E-MTB Rentals in Nepal: Electric Mountain Bike Hire in Pokhara and Kathmandu

I still remember my first rides through the Annapurna foothills more than twenty years ago. The trails were rough, and the climbs were brutal, but the views of snow peaks above old villages made every drop of sweat worth it. Electric mountain bikes have changed that. Today I watch riders glide up climbs that once left experienced mountain bikers exhausted, and they arrive at the top laughing and taking photos instead of gasping for breath.

At Nepal MTB Adventures, we rent Bosch-powered electric mountain bikes from our workshop in Lakeside, Pokhara, and for rides in Kathmandu. An e-MTB costs USD 100 a day, with a helmet and charger included and no security deposit. We also run guided e-MTB tours, from a single day in Pokhara to more than two weeks in Mustang. This guide covers everything you need to know before you rent one.

→ Jagan Biswakarma, founder of Nepal MTB Adventures

Key Takeaways

• Two e-MTBs to rent: the Trek Rail 5 Gen 3 and the Bergamont E-Trailster, both full-suspension bikes on Bosch systems, at USD 100 a day.

• Where: our Lakeside workshop in Pokhara, with delivery to Pokhara hotels, or ready for you in Kathmandu at the same rate.

• No deposit: just a valid ID and a minimum age of 16. A helmet, charger, and basic repair kit come with every bike.

• Battery range: expect roughly 25 to 50 km from a charge on steep, cold mountain climbs, and more on gentle valley rides.

• You cannot fly your own e-bike battery, so renting in Nepal is the practical way to ride an e-MTB here.

• Guided e-MTB tours start from USD 175 for a day in Kathmandu and run up to 16 days in Upper Mustang.

What Is an E-MTB?

An e-MTB is a mountain bike with a motor that helps you when you pedal. You still pedal, and the motor adds power to every pedal stroke. It never does the work for you, and it stops helping the moment you stop pedalling.

The main parts of an e-MTB are:

• The motor, built into the frame around the pedals. On our bikes, it is a Bosch drive unit.

• The battery, a rechargeable lithium pack inside the down tube of the frame.

• The display or remote on the handlebar, where you choose how much help you want and check how much battery is left.

• Full suspension and proper trail parts, so it handles rough ground like any good mountain bike.

How the assist modes work

You choose the level of help with a button on the handlebar. The lowest mode, Eco, gives a gentle boost and makes the battery last longest. The highest, Turbo, gives the most power for very steep climbs but drains the battery fastest. Our Trek Rail also has Bosch's eMTB mode, which reads how hard you are pushing and adjusts the help by itself. Most riders leave it in eMTB mode and just ride.

What it feels like to ride

It does not feel like a motorbike. It feels like riding a mountain bike on your best day, with strong legs and a tailwind on every climb. You still get a workout, but you reach the top of a climb in a fraction of the time and with far less fatigue.

The bike is heavier than a normal mountain bike, usually well over 20 kg. You notice the weight on tight switchbacks and when you lift the bike over a rock or a gate. On the way down, the weight mostly helps, because the bike stays planted on rough ground. Most riders feel at home within the first half hour.

If you are still deciding between a normal mountain bike and an e-MTB, our guide to traditional mountain biking or e-MTB in Nepal compares the two.

Who Should Ride an E-MTB in Nepal?

• Beginners who want to ride in the mountains without years of training.

• Experienced riders who want more descents in a day. The best descents here sit at the top of climbs that take one to three hours. On a normal bike, most riders manage one or two in a day. On an e-MTB, you can ride several.

• Mixed groups and couples. When one rider is fitter than the other, put the less fit rider on an e-MTB and the group rides together, instead of one person waiting at every junction.

• Riders who have just arrived. If you ride at altitude before your body has adjusted to the altitude, the motor takes the edge off the effort just when you need it most.

• Older riders. In March 2025, our team guided a group of nine riders in their seventies from New Zealand on back roads from Kathmandu to Pokhara, with 1,000 to 1,500 m of climbing a day. The e-MTBs got them up every climb.

> "It was great that our group could mix e-MTBs and regular MTBs so everyone could enjoy the ride at their own pace. We had a really lovely, authentic lunch in Pame and everyone we met was so warm and welcoming."

> Jo D, TripAdvisor, March 2026. Read the full review

Why Ride an E-MTB in Nepal?

Nepal's hills were made for pedal assist. The climbs are long and steady, often 800 m or more in a single push, and the reward at the top is some of the best mountain scenery on earth.

• Eight of the world's fourteen highest mountains are in Nepal, and from the ridges around Pokhara you can see Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu on a clear day.

• Huge variety in a small country: the Chitwan lowlands, forest ridges in the middle hills, the high desert of Mustang and the Himalaya.

• Old villages and trails that have linked farms and towns for centuries, with Gurung, Tamang, Newar and Thakali communities along the way.

• Long climbs that suit pedal assist, such as the 800 m climb from Lakeside to Sarangkot, which becomes a comfortable hour on an e-MTB.

• More riding in less time. If you only have a few days in Nepal, an e-MTB lets you see far more of it.

Where to Rent an E-MTB in Nepal

Pokhara: our main base

Most of our e-MTB rentals start at our workshop at Baidam, Hallan Chowk, Lakeside, Pokhara. We can also deliver the bike to your hotel anywhere in Pokhara. From the shop, you can ride straight out to the lake, Sarangkot, the World Peace Pagoda, and the villages around the valley, with no transfer needed. Our guide to mountain bike rental in Pokhara covers the rides you can do from town.

Good e-MTB rides from Pokhara include:

• Sarangkot and the Bhumdi ridge, for big views of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri.

• The World Peace Pagoda above Phewa Lake, with forest singletrack through the Queen's Forest on the way down.

• The eastern valley, out to Begnas and Rupa lakes along the Kalikasthan ridge, where few visitors go.

• Panchase, a forested ridge west of Phewa Lake, for riders who want a longer day.

Kathmandu Valley

If your trip starts in Kathmandu, we have your e-MTB sized and set up before you arrive, at the same rate as Pokhara. The forested rim around the valley suits an e-MTB perfectly, with long climbs and big views. Popular areas include Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to the north, Nagarkot to the east, and cultural routes past old temples and Newar towns such as Changu Narayan.

The Himalayan regions

For longer adventures, we ride e-MTBs in Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang, around the Kathmandu Valley rim, and between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Several of these routes need permits or a licensed guide, so we run them as guided trips. If you want to take a rented e-MTB into the mountains on your own, talk to us first about the route, charging, and permits.

Our E-MTB Rental Fleet

I test every bike before it goes out. We keep only a few e-MTBs, and these are the two you can rent from us.

Trek Rail 5 Gen 3: USD 100 a day

The workhorse of our e-MTB fleet. Trek builds the Rail as a real trail bike first and an e-bike second, with the same suspension design and geometry tricks as its non-electric bikes, and a Bosch drive system on top. It is stable and confident on rough ground, which is why we choose it for the steepest climbs and descents around Pokhara.

See the Trek Rail 5. The Rail is one of nine Trek bikes in our fleet; our guide to Trek mountain bike rentals in Nepal covers the rest.

Bergamont E-Trailster: USD 100 a day

Bergamont is a German brand, well known in Europe and less familiar to riders from the UK and the US. The E-Trailster is a comfortable full-suspension e-MTB with relaxed handling for long days in the saddle, and it carries a long-travel fork that suits steep, loose descents once the motor has done the climbing.

See the Bergamont E-Trailster.

Trek Rail or Bergamont: which should you pick?

They cost the same and do the same job. The Bergamont has a little more fork travel, so it leans towards descending. The Trek has the eMTB assist mode and adjustable geometry, so it feels a little sharper on technical climbs. If you have a brand you like, take it. If not, ask us which one is free on your dates and which frame size fits you. With so few e-MTBs in the fleet, availability usually decides it, so book early, especially from March to May and in October and November.

Is an E-MTB Worth USD 100 a Day?

An e-MTB costs more than a normal rental. Our hardtails start at USD 30 a day, and our full-suspension trail bikes cost USD 70 to 75. So is the extra worth it?

An e-MTB is worth it if:

• You want to reach the high ridges and ride several descents in a day.

• Your group has different fitness levels and wants to ride together.

• You have only one or two days and want to see as much as you can.

• You are not a regular rider but still want a real mountain day.

A normal bike makes more sense if:

• You mainly want an easy ride around Phewa Lake.

• You love a hard climb and want the full workout.

• You are riding a long route far from reliable power.

Think about what the day is worth in descents and views rather than in hours. Every bike we rent, with daily rates, is on our bike rental page.

E-MTB Rental and Tour Prices in Nepal

E-MTB rental prices

Multi-day hires cost less per day, and rentals of 10 days or more get our long-term rate. Send us your dates, and we will quote a single price for the whole block.

Guided e-MTB tour prices

Our guided tours include the e-MTB, a guide and, on longer trips, accommodation, meals and permits. Prices are per person and drop a little for bigger groups.

What's Included

With an e-MTB rental

• A serviced, trail-ready e-MTB, set up for your height and weight

• A helmet and a basic repair kit with a pump, spare tube and tyre levers

• A battery charger

• A quick orientation on the motor, the assist modes and the battery

• Route advice for the day

Accommodation, meals, a guide and transport are not included in a rental. Pads, gloves, a lock and a phone mount are available on request.

With a guided e-MTB tour

• An e-MTB from our fleet

• An experienced local guide

• Accommodation in lodges or hotels, depending on the route

• Meals on multi-day tours

• A support vehicle for your bags on most routes

• Route planning, charging stops and a daily briefing

• Tools, spare parts and mechanical support

> "Jagen set us up with ELECTRIC mountain bikes to go on an exciting adventure through Pokhara. Prior to the ride he promptly answered all questions and concerns... He made sure we were both safe and had fun!"

> Scenic57457, TripAdvisor, April 2026. Read the full review

How Renting an E-MTB Works

This is our process for renting an e-MTB in Nepal.

1. Send us your dates, height, weight, and plans. Height sets the frame size. Weight sets the suspension, which matters more on a heavy bike. Your route helps us advise on range.

2. We confirm the bike. We tell you which e-MTB is free on your dates. There is no deposit to pay.

3. Pick it up or have it delivered. Collect the bike from our Lakeside workshop, have it delivered to your hotel in Pokhara, or have it ready for you in Kathmandu.

4. Set-up and orientation. We fit the saddle height, set the suspension, show you the display and the assist modes, and check the battery is full.

5. Ride. Keep your phone charged and our WhatsApp number saved in case you need help.

6. Return the bike at the agreed time with the charger. We check it over, and that is it.

Deposit, Permits and Insurance

No security deposit

We do not take a security deposit on e-MTB rentals. You need a valid ID and must be at least 16 years old. Normal wear is on us. Crash damage is charged at the cost of the part, and we show you the part first. You can read our full terms and conditions.

Permits

The valley rides around Pokhara and Kathmandu need no permit, apart from small entry fees in a few places such as Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Further out:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 for foreign visitors. Needed for the Annapurna region and Lower Mustang.

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD 50 per person per day, counted from Kagbeni. It is only issued through a registered agency with a licensed guide, so Upper Mustang is ridden on a guided trip. Our Upper Mustang riding guide explains the rules.

On guided tours, we arrange every permit for you.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is required on our guided tours, and I strongly recommend it for rentals too. Check that your policy:

• Names mountain biking as a covered activity

• Covers the highest altitude you will ride to

• Includes emergency helicopter evacuation

We do not insure rented bikes, so read the damage terms before you ride.

Battery Range and Charging

The question almost every rider asks is: "What happens if the battery runs out?" Here is the honest answer.

How far can you ride on one charge?

As a guide, on steep mountain climbs in cold air, expect roughly 25 to 50 km from a charge. On gentler valley rides around Pokhara, you will get more. A full day around the valley is well within range if you use the lower modes on the flat.

Range changes a lot from day to day. These are the things that matter most:

Real rides, real range

Here are some of the routes we ride on e-MTBs, so you can see what a battery handles in practice:

• Around the Kathmandu Valley rim in a day: about 45 to 52 km with roughly 1,280 m of climbing. We stop for lunch in Jhule, where the battery tops up while you eat.

• Three days around Pokhara: about 140 km in total, over the Sarangkot and Kalikasthan ridges, with a full charge each night in a village lodge.

Charging in the mountains

Many lodges can charge a battery overnight, but power at altitude is not always reliable. On our multi-day e-MTB tours, we plan the route around charging stops, so you never have to guess. If you are taking a rented e-MTB into the mountains on your own, plan every overnight stop around a place you know can charge, and talk to us before you go.

Tips for more range

• Use Eco on long climbs and save Turbo for the steepest sections.

• Keep your cadence steady. The motor works best when you pedal smoothly.

• Change to an easier gear before a climb, not halfway up it.

• In the cold, keep the battery warm overnight, because a cold battery gives less range.

• Charge fully every night, even if you think you have enough.

Tips for Your First E-MTB Ride

• Start in a low mode on the first climb so the power does not surprise you.

• Brake earlier than usual. The extra weight means the bike takes longer to stop, especially on loose descents.

• Stop pedalling before tight corners and switchbacks, so the motor does not push you wide.

• Use Turbo only where you need it. On loose ground, too much power spins the back wheel.

• Check the bike every morning: brakes, tyres and battery level.

• Match the trail to your skill, not your ambition, using our trail grades

Why You Cannot Bring Your Own E-MTB to Nepal

If you ride an e-bike at home, plan to rent one here. Airlines treat lithium batteries as dangerous goods:

• Up to 100 watt-hours: allowed in the cabin, like a laptop battery.

• 100 to 160 watt-hours: only with the airline's approval.

• Over 160 watt-hours: not allowed on a passenger plane at all, in the cabin or in the hold.

Almost every e-MTB battery is between 400 and 750 watt-hours. You could fly the frame, but not the battery that makes it work, and shipping one by freight is slow and costly. Our guide to mountain bike rentals in Nepal explains the airline rules in more detail.

Guided or Self-Guided E-MTB Riding?

I offer both, and I am honest about the difference.

Ride with a guide if you want:

• Local knowledge: the best trails, the right lodges, and the places to stop for the views.

• Safety: tools, spares, and a plan if someone gets hurt.

• Charging planned for you: on multi-day trips, we know where the power is.

• Culture: a local guide opens doors in villages that riders on their own pass by.

Ride on your own if you are:

• An experienced rider comfortable with navigation and basic repairs

• Happy with offline maps, because many trails are not signposted

• Sticking to the valley rides around Pokhara and Kathmandu

Some areas have rules. Upper Mustang can only be ridden with a licensed guide. In the Annapurna region, a guide has officially been required since April 2023, although checks on riders are generally relaxed. For most riders on their first e-MTB trip in Nepal, I recommend at least one guided day. Our guide to guided or self-guided mountain biking in Nepal explains the rules in detail.

Popular E-MTB Tours in Nepal

These are the e-MTB tours we run, from one day to more than two weeks. All of them use bikes from our own fleet, and every one runs privately on the dates you choose.

Day rides

Sarangkot, Bhumdi and the World Peace Pagoda (1 day, moderate)

The classic Pokhara e-MTB day. Ride up to the Sarangkot ridge for views of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri, across the Bhumdi ridge, and on to the World Peace Pagoda above Phewa Lake. Your guide matches the trails to your ability, so the day can be as gentle or as adventurous as you like.

Begnas Lake (1 day, easy)

The quiet eastern side of the valley. A short 4x4 drive drops you at Matepani, then you ride along hill villages to the Kalikasthan ridge and down to lunch by Begnas Lake. On the way back, you cross the Damsadi suspension bridge and pass Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave.

Kathmandu Valley (1 day, easy)

About 45 to 52 km across the northern and eastern rim of the valley, through the pine, oak and rhododendron forest of Shivapuri. You stop at the cliff-edge Tamang village of Tarebhir and Dhap Dam for views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal, then drop 650 m to the UNESCO temple of Changu Narayan.

Overnight and short trips

Panchase Hill (2 days, easy)

A jeep takes you up to Sarangkot, then you ride the ridge through Naudanda and Bhadaure to Panchase Bhanjyang for a night in a village homestay. At dawn, you walk to Panchase Peak at 2,517 m for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Manaslu, then ride down through Queen's Forest singletrack.

Three days around Pokhara (3 days, moderate)

About 140 km over the Sarangkot and Kalikasthan ridges, with forest singletrack below the Peace Pagoda and three of the valley's lakes: Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. You spend two nights in village lodges at Bhumdi and Begnas.

Multi-day expeditions

Kathmandu Valley Rim (7 days, moderate)

Six riding days and about 211 km around the hills that ring the valley, from Kakani through Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Lakuri Bhanjyang and Godavari. Expect real forest singletrack with roots and rocks, and two big descending days of more than 1,000 m.

Kathmandu to Pokhara (13 days, moderate)

Ride between Nepal's two main cities off the tourist highway, along an old trade route through the green middle hills. You visit Gorkha Durbar, reach the Budhi Gandaki River at Arughat, and pass through Newar, Tamang and Gurung country.

Kathmandu, Chitwan and Mustang (11 days, challenging)

From the heritage sites of Kathmandu to the jungle of Chitwan National Park, then a flight to Jomsom to ride through apple orchards, monasteries, and the Kali Gandaki gorge.

Lower Mustang (11 days, challenging)

Ride to 4,070 m on Gyu La, stay two nights below Muktinath, descend through the Lupra valley, and follow the Kali Gandaki past Kagbeni and Marpha. Our Lower Mustang riding guide covers the region in detail.

Upper Mustang (15 days, hard)

Desert canyons, cave dwellings and old monasteries on the way to the walled city of Lo Manthang, with the motor taking the sting out of the high climbs.

Upper Mustang for the Tiji Festival (16 days, hard)

The same remote country, timed so you watch all three days of the Tiji Festival inside Lo Manthang, with its masked dances and giant thangka.

See every trip on our e-MTB tours page, and read our guide to e-MTB tours in Nepal for help choosing one.

What to Pack for an E-MTB Trip

Riding gear

• Padded cycling shorts

• Breathable riding tops

• A waterproof jacket, because mountain weather changes fast

• Cycling gloves

• Sturdy shoes, since flat pedals work with any shoe

Essentials

• Water bottles or a hydration pack, at least 2 litres

• Sunscreen and sunglasses, because the sun is strong at altitude

• A light fleece for the descents

• A phone with offline maps and a power bank

Documents

• Travel insurance details

• Passport and permits

• Personal medication

We provide the helmet, charger, and basic tools. For a full list, see our mountain biking checklist for Nepal.

Why Rent Your E-MTB From Nepal MTB Adventures

• Since 2004: more than twenty years of guiding and renting in Nepal.

• Our own workshop: my team and I service and test every e-MTB between hires, including the Bosch drive system and the brakes, which work harder on a heavy bike.

• Local guides who speak English and Nepali and know the trails and villages.

• Full support on multi-day trips, including planned charging stops and a support vehicle.

• Clear pricing, with no security deposit on rentals.

> "I had a great time on the bike and the shop provided all the additional equipment to keep you on the trail, as well as recommending the best local routes to follow. A brilliant way to see so much of Pokhara."

> Harris W, TripAdvisor, March 2023. Read the full review

Riding Responsibly

I was born in these hills, and this is my home as well as my business. When you ride with a local operator, your money stays with local guides, mechanics and lodge owners. Please give way to walkers and livestock, ride slowly through villages, stay on the trail, and carry your rubbish out. An e-MTB is quiet, so call out before you pass people on the trail. Our sustainability policy sets out how we run every ride.

How to Book

1. Choose your bike or tour. Pick an e-MTB from the fleet above or a trip from our e-MTB tours.

2. Send us your dates, height, and plans on WhatsApp at +977 9804134788, by phone at +977 61 456224, or through our contact page.

3. Confirm. Rentals need no deposit. Guided tours are confirmed with a 15% deposit, as set out in our terms.

For e-MTB rentals, you get a full refund if you cancel 10 days or more before the start. A fee of up to 50% may apply 3 days before, and on the rental day itself, we can move your hire to another day.

About the Author

Jagan Biswakarma is the founder and lead guide of Nepal MTB Adventures. He has guided mountain bike trips in Nepal since 2004 and looks after the e-MTB fleet and its Bosch systems with our workshop team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent an e-MTB in Nepal?

Our e-MTBs cost USD 100 a day for both the Trek Rail 5 and the Bergamont E-Trailster. Multi-day hires cost less per day, and rentals of 10 days or more get our long-term rate.

How much is a guided e-MTB tour?

Our guided e-MTB day tours start from USD 175 per person in Kathmandu and USD 190 in Pokhara. Multi-day tours run from USD 450 for two days at Panchase up to USD 4,650 for Upper Mustang.

Is Nepal good for electric mountain biking?

Yes. The long, steady climbs, the variety of terrain, and the villages along the way make Nepal one of the most rewarding places to ride an e-MTB.

Can beginners ride an e-MTB?

Yes. I have guided people who had never ridden a mountain bike before. The pedal assist makes the climbs easier, and we always start on gentle terrain.

Do I still have to pedal?

Yes. The motor only helps when you pedal. You still get a workout, but you reach the top of a climb much faster and with far less fatigue.

How far can I ride on one charge?

On steep, cold mountain climbs, expect roughly 25 to 50 km. On gentler valley rides around Pokhara, you will get more. Using Eco on long climbs stretches the range.

Can I charge the battery on a multi-day trip?

In the valleys and the main towns, yes. Away from them, power is not always reliable, especially at altitude. On our guided tours, we plan charging stops for you. If you are planning your own route, talk to us first.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

No. We do not take a security deposit on e-MTB rentals. You need a valid ID and must be at least 16 years old.

Can I bring my own e-bike to Nepal?

Not easily. Airlines do not allow lithium batteries over 160 watt-hours on passenger planes, and almost every e-MTB battery is bigger than that. Renting an e-MTB in Nepal is the practical option.

Can I rent an e-MTB in Kathmandu?

Yes. We have your e-MTB sized and set up in Kathmandu before you arrive, at the same rate as Pokhara.

Do you deliver the e-MTB to my hotel?

Yes, we do. We can deliver the bike to your hotel anywhere in Pokhara, or you can collect it from our workshop in Lakeside.

Can my partner ride a normal bike while I ride an e-MTB?

Yes, and many couples and groups do this. We often mix e-MTBs and normal mountain bikes in one group so everyone rides at their own pace and still stays together.

Are permits required?

Not for the valley rides around Pokhara and Kathmandu, apart from small entry fees in a few places. The Annapurna region and Lower Mustang need an ACAP permit, and Upper Mustang needs a restricted area permit and a licensed guide. We arrange permits on guided tours.

What happens if the bike breaks?

Call us straight away. On guided tours we carry tools and spares and have a support vehicle on most routes. On rentals, you get a basic repair kit, and the valley rides are close enough for us to reach you.

Is it safe to ride an e-MTB in Nepal?

Yes, with the right planning. Choose trails that match your skill, keep the helmet on, carry water, and plan your charging. A guide makes the mountain routes safer and easier.

How far ahead should I book?

Book two to four weeks ahead for March to May and October and November. We have only a few e-MTBs, and they are the first bikes to go in the busy months.