YT Electric Bike Review: Pros And Cons

YT Industries' Electrifying Entry into eMTB

When a name like YT Industries enters the electric bike game—a brand renowned for gravity-focused mountain biking and having a “Live Uncaged” attitude—the stakes are high. Riders who have fallen in love with YT due to their class-leading downhill and enduro bikes will expect the same aggressive, high-flying DNA to be instilled into an electrified soul. This is not a calorically conscious cruiser; this is a statement for the rider who doesn’t look at an engine as a means to make riding easy, but to tear off more laps, to climb higher in the hills to generate enough force to make it back down some of the fastest, most technical descents in the world and do it time and time again. So the fundamental question for anyone with a browser open asking "YT ebike Review" is straightforward yet profound: has YT flipped all the right switches to bring their iconic ride quality and bulletproof design to a pedally version that does right by the name? We will take a super up-close look at their bikes, get in-depth details on the ride, and give you the info you need to decide if a YT E-bike could be your ticket to the next level of MTB.

Smarter still is YT Industries' selective approach to designing an eMTB range that targets high-level trail and enduro riding only, each with a strong sense of the brand's underlying gravity identity. Below is a straightforward breakdown of what they’re actually offering at the moment:

DECOY Series (Enduro / All-Mountain)

• DECOY 29
• DECOY MX

IZZO Series (Trail)

• IZZO UNCAGED

The DECOY is their high-performance e-MTB platform for enduro racing and aggressive, all-mountain riding, which comes in full 29” wheeled (DECOY 29) or mixed-wheel “MX” (or mullet) form. The IZZO UNCAGED is their leaner, meaner electric trail bike designed for more agility, speed, and an even more playful personality across an even wider range of terrain.

Ride Impressions: DECOY MX vs. IZZO UNCAGED

To appreciate a YT E-bike, you have to ride one on the terrain it was created to conquer. We had the opportunity to test two of their most popular and unique models which are the DECOY MX and the IZZO UNCAGED. The first time you swing your leg over the DECOY MX, and right from pushing down on the pedals for the first bit of positive traction, you realize you have confidence. The “mullet” arrangement — where a massive 29-inch wheel up front is paired with a nimbler 27.5-inch one out back — seems like the ideal combination of raw ability and playful nimbleness. Point the front wheel downhill, and you have the ability to track with super precision, rolling across rocks and roots that would chatter a smaller wheel, yet ease of rear-end whip and berm slashing. So, too, is the suspension, divine plush and forgiveness that is the YT approach. It absorbs big hits without protest, giving the impression of more travel than the numbers show. The Shimano EP8 motor delivers power in a more natural, intuitive way, particularly in Trail mode where it’s this seamless extension of what you’re putting in with your own legs. The bike sits remarkably well on steep, technical climbs. The pedals position you comfortably seated for climbing, and the motor offers plenty of torque to overcome difficult ascents, so the way to the top of the trailhead is almost as fun as the way down. The general ‘feeling’ is definitely from being ‘over-biked’ in the best way – it is constantly pushing you to go faster and hit gnarlier lines.

Cruising with the IZZO UNCAGED is something else, but equally as exciting. If the DECOY is a beast of an enduro sled, the IZZO is a nimble and fast trail-honed weapon. You notice it transferring the weight because you really can feel the pounds coming off. It’s poppier and loves to get airborne over trail features. The handling is snappier and more responsive too, which makes it a hoot on the flowing singletrack riddled with corners and turns. It’s more rally car than monster truck. The motor, which is generally a lighter-tuned one, is designed to deliver efficiency and a whisper-quiet, realistic feel. It’s not about blazing up fireroads in Boost mode; it’s about giving you just a bit of help to clean a technical climb you might have pushed your bike up, or to stretch a two-hour ride into a four-hour epic without dragging home a throbbing headache in your thighs. Whether you like to climb or not, our IZZO was created to do all the climbing and backcountry riding you want to do, and have the capability to go much, much further. It shows that YT understands nuance – that they know not every rider wants an extreme enduro e-MTB, and that they have managed to create an e-bike that retains the playful, fast and fun ethos of its acoustic sibling.

An Alternative for Practical Adventuring: ENGWE

Whereas YT is about serving the very top of the extreme mountain biking pyramid, a lot of riders out there are seeking a different kind of freedom that blends everyday practicality with weekend adventuring. If you're in the market for an electric bike that's both versatile and all-terrain capable, not to mention stylish and feature-rich, then a company like ENGWE may be worth looking into. Their ardent philosophy concentrates on developing powerful all-round MTBs which are equally at home challenging in Marathon events as well as on all day Alpine adventures.

The ENGWE EP-2 Boost is a great example. This folding bike is the king of adaptability. The thick 20 x 4.0-inch fat tires also aren’t just for looks, so you can take an equally cushy and stable ride over anything from paved city streets to gravel paths, dirt trails, and even sandy sections. One feature that makes it stand out is its advanced torque sensor, offering a smarter, smooth and more intuitive way of power delivery that is just plain sportier than a basic cadence sensor. For those times when you need an extra push up a hill, a NOS Boost button delivers an immediate burst of power for up to 55 Nm of torque from the 250W motor, to make hills a thing of the past. The design goal of ENGWE was always real-world use: we wanted something that can do 120 km, easily folds for storage and portability, and includes a functional rear rack and fenders as standard equipment. It's even fitted with powerful 180mm disc brakes so you can stop on a dime and charge your battery anywhere - making the ENGWE EP-2 Boost the perfect daily riding, weekend exploring, all around good time companion.

The YT Ownership Experience: Key Considerations

Looking beyond the perceived ride feel, there are actually a number of rather significant factors a potential YT consumer must consider, which do not apply to say (a) Trek, (b) Specialized, or (c) Canyon. The first and biggest is YT's direct-to-consumer sales model. Pros: The main advantage is excellent value — you’re getting a lot better components for your money than most retail brands. But that just means the bike is delivered in a box. The forks that come on the bike are ok, but those have also been okay for me at this very low price point. Overall the bike is more than worth the price and it’s my first hardtail that I will use to get back into downhill riding so I’m quite happy with the purchase. If you buy any bike sold by YT, they are going to send you pretty detailed instructions on how to get your bike set up once it arrives at your door. Test riding is also challenging in this model, and you will rely on reviews and geometry charts instead. The fact that YT has a specification for its components is another big win. They have a real knack for speccing their bikes with high-end suspension from Fox or RockShox, solid drivetrains from SRAM or Shimano, and powerful brakes, ensuring they push the performance envelope straight out of the box. What’s more, the YT includes some nifty bells and whistles including a “Flip Chip” that allows riders to fine-tune the bike’s geometry (i.e., head tube angle and bottom bracket height) for the ride they prefer that day or day’s conditions. This degree of adjustability is a huge benefit for performance cyclists. Lastly, the battery system is efficient and seamlessly integrated into the frame for a slim look and a low center of gravity. This is not only good and pretty and susceptible to handling, but warranty replacements or extras have to be directly purchased from YT. These elements together create an image of a brand that's for performance fans who care more about individuality and quality of componentry than the local bike shop.

YT Electric Bike Parameter Comparison

5 Questions Answered for Prospective YT E-Bike Customers

Is a YT electric bike good for beginners?

This depends on the beginner. If you are a newbie to mountain biking period, a YT e-bike such as the DECOY may simply be too much bike. It has a burly stance, slack geometry, and lots of travel that are geared for steeps and rough trails, and can seem like a chore on mellower trails. A beginner is probably going to be served best by a bike with less travel and a little more conservative geometry. But if you're an experienced mountain biker who is new to e-bikes, then a YT is a great option. You won’t have to wait long to appreciate the quality suspension and components, and the motor will quickly seem like an organic addition to the kind of riding you already enjoy.

What is the real YT direct-to-consumer experience?

It's usually a great experience for those who are ready for it. The bike comes in a good-sized, well-designed box called the “Bike Box.” Inside, you’ll find the bike partially assembled, along with everything you need to put it completely together, which includes a set of tools (one is even a torque wrench) and a well-detailed manual. The only real assembly required is the handlebar, front wheel, pedals, and setting up the suspension sag. Even without significant mechanical ability, it takes most people less than 1 hour to install it. Email and telephone help are the norm. The only downside is that if something goes wrong (warranty claims or troubleshooting support), you’re going to be on the hook to work directly with YT and quite possibly have to ship parts or the entire bike back.

So how is that mixed-wheel (MX) configuration on the DECOY out on the trail?

MX is one of the several standouts on the DECOY. There’s huge confidence out of the front wheel of the 29er. It retains momentum and rolls over obstacles effortlessly, minimizing the risk of getting hung up in holes or knocked sideways onto rocks. This gives the bike a very stable feeling when bombing down hills and steep terrain. It’s also slightly more playful and responsive than a big-wheeled (29-inch) rear-wheel offering. It’s more maneuverable, easier to get turned, change directions quickly and “flick” the bike through tight sections. It really is the best of both worlds — the 29er’s straight-line stability and momentum, paired with the cornering capability of a 27.5-inch bike.

What is the “real-world” battery range of a YT E-Bike?

This is the hardest thing to nail down, for it will all depend on rider weight, terrain, how much elevation you are gaining, what the ambient temperature is, and which power mode you spend most time in. YT fits a 540Wh battery, which is a little smaller than some competitors with 630Wh or 720Wh batteries. For a "rip the ripper" type of rider with a build of 80kg (and under 100kg total), who rides trails and boost mainly, though they may switch to eco to lift the bike on trails in a very steep hill, you can expect a range of between 1,200m and 1,500m of elevation. On flatter, more rolling terrain and using mostly Eco mode, the range would stretch more. YT's bet seems to be for a lighter, more flickable bike as opposed to maximum possible range, based on the assumption that their target customer cares more about handling than range.

Is commuting/casual riding with a YT e-bike possible?

Technically you could, but it’s a massive overkill and not feasible. These are very specialized mountain bikes. The aggressive knobby tires would wear out fast and offer a lot of road resistance. The riding position is ideal for downhill, not for sitting up straight and cruising. And they don’t come with things that are practical, such as lights, fenders or the ability to carry something heavy. Ultra-aggressive trail riding is what a YT e-bike is made for; taking it to work is like driving an F1 car to the supermarket.

Indeed, the YT electric mountain bike is the elite rider’s antidote to being caged in at all times, and it delivers on its nod to defying gravity while jolting you with electrified grins.