 
The mountain biking world is experiencing an electric revolution. Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) are taking the sport by storm, appealing to long-time mountain bikers and newcomers alike. eMTBs provide a motorized boost to assist riders on the trail, opening up mountain biking to more people while still allowing riders to pedal and get exercise. For those looking to get into mountain biking or level up their rides, eMTBs are worth a close look.
Power Meets Pedals
So what sets electric mountain bikes apart from standard mountain bikes? eMTBs look almost identical to regular mountain bikes but have a few key differences. At their core is a powerful electric motor mounted on the frame near the pedals. This motor kicks in extra power as you pedal to give you a boost on climbs and tricky sections of trail.
Riders control the motor and level of electric assistance through an onboard computer, often mounted on the handlebars. This lets you customize when and how much power you want added to your pedaling. Most eMTBs have different modes with varying degrees of assistance. For example, many have an âecoâ mode for lighter assist as well as a more powerful âturboâ option for maximum acceleration. The motors engage seamlessly when pedaling and boost your input.
This electric assist means you can tackle far more challenging trails with less effort. Steep, grinding climbs become manageable, letting you explore epic routes previously out of reach. The additional speed and torque opens new possibilities on the descents as well. eMTBs amplify the thrill while still requiring your active participation through pedaling.
Battery Power
Providing juice for these trail-taming motors are large capacity lithium-ion batteries. Mounted on the frame, these charge up much like other electronic devices. A full charge yields several hours of assisted ride time depending on terrain and assist level. Fortunately, the batteries can be easily removed for charging at home after a ride.
As with all electronic devices, cold weather negatively impacts battery life. But improvements in battery technology continue to increase capacity from each charge. And lighter, sleeker batteries allow eMTB manufacturers to minimize their visual impact and keep overall bike weight reasonable.
Types of eMTBs
Much like standard mountain bikes, eMTBs come in a range of styles and purposes. Categorizing them can be helpful when considering your first purchase.
Trail/Cross-Country eMTBs
Trail/Cross-country eMTBs closely resemble standard trail mountain bikes with moderate front and rear suspension travel. They feature relatively light weight frames and components that allow them to efficiently climb and descend more flowing trails.
The integrated electric motor boosts speed and acceleration on trails, allowing riders to go farther and faster. Some cross-country eMTBs even allow rides of over 100 miles on a charge. While not as plush as heavier-duty eMTBs, trail eMTBs strike a nice balance for flowing singletrack. The power gives assistance but the bikes still retain a natural mountain bike feel.
All-Mountain eMTBs
As the name suggests, all-mountain eMTBs excel across a wide variety of terrain. With 6 or 7 inches of suspension travel front and rear, beefier components, and stouter frames, these eMTBs can shred downhill trails nearly as capably as old school lift-access bikes.
Yet they still retain reasonable climbing abilities despite their heft. The electric assist helps mitigate the extra weight when grinding uphill. Aggressive trail and enduro riders will appreciate their versatility. All-mountain eMTBs open up more technical terrain possibilities when youâve topped out your climbs.
Downhill eMTBs
On the other end of the spectrum, downhill eMTBs focus purely on gravity-fed adrenaline. They have over 8 inches of suspension travel coupled with massively beefy frames and components engineered for withstanding big hits and jumps.
These beasts allow riders to skip long climbs and shuttle runs to bike parks. The pedal-assist essentially replaces chairlift access. Riders can pedal these 40+ pound machines uphill as the electric motor negates the extreme heft. Then point them downhill to attack the most technical, scary trails around. They bridge the gap between downhill and trail riding for maximum thrills.
While each eMTB category has strengths and limitations, the common electric assist factor enables riding trails not otherwise possible on traditional mountain bikes.
Legality and Trail Access
With the growing popularity of eMTBs, many mountain biking and outdoor recreation areas are updating their regulations surrounding them. As with other emerging sports, the rules are still catching up to the rapid rise of electric mountain bikes.
Many areas currently lump eMTBs under the same access rules as motorcycles. But their pedal-assist nature and similarities to standard mountain bikes are distinct from dirt bikes. Industy advocates are urging public land agencies to consider separate designations for eMTBs apart from motorcycles. Classifying them like bikes would enable access to countless existing mountain biking trails.
For now, eMTB legality varies widely across different cities, counties and trail networks. Checking local regulations is imperative before purchasing an eMTB. Some regions embrace them and allow access to bike trails, while others currently prohibit them. As their popularity continues growing, clear universal guidelines will hopefully emerge.
Most agree that enforcing proper trailhead etiquette applies equally to eMTBs. Such as respecting other trail users, controlling speed and being courteous. Responsible operation is key to their ongoing access and integration.
Who Are eMTBs For?
Given their off-road capabilities amplified by electric power, eMTBs appeal to a wide range of potential riders. From beginner to advanced, young to old, they open up mountain biking to more people.
For aging riders or those with limiting injuries/conditions, eMTBs provide the ability to still grind along trails theyâd otherwise have to abandon. The power assistance helps them push their limits in spite of lower fitness or strength than their youth. Allowing them to keep attacking trails alongside friends and family despite conditions wanting them to settle down.
New riders also can benefit greatly from starting out on eMTBs. The electric boost alleviates some of the initial harsh learning curve of mountain biking. Letting them more gently hone basic skills on easier trails before graduating towards advanced ones. eMTBs provide a confidence inspiring gateway into the sport.
The same goes for casual riders who feel intimidated by the extreme nature of gravity-focused modern mountain bikes. The pedal assist allows lighter trail riding at gentler paces and lower perceived exertion. So easier access to beautiful natural settings even without high fitness.
Of course eMTBs also appeal immensely to core enthusiast riders. Racers use them for faster lap times during extended endurance events. Weekend warriors can push bigger rides and descents as the e-assist reduces overall exertion. While gravity focused riders employ them to minimize climbing between adrenaline pumping downhill runs. Across the spectrum, eMTBs enhance and extend most ridersâ capabilities.
Purchase Considerations
For riders intrigued by the promise of these electrified trail tamers, purchasing your first eMTB elicits some unique factors to consider beyond standard mountain bike buying.
As with normal mountain bikes, properly sizing the frame to your body dimensions is critical for control, handling and power transfer. Since eMTBs contain additional components like batteries and control panels, make sure these donât negatively impactREACH or standover measurements.
Battery range/capacity relates directly to ride duration and distance. If you anticipate longer backcountry rides, prioritize higher battery capacity in Watt Hours (Wh). But the biggest capacity batteries can add significant weight and cost.
Motors differ considerably in torque output and pedal assistance responsiveness. More powerful motors typically raise the price. Make sure to test ride models to feel their acceleration and climbing ability matched to your individual riding needs.
Higher quality suspension components also increase cost but greatly impact ride quality and durability. Pay special attention to front forks suited to eMTB heft and forces.
Lastly consider component integration and control interface of dashboards/displays. Sleeker, minimalist profiles keep handlebars from feeling cluttered. Opt for ergonomic displays providing data essential to you like battery level, assist mode, power usage, etc.
While expensive initially, going electric truly unlocks whole new possibilities and experiences in mountain biking. And eMTB technology, performance and affordability will only continue improving over time like most electronics. Want to leverage some electric horsepower to conquer new trails beyond your current abilities? Now is the time to join this exciting movement.