Is an E-Mountain Bike Worth It?
The whirring of electric motors is becoming a more common sound out on the trails. As you see fellow cyclists speed by on e-mountain bikes, electric assistance may seem like a tempting option. But with their different feel and heftier price tag, are you wondering if it’s really worth making the switch? This article covers some of the advantages of e-mountain biking.
1. Electric Mountain Biking is for Everyone!
Slowly but surely, the myth is finally being dispelled. The electric bike is suited for any type or level of cyclist. In fact, the name says it all: the bike features electric assistance which means you must pedal and put in the effort so you can enjoy the motor’s energy return. It is perfect for people who want to ride, ride and ride! The motor—placed inside the crank or on the back wheel—features a pedal assist system to control the energy that needs to be spent.
Also, in the past few years, many companies have been offering models with geometries that are more interesting than before. These new models make the e-bike more attractive to a wider clientele and at the same time, make it more accessible.
Road, hybrid or mountain bike, all aim to help you reach the same objective: push your limits so you can reach new goals that you thought were unattainable.
2. Get Back into Riding with an Electric Mountain Bike
It’s the perfect choice to get you back on a mountain bike after you’ve been away from the trails for a spell. Whether after an injury or to get back in shape, an e-MTB’s electrical system lets you cover more kilometres, which means you can get in more climbs and descents during your ride. It allows you to keep up with the group and have fun without getting tired and discouraged.
The battery will determine the autonomy of the bike. Therefore, it is essential that you choose a model that is adapted to your daily use. The more you use the electric-assist, aka the motor, the more you drain the battery and vice-versa. A battery with greater watts per hour (Wh) is more powerful and allows for a longer ride.
The battery’s autonomy depends on a number of other factors, like the weight of the cyclist and the ambient temperature. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact autonomy, but it can vary between 50 and 110 kilometers, sometimes more.
3. The Performance-Effort Factor
With the new generations of electric-assist bikes, the enjoyment-performance-effort factor is heightened. Their construction, battery capacity, design are thoughtfully put in place to maximise the cyclist’s experience.
Mountain bike adventurers will be able to push their limits, reach new summits and take on new challenges. It’s also an excellent ally for quick outings before and after work.
The electric-assist bike allows you to explore trails and roads that might have been impossible before because of their distance or their degree of difficulty. It doubles the pleasure: more distance, more downhills, more days spent on your bike.