The best part of owning an electric mountain bike (e-MTB) is discovering exciting new places to ride it. E-MTBs open up possibilities for exploring more remote, challenging terrain. But, it’s important to choose riding areas suited to your e-bike’s capabilities and limitations.
Singletrack trails
Nothing beats the thrill of flowy singletrack, and e-MTBs are perfect for rallying narrow mountain bike trails. The pedal assist helps you scale steep pitches and maintain momentum over undulating terrain. You ride faster and farther down twisty single tracks with an added boost. Look for singletrack networks that offer a mix of hill climbs and descents. Try linking together epic point-to-point rides combining multiple routes. Use your e-bike’s extended range capabilities to explore trails deeper in the backcountry. Don’t forget your map, navigation aids, food, water, and gear.
Bike parks and lift access
Lift-served bike parks with machine-built trails are a blast on e-bikes. Your session downhill runs over and over without getting exhausted. Flow trails, jumps, berms, and other bike park features become more accessible. Sustain your stamina and skills progression riding park terrain all day long. Many lift-accessed resorts now cater to e-MTBs with specific e-bike trails. Make sure to verify regulations and restrictions for any bike parks or resorts. Look for downhill trails rated intermediate to advanced for your e-bike’s capabilities. Bring sufficient protective gear when riding bike park terrain.
Off-road adventures
Your e-MTB opens up possibilities for venturing onto rugged, uncharted terrain like dense forests, high mountains, and deserts. With the extra assistance from a motor, you explore landscapes far from any designated trails. Choose durable, capable e-bikes designed for backcountry adventures. Make sure to research regulations regarding off road electric bike access in wild spaces. Avoid unauthorized trail use or damaging sensitive environments. Backcountry riding requires sharp navigation and survival skills. Carry appropriate gear, food, water, a first aid kit, and communication devices. Let someone know your planned route.
Rocky technical areas
Rock gardens, root fields, and loose rocky terrain challenge your bike handling skills. Here, e-MTBs shine. The added torque and momentum help blast through technical sections. Practice picking lines, absorbing hits, and controlling skids. Focus on developing expert-level handling abilities before hitting the most extreme rocky, uneven terrain. Too much speed through gnarly rock sections on a heavy e-bike is dangerous. Master control and gradually work up to more difficult technical riding areas.
Nothing beats an e-MTB for crushing long, steep climbs. Set your power assist to the max and watch those uphill pitches disappear beneath your tires. Climbing strength and endurance improve even when riding with the motor engaged. For training, seek out lung-busting hill climb routes and interval sessions. For adventure, targeting epic backcountry peaks and ridge lines rewards you with huge elevation gains. Load your e-bike for a multi-day backpacking trip traversing mountain ranges. Charge uphill knowing you have the e-bike to get you to the top.
Downhill flow trails
Don’t forget your e-MTB transforms lift-accessed downhill flow trails into endless fun. With the climbs handled by your battery and motor, you can focus on charging downhill all day or seasoning your favorite descent over and over. Look for flowy downhill-focused routes that let you open it up and rally fast. Ride aggressively using the e-bike’s momentum to rail berms, boost airs, and slash turns. Dial the power down and focus on honing advanced bike handling techniques. Then open it back up and feel that satisfying flow speed.
