Remote 2025

The Kona Remote 2025 is the Canadian brand's value-led aluminium hardtail eMTB, built around the Shimano EP8 motor (85 Nm, 250 W rated, 500 W peak, 2.6 kg) and a removable 504 Wh Shimano STEPS battery. Travel is 140 mm at the fork only, the head angle is a sensible 66.0°, and UK pricing opens at £3,199. This is not to be confused with the longer-travel Kona Remote 160 full-suspension model — the 2025 Remote is the lower-cost hardtail in Kona's eMTB lineup. The community verdict on Kona's Shimano-equipped eMTBs is consistently strong on long-term motor reliability: @lightning reports "Shimano E8000 motor achieved 4,500 miles faultless operation on a Kona Remote 160, with STUnlocker limiting max assist to 200%."

Drive system and range. The Shimano EP8 (DU-EP800) is the proven workhorse of the EP family, refined through several firmware iterations to give natural-feeling assistance and quiet operation. The 85 Nm torque and 500 W peak figures place it mid-pack against the newer EP801 (600 W peak) and the latest Bosch/DJI motors. Range from the 504 Wh battery is the headline limit on this build — most rivals at the same price now run 600-720 Wh packs. Expect roughly 60-100 km on mixed terrain depending on assist level. @Notsopromtber reports "Kona Remote 160 battery range: 80 km on ECO mode; 50 km rides using mostly ECO on flats/descent, Trail mode on cross country, Boost on punchy climbs with 504 Wh battery." The pack is removable for off-bike charging.

Geometry and handling. A 66.0° head angle is squarely cross-country / trail and sits between dedicated XC eMTBs and the harder-charging hardtails like the Mondraker Chaser. Reach progresses SM 425 mm, MD 450 mm, LG 475 mm, XL 510 mm — a properly modern 25-35 mm progression across four sizes. Chainstay length is fixed at 435 mm, which is short for a hardtail and helps the bike feel agile in twisty singletrack. Wheelbase grows from 1,175 mm on the SM to 1,270 mm on the XL. A genuinely modern hardtail geometry, much more progressive than the typical sub-£3,500 e-hardtail.

Build and value. The base trim at £3,199 represents strong value. Expect a SR Suntour or RockShox fork (entry-level), Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano Deore 11-speed drivetrain. Maxxis DHF/DHR2 tyres feature on similar Kona builds per @Perryqhill — a notably grippy spec for an entry-level hardtail. Wheelset is likely double-wall alloy on Boost 148 mm rear and 110 mm front axles. The single-trim approach simplifies the buying decision and aligns the Remote firmly with budget-conscious riders.

Community-verified strengths. Long-term EP8 reliability is the headline win. @lightning documents 4,500 miles of faultless operation on a Shimano-powered Kona Remote 160. @lightning separately reports 2,400 miles with no issues except an early headset creak requiring re-greasing. Kona's robust frame design and proven supply chain make for a low-stress ownership experience compared to newer boutique brands.

Caveats and known gripes. The 504 Wh battery is the biggest spec compromise — modern rivals at the price typically offer 600-800 Wh. As a hardtail with no rear suspension, the Remote is suited to firetrack, bridleway and gentle singletrack rather than full UK technical trails. Kona has gone through corporate turbulence and a brand reshuffle since 2023, and dealer support in the UK and US is thinner than it was in the brand's heyday — buyers should confirm dealer service availability before purchasing. The Shimano EP8's 85 Nm is now mid-pack against the latest motors. The hardtail format means saddle-down descending is the only option on bigger hits.

Verdict. The Kona Remote is for the newcomer to eMTBs who wants a properly-geometried aluminium hardtail with a proven Shimano motor at a fair £3,199. It is not for technical descenders, big-day pedallers who need 700+ Wh of battery, or buyers who want the latest motor parity. Production status is current and the Remote continues alongside higher-spec Kona models.