The best eMTB brake pads start with the right fit, then the right compound for your riding. A heavier bike, repeated descents and wet UK grit can make pad choice noticeable, but no friction material can compensate for a mismatched shape, contaminated rotor or poorly maintained brake.
Our overall choice is the Shimano N04C for compatible Shimano four-piston calipers and metal-approved rotors. The ten options below also cover resin replacements, Magura MT brakes, Hope V4 and selected SRAM systems. There is no universal pad that fits them all: use the exact model details in each card before placing an order.
Best eMTB brake pads: the shortlist
Best overall: Shimano N04C Metal — £23.95 (RRP £39.99)
Jagwire Pro Semi-Metallic — Shimano XTR M9100 fit — £11.99 (RRP £14.99)
Jagwire Pro Extreme Sintered — SRAM Code / Guide RE fit — £11.99 (RRP £16.99)
Shimano D03S Resin — £13.99 (RRP £19.99)
Hope V4 E-Bike — £14.99 (RRP £16.50)
Shimano N03A Resin — £16.49 (RRP £29.99)
Magura 8.P Performance — £16.99 (RRP £19.63)
Magura 8.R Race — £20 (RRP £25.63)
Galfer G1652 E-Bike — Avid Elixir / SRAM XX fit — £20.49 (RRP £24.99)
SwissStop Disc 28 RS — £21.99 (RRP £29.99)
Tyres and technique remain part of the same control picture. Our eMTB trail tyres guide helps match grip to terrain, while the mudguards guide covers keeping winter spray under control. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page.
The best eMTB brake pads in detail
Shimano N04C Metal
Best overall for compatible Shimano four-piston brakes
£23.95 (RRP £39.99)
Shimano’s N04C is our overall pick for a compatible four-piston trail brake used hard through the year. Its metal compound and cooling fins make it a purposeful option for repeated descents and abrasive conditions. The £23.95 selling price also puts it much closer to the alternatives than its higher list price suggests.
The recommendation is conditional on fitment. Shimano lists the N04C for calipers including BR-M9120, BR-M8120 and BR-M7120, but not for every four-piston brake: BR-M6120, MT520 and MT420 need a different pad family. It also requires a rotor approved for metal pads. With those checks satisfied, it is the strongest starting point in this selection of the best eMTB brake pads.
Pros
Metal compound for demanding use
Cooling fins
Competitive current price
Cons
Requires compatible caliper and metal-approved rotor
Metal compounds can be noisier
Specifications
Compound: Metal
Backing plate: Stainless steel and aluminium
Cooling fins: Yes
Examples: BR-M9120, BR-M8120, BR-M7120
Jagwire Pro Semi-Metallic — Shimano XTR M9100 fit
Budget choice for XTR two-piston brakes
£11.99 (RRP £14.99)
Jagwire’s Pro Semi-Metallic pad is the low-cost choice here for Shimano XTR BR-M9100 two-piston brakes. The listed version also serves several Shimano road calipers, but that shared fitment does not make it a general Shimano mountain-bike pad. Match the caliper model before considering its price or compound.
The semi-metallic friction material sits on an aluminium backing plate. It makes sense for a light eMTB with the correct XTR brake when regular trail mileage matters more than prolonged gravity riding. Among the best eMTB brake pads, this is a specific maintenance option rather than a universal upgrade: it does not fit the four-piston XT and SLX brakes discussed below.
Pros
Low replacement cost
Aluminium backing plate
Cons
Very specific XTR two-piston fitment
Specifications
Compound: Semi-metallic
Backing plate: Aluminium
MTB fitment: Shimano XTR BR-M9100 two-piston
Jagwire Pro Extreme Sintered — SRAM Code / Guide RE fit
Best budget metal option for compatible SRAM brakes
£11.99 (RRP £16.99)
Jagwire’s Pro Extreme Sintered gives compatible SRAM Code and Guide RE owners an inexpensive metal-compound option. The dense sintered material sits on a steel backing plate and is intended for demanding riding conditions. At £11.99, it is a practical spare to keep ready when winter grit starts consuming pads.
The named fitments are Code RSC A1, Code R B1, Code from 2011–2016 and Guide RE. That last model is easily confused with the wider Guide range, which does not all share this pad. Check the generation and rotor compatibility before buying. Among the best eMTB brake pads, this fills the useful gap between an inexpensive replacement and a compound intended for repeated hard use.
Pros
Low price for a sintered option
Supports specified Code and Guide RE brakes
Cons
Does not fit every SRAM brake
Steel backing and no cooling fins
Specifications
Compound: Sintered
Backing plate: Steel
Fitment: Code RSC A1; Code R B1; Code 2011–2016; Guide RE
Shimano D03S Resin
Best value for compatible Shimano four-piston brakes
£13.99 (RRP £19.99)
The D03S is a straightforward resin replacement for a broad selection of Shimano four-piston calipers. Its plain steel backing plate has no projecting cooling fins, which matters on brakes such as BR-M6120, BR-MT520 and BR-MT420 that do not accept the N-series finned pads. It is also compatible with several higher-specification calipers, including BR-M8120.
Choose it for everyday trail riding when a controllable resin feel and inexpensive replacements suit your mileage. Resin can wear quickly in abrasive winter conditions, so inspect the remaining friction material frequently. The best eMTB brake pads are the ones that fit both the caliper and the rotor; a resin-only rotor is a reason to stay with an approved resin compound, not to force in a metal upgrade.
Pros
Affordable genuine Shimano option
Fits several calipers that cannot take N-series fins
Cons
No cooling fins
Resin can wear faster in abrasive conditions
Specifications
Compound: Resin
Backing plate: Steel
Cooling fins: No
Examples: BR-M8120, BR-M6120, BR-MT520, BR-MT420
Hope V4 E-Bike
For Hope V4 riders covering winter miles
£14.99 (RRP £16.50)
Hope’s purple E-Bike pad is a useful option for V4 owners who rack up repeated descents and wet-weather mileage. The sintered compound is intended for demanding use, while the distinctive backing colour helps separate it from Hope’s other compounds. The £14.99 price refers to the V4 E-Bike selection, not every pad in the retailer’s multi-option listing.
Treat the caliper name as the deciding detail. A Hope lever does not identify the pad shape, and a V4 pad is not an E4 pad simply because both brakes have four pistons. This is an appealing year-round replacement for the right Hope system, but fresh pads still need the prescribed bedding-in process and a clean, compatible rotor.
Pros
Dedicated e-bike compound
Clear V4-specific choice
Cons
V4 shape does not fit every Hope caliper
Specifications
Compound: E-Bike sintered
Backing colour: Purple
Selected fitment: Hope V4
Shimano N03A Resin
For a quieter feel with compatible finned Shimano pads
£16.49 (RRP £29.99)
The N03A combines Shimano’s resin compound with an aluminium backing plate and cooling fins. It suits riders using compatible XTR, XT or SLX four-piston calipers who value a progressive feel on slippery, technical trails. The fins add exposed area for heat dissipation without changing the basic pad choice into a different braking system.
Compatibility is narrower than the phrase “Shimano four-piston” suggests. Examples include BR-M9120, BR-M8120 and BR-M7120; it is not the correct finned upgrade for BR-M6120 or the MT520/MT420 family. For riders comparing the best eMTB brake pads for those compatible higher-specification brakes, the N03A is the resin alternative to the metal N04C.
Pros
Resin feel with cooling fins
Genuine Shimano fit for listed calipers
Cons
Does not fit every Shimano four-piston caliper
Specifications
Compound: Resin
Backing plate: Aluminium
Cooling fins: Yes
Examples: BR-M9120, BR-M8120, BR-M7120
Magura 8.P Performance
Best all-round choice for Magura MT four-piston brakes
£16.99 (RRP £19.63)
Magura’s 8.P Performance is the sensible all-round starting point for compatible MT four-piston brakes. Four separate friction pads serve one caliper, giving each piston its own backing plate. That is worth understanding when ordering: a set of four small pads is not a front-and-rear replacement kit.
The Performance compound is aimed at a broad balance of use rather than the Race pad’s narrower brief. It suits regular trail rides, longer outings and riders who want to retain the intended Magura system specification. Within the best eMTB brake pads, this is our practical Magura choice, provided the brake is a compatible MT four-piston model and the correct retaining hardware is used.
Pros
Broad Performance brief
Individual pads for each piston
Cons
Four pads cover one caliper only
Specifications
Compound: Performance
Layout: Four individual pads per caliper
Fitment: Compatible Magura MT four-piston calipers
Approval: ECE marking
Magura 8.R Race
For Magura riders prioritising race performance
£20 (RRP £25.63)
The 8.R is Magura’s Race option for riders who put braking response ahead of an all-round touring brief. Like the 8.P, it uses four individual pads in a compatible MT four-piston caliper. It is a focused choice for demanding descents, not a reason to replace a well-performing set of Performance pads on a bike used mainly for gentler trails.
The distinction also matters for approval requirements: the 8.R is not the ECE-marked 8.P. Check the requirements for your particular bike and brake system rather than assuming every compound in the same shape is interchangeable in every application. Budget for one caliper set at a time and bed the pads in according to Magura’s instructions before asking for full braking power.
Pros
Focused Race compound
Individual four-pad layout
Cons
No ECE marking
Less general-purpose brief than 8.P
Specifications
Compound: Race
Layout: Four individual pads per caliper
Fitment: Compatible Magura MT four-piston calipers
Approval: No ECE marking
Galfer G1652 E-Bike — Avid Elixir / SRAM XX fit
For keeping compatible older brakes in service
£20.49 (RRP £24.99)
Galfer’s purple G1652 compound is developed for e-bike use, but the version at this price is the Avid Elixir / SRAM XX shape. That makes it relevant to owners keeping a compatible older brake system running; it should not be ordered for a Code or modern Shimano four-piston caliper merely because the packaging says e-bike.
Galfer describes G1652 as an organic semi-metal compound and gives it ECE R90 approval. The useful decision is whether that compound and exact shape meet your brake’s requirements. It earns a place among the best eMTB brake pads as a supported replacement for the right system, while its narrow fitment remains the main limitation.
Pros
E-bike-specific G1652 compound
Useful support for compatible older brakes
Cons
Listed shape is not suitable for Code or Shimano four-piston brakes
Specifications
Compound: G1652 organic semi-metal
Selected fitment: Avid Elixir / SRAM XX
Colour: Purple
Approval: ECE R90
SwissStop Disc 28 RS
For smooth control with compatible Shimano two-piston brakes
£21.99 (RRP £29.99)
SwissStop’s Disc 28 RS is a two-piston option for a wide range of compatible Shimano trail and XC calipers, including BR-M8000, BR-M785, BR-M7100 and BR-M6100. The brand’s Disc 28 shape is the important part of the name; Disc 30, 32 and 34 options on the same retailer page serve different brakes.
The RS compound is intended to balance braking control, wear and noise, with a relatively thin backing plate allowing more friction material. That makes it an attractive alternative when smooth modulation matters on technical trails. It is not a four-piston upgrade, however, and the exact caliper must appear in the compatibility list. Choose the Disc 28 option when following this card’s offer link.
Pros
Broad Disc 28 two-piston compatibility
Control-focused RS compound
Cons
Choose Disc 28, not another option on the listing
Specifications
Compound: Disc RS
Selected shape: Disc 28
Examples: Shimano BR-M8000, BR-M785, BR-M7100, BR-M6100
How to choose the best eMTB brake pads
Read the caliper model from the brake itself, then check the manufacturer’s compatibility information. Lever names and bike specifications are not enough: components may have changed, and one lever can be paired with several calipers. Compare the complete pad shape, retaining arrangement and any cooling-fin clearance. If the model cannot be identified confidently, ask a qualified workshop to confirm it.
Resin compounds generally suit riders who value a progressive feel, while metal compounds are often chosen for sustained descending and abrasive conditions. The trade-offs depend on the complete brake, rotor and weather. An e-bike label is not a universal performance standard, and it does not override a rotor marked for resin pads only.
The best eMTB brake pads also need a sound system around them. Inspect pad and rotor wear against the manufacturer’s limits, check for contamination and leaks, and investigate a lever that pulls unusually close to the bar. A different compound is not a repair for trapped air or a hydraulic fault. Avoid touching the friction surfaces with oily fingers, and follow the maker’s cleaning and replacement guidance.
Bedding in replacement pads
Follow the brake manufacturer’s bedding-in procedure on a traffic-free, level area with clear stopping room. Build braking load progressively, avoid locking the wheel and allow the system to cool as instructed. Do not head straight onto a steep trail with newly fitted pads. If the brake still feels weak or inconsistent, stop and investigate the installation before riding further.
Best eMTB brake pads: common questions
Can I fit a metal pad to a resin-only rotor?
No. Use a compound the rotor manufacturer permits, or have the system changed to an approved combination. The best eMTB brake pads for a resin-only rotor must respect that restriction, regardless of how attractive another compound looks.
Do all Shimano four-piston brakes use the same pad?
No. For example, the N03A and N04C cooling-fin shape is compatible with BR-M8120, but not BR-M6120 or BR-MT520. Shimano’s D03S serves several calipers that cannot accept those fins. Always check the exact model rather than extrapolating from piston count.
Do I need the same compound front and rear?
The front and rear brakes can have different requirements, but both combinations must be approved for their calipers and rotors. Start with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you change compounds, bed each brake in correctly and get used to the response before riding technical terrain.
Check how many brakes one pack will service
Count the pads required by your exact caliper and check the quantity supplied in the pack. A listing described as a pair does not automatically cover both the front and rear brakes, and some calipers use a different number of individual pads. Confirm whether springs and retaining hardware are included or must be reused or replaced according to the brake maker’s instructions.
If you are replacing pads for an imminent ride, check dispatch as well as price. The selected Jagwire Pro Semi-Metallic XTR-fit option is available from supplier stock, so allow for its stated lead time rather than assuming immediate dispatch.
Verdict: the best eMTB brake pads for your system
For compatible Shimano four-piston brakes, the N04C is our first choice for demanding year-round riding, while the D03S and N03A cover different resin-pad needs. Magura’s 8.P and Hope’s V4 E-Bike pad are clear starting points for their respective systems. Jagwire adds useful value for the specified XTR and SRAM shapes. Choose fitment first, compound second and price third: that is the route to the best eMTB brake pads for your bike.