Decathlon has expanded its electric mountain bike offering even further with the new E-ST 100. The Rockrider E-ST 100 electric mountain bike is the cheapest electric mountain bike in their collection. It comes in at only 1000 euros (800 pounds), which is absolutely astonishingly low price. You might wonder if an ebike this price will be any good. In this review, I will give an extensive review of all its specifications and you will find out of this e-bike is the one for you!
Electric Motor
The motor used on the E-ST 100 is of the geared hub motor type. This motor is also used on the slightly more expensive E-ST 500 V2.
The geared hub motor is located in the rear wheel and has as the name suggests, gears inside. Having a geared hub motor results in better torque compared to non-geared hub motors. Electric mountain bikes often use mid-drive motors, just like the E-ST 520 and E-ST 900. The reason for this is the higher torque of mid-drive motors compared to hub motors. Mid-drive motors also provide a better weight balance.
Decathlon probably didn’t go for a mid-drive motor on the E-ST 100 because they are a lot more expensive than hub motors. By going with a geared hub motor they could get the price down a lot. Having a mid-drive motor at this price point is simply not possible. So if you specifically want a mid-drive motor, you should look at the E-ST 520 and E-ST 900 instead. These electric mountain bikes will be quite a bit more expensive though.
Torque and power
The geared hub motor delivers 42NM of torque at 250W. This might not be as much as the 70NM torque of the mid-drive motors of the E-ST 520/900, but it still is quite a good torque rating. The listed power is 250W since this is the legal nominal power rating in the EU. Most ebike motors provide a little more peak power than listed though. The actual peak power will be closer to 300-400 watts in the highest assist mode.
Cadence pedal assist
The pedal assist is of the cadence type. This means that the ebike will measure the speed at which the pedals are rotating. Depending on the rotation speed, the ebike will give a certain amount of assistance. Cadence systems are generally less refined than higher-end torque-sensing systems. Torque-sensing systems will actually measure the force you exert on the pedals instead of the rotation speed of the pedals. Therefore torque-sensing pedal assist will give a more natural feeling pedal assist. Torque-sensing can be found on the more expensive E-ST 500, E-ST 520, and E-ST 900 electric mountain bikes of Decathlon.
It isn’t a surprise that the E-ST 100 doesn’t feature the more refined torque-sensing pedal assist. This simply is a more expensive technology. Finding it on a 1000 euros (800 pounds) ebike would be really surprising.
Other specifications
The rear geared hub motor is completely water sealed and basically maintenance-free. It’s a closed unit with durable parts inside so that it will last a long time. The wheel can be taken out completely if a flat tire needs to be replaced for example.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain of a hub motor type ebike is generally less important than for a mid-drive type ebike. This is the case because unlike with a mid-drive motor there isn’t any motor power exerted on the chain, gears, etc. The only power that your hub motor ebike’s drivetrain should handle is your own leg power. Which ofcourse is a lot less power than leg and motor power combined as is the case on a mid-drive ebike.
This however doesn’t mean that it isn’t important at all. The E-ST 100 uses drivetrain gear of Microshift. The shifters are the Microshift M25 and TS39, the cassette is the Microshift H081 and the front chainring is a generic 32 teeth chainring.
All these components aren’t quite of the highest quality. It is really entry-level gear, that can also be found on Decathlons affordable non-electric mountain bikes. So it uses basically the same drivetrain components as a 300 euro mountain bike of Decathlon. I would say that the gear is capable enough for this electric mountain bike. You shouldn’t expect the highest performance, but it does the trick just fine. If you consider that the ebike only costs 1000 euros, the drivetrain is actually quite good.
Display and range
The E-ST 500 features, like almost all Decathlon’s ebikes, a small display with integrated control buttons. The display is located at the lift side of the handlebars and can be easily controlled using your thumb. The same display is also used on the E-ST 520, which is a lot more expensive. So it’s excellent to see such a nice display even at this low of a price.
The display shows all the relevant information like speed, assist level, battery percentage, remaining range, trip distance, and more. With the buttons, you can set the bike into 3 different assist levels. The range of your ebike will ofcourse be dependent on the mode you select.
Range and assist levels
| Assist level | Power | Range (Estimate) |
| Assist level 0 | 0 Watts | – |
| Assist level 1 | 20-100 Watts | 85 kilometers, 50 miles |
| Assist level 2 | 80-175 Watts | 50 kilometers, 30 miles |
| Assist level 3 | 150-250 Watts | 25 kilometers, 15 miles |
These 3 assist levels give you great control over the amount of power you can use. In mode 1, you can expect a range of about 85 kilometers (50 miles). In mode 3, you can expect a range of about 25 kilometers (15 miles). The range could be a bit higher, but considering its battery size these numbers can be expected. For the price though, the range is pretty impressive.
Battery
The battery of the E-ST 100 is made out of the same high-quality Samsung SDI 18650 lithium-ion cells that are also found in the more expensive E-ST500, E-ST 520, and E-ST 900 ebikes. I think it’s great that Decathlon also used these high-end cells in their lower-end ebikes. Most of the time you will find Chinese brand name cells in ebikes at this price point. So having these Samsung brand name cells in the E-ST 500 is quite amazing.
The E-ST 100 has a bit less battery capacity than the slightly more expensive E-ST 500. With the E-ST 100, the battery capacity comes in at 380Wh (36V, 10.5AH) which is excellent for an ebike at this price. The E-ST 500 V2 has a 9% bigger battery, so the difference isn’t all that big.
The battery also is removable which makes it convenient if you want to charge the battery inside. The charger that is included is a 36V, 2A charger. With this charger, charging from 0 to 80% will take about 5 hours. Decathlon also sells a separate 36V, 4A charger which is compatible with the E-ST 100 as well. If you would buy this charger, you could cut your charging time in half. It will set you back an extra 60 euro though.
Frame
The frame is made out of the same strong 6061 hydroformed aluminum tubes used on the E-ST 500/520/900. The frame is covered by Decathlon’s lifetime warranty for mountain bike frames. So you probably don’t have to worry about it falling apart. The welds on the frame are neat and the paint quality is nice as well.
The frame of the E-ST 100 looks exactly the same as E-ST 500, E-ST 520, and E-ST 900 (apart from the mid-drive motor mount). Decathlon seems to use exactly the same frame on all their electric e-bikes. This also makes sense from a manufacturing standpoint. The fact that they all use the same frame isn’t a bad thing, it simply is a nice frame, so that also applies to the E-ST 100.
The battery is integrated into the frame and can be slid in easily. Once the battery is in, the battery can be locked down. Preventing someone from stealing your battery.
Brakes
The E-ST 100 has mechanical Tekro TKD68 disc brakes with 180 mm rotor discs. These brakes are really basic entry-level Tektro brakes. They again can be found on a 300 euro non-electric mountain bike that Decathlon sells as well, to give some perspective. The brakes will be fine for basic mountain-biking/trail riding. But I really don’t recommend doing any serious downhill mountain biking for example. They will simply not provide the stopping power you will need. But in most cases, these brakes will be absolutely sufficient. If this will be your first bike with some sort of disc brakes, you probably will be surprised by its stopping power.
Suspension
Decathlon went with a Suntour XCR 30 front suspension with 100mm travel. The Suntour XCR 30 is a mechanical spring-based suspension, which will not nearly feel as nice as a hydraulic type suspension. But again for this low of a price, this mechanical spring-based suspension can be expected and provides good enough performance.
The suspension will hold up great to mild off-roading but if you want to do any serious off-roading, you really shouldn’t go with this ebike. The E-ST 520 and E-ST 900 will be way more suitable for this.
Wheels/tires
The E-ST 520 comes with 27.5 inches by 2.2 inch wide tires. This is a good size tire for this mountain bike, it will provide enough off-road grip while not having too much rolling resistance.
The tires are installed on 23mm wide wheels. These wheels don’t feature a thru-axle style mounting. But this again isn’t expected at this price point. The front wheel can still be removed without any tools. The rear wheel needs to be removed with an 8mm Allen wrench if needed. The fact that the front wheel can be taken out easily is especially convenient for transportation.
Who should buy the E-ST 100?
The E-ST 100 is a perfect ebike if you want to ride some off-road paths without too many major off-road obstacles. It should really be used for consumers that just want to ride around casually on mild off-road terrain. If you are planning to really use it for the mountain biking sport, I should look at Decathlon’s other electric mountain bikes. Especially the E-ST 520 and E-ST 900 will be much more serious ebikes that can be used for some serious mountain biking/off-roading.
If you are looking for a really cheap ebike and you don’t even want to use it for off-roading, this ebike can be really interesting as well. If you install mud-guards, a luggage carrier, and maybe even some nice road tires, this bike will be a nice commuter ebike as well.
Buy Rockrider E-ST 100 Electric Mountain Bike @Decahtlon
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Conclusion
The E-ST 100 is an interesting ebike that offers a lot of value for just a 1000 euros. At this price point, there won’t really be better alternatives. Decathlon is just a champion in providing great products at ridiculously low prices.
Decathlon does have some interesting in-house competition though. The E-ST 500 V2 is a very similar ebike to the E-ST 100, which I can highly recommend as well. It only costs 250 euros more than the E-ST 100. For this extra 250 euros, you will get: torque-sensing pedal assist, a higher capacity battery, and overall better quality components. Therefore I would say, if you can spend the extra 250 euros, go with the E-ST 500 V2. You will get even more value for your money. Especially the torque-sensing feature will really set it apart from the E-ST 100 in terms of riding experience.
If you are looking for an ebike that has great off-roading capabilities though, the E-ST 100 nor the E-ST 500 shouldn’t be the one for you. The E-ST 100 and E-ST 500 really are designed for mild off-roading, not for anything serious. So if you want to get into the mountain biking sport and want to ride some serious trials, you should spend a bit more on an electric mountain bike. Decathlon offers the amazing E-ST 520 or E-ST 900 for this exact purpose.
So if you want an electric mountain bike that offers amazing value and you don’t want to spend any more than a 1000 euros, this ebike will be perfect for you! If you, however, can afford to spend a little bit more, go for the E-ST 500 V2, it will be a nicer ebike that offers just a little bit more value for money!
If you have any questions, want to start a discussion, or need some support, please use the comment section below. I will respond to you within 24 hours.
Hi, i’m interested to to know how many kilometers you can do with one charge in e-st 100 if you, if you have tried it yourself?
Hi Fitta,
In the post you can find a table that answers all your questions about range.
I just want to say thank you for making this review!
I am new to eBikes and really anything specialized about biking, But I’m looking for a commuter bike with some suspension and this was the perfect comparison that I was looking for between the es-t 100 and 500V2
So thank you! It looks like I’ll be going for the 500 v2.
Hi there,
Thank you for these reviews, they are very informative.
I’m looking at buying the E-ST 100. The price is the main reason. However, I live up a big hill (100m ascent over 1km) and need the bike to get me home! Apart from the hill, my main usage would be leisurely rides on relatively flat roads and some tracks.
Do you think the 100 will be enough? Oh, I’m 58kg, I gather weight plays a big part.
It would be a real stretch for me financially to go for the next bike up, 500? or even the 520. The benefits would really have to be worth it.
Any advice much appreciated. Thanks
Hi Michelle,
I think that the E-ST 100 will still give you plenty of assistance up hill. Keep in mind that all ebikes that Decathlon sell are 250W, so the total power delivery is the same across all different ebikes. So the E-ST 100 would be up for the job as well.
The 520 however does feature a lot more torque because of its mid-drive motor. It also allows you to use the gears for delivering the power of the motor better. The higher range models also have bigger batteries, so more range.
So my advice would be to go for the E-ST 100 if you are on a really tight budget and don’t tend to use the bike very sporty on the side. If just want to cycle up hill with some assistance, this bike will deliver that at a really low cost, which is awesome.
If you want to use the bike more sporty, like real off-roading, I would go for the E-ST 520 instead. The mid-drive motor does feature a lot better ride, especially if you are really pushing the bike.
So casual + on a budget = E-ST 100
More sporty, more comfortable + are able to spend more = E-ST 520
But like you say already, you tend to use it on relatively flat road on the side. So nothing really hardcore here. Therefore I think that the E-ST 100 is the best fit for you. You will get the most bang for the buck for you usecase.
Wow, thank you so much for the detailed advice Giel. I will, most likely, go for the E-ST 100. Now I just need to get hold of one. There are out of stock everywhere!
No problem! The stock is indeed a problem at the moment, I hope you will be able to get hold of one!
Could you please tell me if can adjust the height iPod the saddle stem. Up/down.thx
Hi,
Yes, like on any bike you can adjust the height of the saddle stem.
I have just ordered a Rockrider E-ST100, my first E-bike. From the reviews I have read I hope that I won’t be disappointed.
My previous mountain bike which I still have is a Giant XTC 4.5, so £899 which is the current price for the Rockrider was on the expensive side for me as far as mountain bikes go, strange how it has increased by £100.
Do you still think that it’s a good buy for that price?
After I placed my order I watched a video of a Yose Power conversion and the kit including the battery comes in at £360, I did consider cancelling my order, but I have now decided that I will also install the kit on the Giant XTC 4.5 and compare the 2 bikes.
I always steered clear of E-bikes thinking it is really cheating, but as I get older and hate steep hill climbs it seems appealing now, hope I am not wrong. 🙂
Hi Connal,
Yes I still think it’s a good ebike at that price. The price difference with the E-ST 520 becomes smaller though. It still is a lot more expensive, but that definitely has the most value for money. But still, the E-ST 100 has excellent components and build quality for the price.
A Yose power conversion kit indeed is really cheap. You will however find that the E-ST 100 has way better quality and reliability. This is really where production ebikes beat DIY conversions.
The conversion kit will offer more flexibility and adjustability though, but it won’t be as nicely integrated and robust as the E-ST 100.
I think you will definitely like the E-ST 100 and the conversion kit. Both have their strength and weaknesses.
If you however find that you don’t like the E-ST 100, you can easily return it. So there really is no risk here, Decathlon provides a great return service on bikes. But you probably won’t need it :).
I now only use the bike on private land, do you know or could advise on removal of the speed restriction on the bike?
Hi Jack,
Unfortunately there is no way to remove the speed limit on this e-bike. Most speed limits on e-bikes nowadays can’t be removed anymore, since they require reflashing firmware, which is not possible.
Thanks for the genuine review. Could you please also review the E-MTB XENON E960 Bike?
https://altan.ee/en/jalgratas/e-bike-esperia-xenon-e960/
Thank you in advance.
Is this bike is perfect for hilly road for Portugal? Or Can you Suggest me. A good bike for hilly road. My budget is 1000 euro. I need good battery backup
Hi Saif,
With a budget of just a 1000 euro, the choices are always kind of limited. I would say that for hilly roads, a mid-drive ebike will be better, such as the E-ST 520. This bike is however out of your budget. So if a 1000 euro is really your limit, the E-ST 100 is an excellent ebike for the price. You can also buy an extra battery for this bike, so that you can swap them. This way you will have plenty of range. So my suggestion would be to go for a mid-drive ebike if you want to cycle on hilly roads all the time. The E-ST 520 is then a really good ebike. But if you really can’t spend more, than the E-ST 100 will be the best choice on the market. At this pricepoint, the E-ST 100 really is the best out there. So I can definitely also recommend it for you.
I want to commute to work and would prefer an electric bike. Commute is mostly on road without hilly terrain. Will this serve the purpose ? Or Riverside 500 or est500 is better.
Thank you
Hi Manish,
The E-ST 100 is an excellent commuter ebike. If you install some mudguards, it will be well suited for daily driving. I would not prefer the riverside 500 over this one. You can always install road tires on the e-st 100, then you will have a similar ride. But the e-st 100 will then just be a little higher a quality. The e-st500 is a great commuter ebike as well. The main difference is its torque sensing ability. I would go and test both at a Decathlon shop. This way you can feel which type of assist feels most pleasent to you. But generally the torque sensing will be considered better. Both the est500 and est100 will be excellent commuter ebikes. Which one suits you better depends on preference, so I would go and test ride them both.
Thank you for the inputs. Why won’t you prefer Riverside 500 over this for e.g. I couldn’t find anything online unfortunately.
The E-ST line-up has been released recently. So the product line is newer. That’s one reason I prefer it. The second reason is the frame, the E-ST frames are way more capable. I also like the mountainbike tires, they give you more grip in bad weather conditions. In addition to that, I also think the E-ST line-up looks a lot better. So the riverside doesn’t really have any benefits. The E-ST can do everything what the Riverside can, but not the otherway around. Therefore I see no reason to go for the Riverside.
Nice review!
Which are the competitors in this price range (i.e. around 1.000 eur, max 1.200)? I mean, possible other brands.
Thanks
Hi Stefano,
In this price point, I would say there aren’t really any competitors. The only competitor would be the E-ST 500 from Decathlon as well (I have a review of that bike as well). Decathlon is just able to deliver really great e-bikes for the price. There isn’t any other brand that can match the quality and features from the e-st 100 for this low of a price. Decathlon is able to do this, because they sell such large volumes, this makes their prices so incredibly competitive.
Hello, just a beginner of emtb; do you recommend E-ST 100 over 500 overall? Meaning, the 200€ difference are justified or not?
Hi Pitrus,
Yes, I would recommend the 500 over the 100. The 200 euro price difference is worth it in my opinion. You get just a little bit more value for money. I would only go for the 100, if you absolutely can’t spend any more. But the 500 just has better value for money, so I would go for that one, if you can afford it.
Thanks a lot!
If you have any questions about this ebike, please leave a comment below. I will try to answer your question within 24 hours. If you own this ebike yourself and you want to share your experience, please do so as well.