I have some problems with my e8000, lately it feels like the engine is working too hard to give assist and that it is like a resistance in the engine.
I've been thinking about whether it could be that the engine itself is full of mud and other stuff that causes it to run hard ?
a little bit OT maybe
now I don't know what material Shimano's motor guards are made of, but they last damn well.
I have hit my engine cover several times and have never managed to crack it
I would say it depends entirely on what you ride if you ride mostly trail, forest roads or enduro or a little bit of each.
the most ultimate would be a bike with 140-150 damping and a 540 battery and 29 wheels.
then you have a fairly all-round bike, then which brand you choose is up to you.