power, perhaps the Cube AMS Hybrid ONE44 may be up your street. 

This sits in the lightweight eMTB category, which basically means it uses a slightly less torquey motor but also weighs less than a 'full-fat' e-bike. In the case of the AMS Hybrid ONE44, Cube has chosen the Bosch SX motor, which still offers up to 55Nm of torque when required. 

Make no mistake, this is still an incredibly capable mountain bike, with 140mm travel front and rear, and a 400Wh battery. The beauty of a lightweight eMTB, particularly in winter, is that it just gives you enough of a boost without being overwhelmingly powerful. So you'll still get a workout in, you'll just be able to ride further and with less effort than an analogue option. 

All this being said, the best e-bike for winter is fundamentally the one that will get you out and pedalling away. E-bikes are meant to be fun, not just tools for a particular season, and the Cube Hybrid range offers plenty of options for more casual riders looking for a do-it-all bike, down to the hardcore trail riders ready to keep shredding through winter.