Electric Mountain Biking Guide 2022

Where once electric mountain bikes were marketed for those of us who need a helping hand up the stiffest of slopes, now all ages and abilities are realising their benefits reach well beyond the climbs. As far beyond as you wish, in fact, because they’ll help you to ride further and faster for even greater adventures. They’re also ridiculously fun. And thankfully, they’re much lighter than days of yore, meaning their handling is similar to a traditional MTB. Like your more traditional MTB, however, choosing the right model for your requirements is no simple matter. Are you riding the trails or cross-country? What range are you looking for in your battery? Full-sus or hardtail? It’s a minefield out there. But one you can tip-toe through confidently and safely thanks to…

In a relatively short space of time, electric mountain bikes have gone from an outlandish concept on a trade-show floor to a common sight out on the trails. They remain a big investment, though, so whether you’re thinking of taking the plunge and buying your first e-bike, are an early adopter looking to upgrade your current model or just want to know what all the fuss is about, we’re here to help. WHO ARE E-BIKES FOR? Anyone who enjoys having fun on two wheels, basically. The reason we opened this guide with a riding feature rather than a technical explainer is because that’s what these bikes are all about – getting people out there enjoying the trails. Electric pedalling assistance has obvious benefits for people with an injury or other…

1 Controls On most e-MTBs, a bar-mounted remote and LCD screen make it easy to switch modes, keep an eye on battery life and view your speed and mileage. Some offer Bluetooth connectivity options so you can track your heart-rate and other data. 2 Frame As batteries and motors become smaller and better integrated, e-MTBs are becoming almost indistinguishable from regular MTBs – at least until you spot the beefed-up bottom-bracket area, or they blast past you on the climbs at warp speed. 3 Battery While battery range is getting bigger, the power packs themselves are gradually shrinking. Many are now small enough to be hidden inside the down tube, especially on higher-end e-bikes. Most can be charged in-situ or removed from the bike if you prefer. 4 Motor Drive…

01 You’ve got to spin it to win it. Getting the most from an e-bike motor means pedalling at a higher cadence than you may be used to; in other words, selecting a bigger cassette sprocket than you might normally and spinning your legs a bit faster. If you’re the sort of rider who likes to grind big gears and sees changing into the granny ring as an admission of defeat, this may take some adjustment, but it’s actually good technique on a regular bike, too. 02 The weight isn’t an issue… except when it is. Most e-MTBs weigh over 18kg (40lb), but when you’re riding, the motor assistance means you don’t feel the extra heft, except through pumpy bits where it’s hard to get pedal strokes in. In fact,…

E-bikes are often seen as a way to go further or faster for less effort, but this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their capabilities. They’re fantastic tools for improving your technical riding, too. Looking at e-bikes in this way may reframe the way you ride them. Here are just some of the things you can do with them to help make you a better rider… 1 REPEAT SECTIONS If your riding time or variation is limited, your trail rides probably tend to follow a similar format each time – a cross-country loop, an out-and-back or a repeated fireroad climb to the top of a series of different descents. The days of pushing back up to hit a section over and over again may be…

E-bikes intensify any mountain-bike ride. They massively reward good technique, but the punishment for getting things wrong is much harsher! Because e-bikes are heavier than conventional bikes and have a low centre of gravity, they feel planted, stable and fast through corners. When you get a turn right and rail it, this feels fantastic, but get your technique wrong and the bike will work against you, making things much harder. PEDAL POSITION Staying balanced on the bike will provide you with more grip and speed. Try to keep the pedals level in banked turns or through ruts. In flat or off-camber turns, dropping the outside pedal will help put weight through the tyres, to prevent you sliding out. Keeping traction will make you less inclined to panic-brake mid-turn, which will…