off.road.cc say the ETMO 800 is a "lively and playful machine with a great spec for the price"

In an excellent 4/5 star review, off.road.cc says that the new MERIDA ETMO 800 is "a capable, surprisingly lively and playful machine with a great spec for the price".

The ETMO is designed to be our most affordable full-suspension e-MTB, taking inspiration from the long-travel eONE-EIGHTY to make a price-focussed machine that still delivers plenty of performance. With either 140 or 160 mm of travel at either end depending on the model, it's ideal for riders looking for their first serioous e-MTB as well as experienced riders on a tighter budget.

With a broad range that includes the option of fully equipped e-SUV style setups, the ETMO 800 tested is our range topping machine. However, it still delivers an impressive bang for your buck, with the reviewer saying that it was "a fun, effective ride and excellent value for money".

Of course, value is unimportant if the bike doesn't deliver when riding, but the ETMO aced this test, with the reviewer saying that: "Merida has once again managed to create something that feels way more agile than it should given the weight. The geometry has a large part to play in the agility, with the mullet set-up, a good stack height and sensible reach numbers leading to manoeuvrability that’s surprising."

As well as validating our geometry approach, the suspension kibnematic was also praised, saying that the ETMO: "has a welcome liveliness that allows the bike to be more playful on the trails. The mid-travel support keeps the bike higher in the travel for longer and gives the rider something to push against – there’s plenty of feedback for popping mid-trail gaps and pumping the lumpy bits for speed."

As with all of our current e-MTBs, we have chosen to partner with Bosch for the drive system, with the ETMO 800 using their powerful motor and high-capacity battery, another point noted in the review: "The gen-five Bosch CX motor is a strong competitor with natural-feeling assistance, more than enough power, and strong aftersales support. Coupled with the 800Wh battery, the range is impressive."

To read the full review of the ETMO 800, head to the off.road.cc website here.

To find out more about the ETMO, head to the product page here and to check out the detailed spec of the ETMO 800 tested, follow the link below.