Decathlon has introduced a new electric mountain bike called the Rockrider E-EXPL 500 to its product lineup. Priced at 1,998.99 euros, it is marked as a "Nouveauté" (New) on the brand's website. This semi-rigid model features a suspended fork at the front and a rigid frame at the back, with large 29-inch wheels. It is designed for mountain biking, not for aggressive downhill riding. The Rockrider E-EXPL 500 should not be confused with the E-EXPL 500 S, a full-suspension version with a rear shock and a more powerful motor, which was released in 2023 for 2,499 euros. The Rockrider E-EXPL 500 uses a Yamaha PW-C2 central motor that provides 55 Nm of torque, which is 10 percent more than the older PW-CE model. This motor, introduced by Yamaha in 2023, is primarily intended for affordable urban electric bikes with a standard power of 250 W. Compared to the Brose Drive C motor in the E-EXPL 500 S, the new model offers an additional 5 Nm of torque. The technical specifications of the Rockrider E-EXPL 500 include an aluminum frame, a SunTour XCM spring fork with 130 mm of travel, a Microshift Acolyte 1 x 8 transmission, hydraulic disc brakes, and CST Patrol tires. It also features a 500 Wh battery integrated into the frame, a color ERGO 920 display with five assistance modes and a walking mode, and Bluetooth connectivity to the Decathlon Ride app. The bike closely resembles the E-EXPL 520, a semi-rigid model released in 2023, with the main difference being the motor type and torque. The Rockrider E-EXPL 500 is available in four sizes, from S to XL, suitable for riders between 1.50 m and 2 m tall. It comes in a brown quartz color and includes a charger, bell, lights, reflectors, and pedals. Decathlon guarantees the frame, handlebar, and stem for life and claims the battery can handle more than 500 full charge cycles. The bike is homologated for a maximum weight of 100 kg, including the cyclist's gear. While the Rockrider E-EXPL 500 is priced at 1,998.99 euros, it is in direct competition with the E-EXPL 500 S, which is listed at 2,499 euros and has seen price reductions this year. Buyers should consider checking for promotions on the E-EXPL 500 S before purchasing the newer model at a high price.