This all-new aluminum Merida Etmo mixes up some of the best bits of Merida’s latest high-end Bosch eMTBs with versatile 140mm or 160mm trail-ready travel, everyday versatility, and a dash of newfound affordability. Much like Merida’s premium carbon eMTBs, this new Etmo features all-mountain-ready geometry and solid builds, just at lower prices. And to not skimp where it really matters on modern ebikes, all 4 build levels of the new eMTB are available with Bosch’s top-tier Performance CX motor with the significant power, performance, and control upgrades they delivered last year.
2026 Merida Etmo eMTB brings Bosch power down in alloy
Merida describes the new Etmo as their “most price-focused Bosch-powered e-MTB yet“. We’re still talking high-end German motor full-power ebikes, so even the entry-level starts at £3650 / 4380€.* But that’s still less than 1/3 the price we’ve seen for many top-spec carbon eMTBs that have hit the market in recent years. But, even a little restraint in exorbitant pricing seems welcome. And as one of the more affordable options for a Bosch CX-powered eMTB, this looks like one we’d love to test over the long-term to compare to those more pricey carbon ebikes we often try.
*note: all € prices are approximate and vary from one European country to the next
Over the last two seasons, Merida revamped everything in their performance eMTB line-up from light-support e-One-Sixty SL carbon trail ebikes, carbon e-One-Forty & e-One-Sixty all-rounders, up to a gravity-ready alloy e-One-Eighty freeride ebikes. But unless your budget was over €5-6k, they didn’t really have a feasible option for you, even at their most entry-level. But now, with a new aluminum frame inspired by that latest e180 and smart specs, Merida is back with an all-new entry-level aluminum eMTB family that gives you premium Bosch motor and battery options, travel options, and fully equipped commuter builds at more affordable price points.
We asked Merida why this ebike isn’t named for its travel like all of their other models. They said its name is actually derived from the Greek ethmoid bone in the skull. But apparently not for any real reason, other than it sounds cool, and differentiates the new model from Merida’s more expensive eMTBs.
What’s new?
The basic concept is to start with a similar, durable but light 6066 aluminum frame and the same linkage-driven faux-bar suspension design, like the recent e180. And the same lifetime frame warranty with a Category 4 enduro certification. Just this frame is simplified a bit to handle shorter travel – 142mm at the rear for the two lower specs or 160mm with a longer stroke shock for the two higher spec builds. Either way, you get balanced trail-capable geometry with a mullet wheel combo, very similar to their longer travel eMTB. Slack enough for technical descending, but a forward weight balance for agility, even on a relatively heavy full-power ebike.
Then, the most affordable two builds get the 90Nm Bosch Performance Line PX motor standard, while the top level gets the top 100Nm CX motor. But even there, those two entry builds offer a ‘Pro’ option to upgrade to CX and the biggest battery, while keeping the rest of the affordable spec. Other than that, you either get the lighter 540/600Wh batteries or the bigger range 800Wh inside, always with the option for a 250Wh external range extender.
And like the more expensive Merida eMTBs, you get integrated cable routing, a wired-in Leyne headlight & rechargeable taillight system, an integrated multi-tool under the saddle, and a future-proof UDH.
Adapted Geometry
Geometry is designed slack and capable around the longer travel 160/160mm variant – but a bit steeper and more stable than the long travel e180. 27.5 rear wheel, 29″ front. 65° head angle, 78.5° seatangle, 446mm chainstays & 20mm BB drop. The shorter 142/140mm bikes have the same shock eye-to-eye length, so the position of the rear stays mostly unchanged, but the slightly short front end steepens head & seat angles by a degree to match the shorter travel and lowers overall ride height a shade, too.
Merida Etmo – Pricing, options & availability
The biggest story, though about the new Merida Etmo is its more attainable pricing options – “from highly affordable entry-level options to highly trail-capable machines” with fully-equipped EQ models for urban SUV riding, in between.
Etmo 400 is the cheapest at £3650 / 4380€ with the shorter 142/140mm travel, an X-Fusion Migo 34 fork, the Bosch PX motor, 540Wh internal battery, the Merida dropper post, and a Shimano Cues 9-speed Link Glide drivetrain. For just £150 / 175€ more, the Etmo 400 EQ adds full coverage fenders, a rear rack with an integrated taillight, and a kickstand. Or if you want the motor & battery upgrade, the £4100 / 5000€ Etmo 400 Pro steps up to the more powerful Bosch CX motor & longer range 800Wh battery in the downtube.
The same deal with the 142mm travel Merida Etmo 500. The base model at £3900 / 4700€ gets 140mm SR Suntour Zeron 36X fork, the Bosch PX motor with a 600Wh battery, and a Shimano Cues 10-speed Link Glide drivetrain. Add £150 / 175€ extra for the EQ model with rack, fenders & kickstand. Or step up to £4400 / 5280€ for the Merida Etmo 500 Pro with the Bosch CX motor & 800Wh battery.
The Merida Etmo 700 at £4600 / 5500€ is the first to get the longer 160mm of travel front & rear. It features a proper RockShox Psylo Silver RC fork, Deluxe Select shock, a nice mechanical SRAM Eagle 70 12-speed direct mount drivetrain, and the Bosch CX motor paired to the smaller, lighter 600Wh internal battery. No other options for the 700 since it already gets the big travel and premium powertrain.
And lastly, the top-spec Merida Etmo 800 sells for £5250 / 6300€ with a Marzocchi Bomber Z Air fork & shock combo, a Shimano XT LinkGlide 11-speed drivetrain, the top Bosch Performance Line CX motor, and its big 800Wh internal battery – at a claimed 26.8kg complete.
All are available now, although not all specs in all countries.
