More powerful, faster and heavier, the electric mountain bike is not quite used in the same way as a conventional MTB. Its behaviour does not bring about a true revolution on the trail, but it offers new sensations, both in pedalling and handling. If you are new to riding an e-MTB, a short adaptation phase will probably be necessary to find your feet… You really do need to take the time to tame the beast!
Probikeshop identifies the small mistakes to avoid and gives you advice to help you master your e-MTB.
The specifics of an electric mountain bike: weight, handling, power
Aesthetically, an electric-assisted mountain bike looks very much like a conventional MTB, especially with the progress made in recent years on the integration of the motor unit and battery. MTB and e-MTB equipment is also comparable, even though there are more and more components optimised for e-MTB use (telescopic fork or special e-MTB drivetrain and E-25-approved tyres).
An electric mountain bike belongs to a category of its own, given the presence of an electric pedalling assistance system, consisting of a motor, a battery and a screen with handlebar controls. This specific equipment adds a significant amount of weight, which changes the habits acquired at the handlebars of a conventional MTB. An e-MTB weighs on average around 25 kg, with the lightest models barely touching 20 kg.
With speed, this considerable weight can easily catch out and overwhelm inexperienced riders on technical descents. But with practice, an e-MTB can be tamed like any other bike, gradually and smoothly. The electric mountain bike allows you to discover a different style of riding — very enjoyable, all about anticipation and fluidity.
All electric mountain bikes use a motor with a high power and torque potential. The motor assists you on uphill sections, but can also catch you out if the assistance mode is not chosen correctly. The main risk is getting stuck on the steepest and most technical sections, due to a loss of traction on the rear wheel or, conversely, due to an uncontrolled wheelie.
How to choose the right assistance mode on an e-MTB?
The motor torque is an important piece of data for appreciating the behaviour of your e-MTB on the trail. The assistance modes allow you to adjust the power output according to the circumstances.
The sporty and dynamic assistance of e-MTB motors
The pedalling behaviour of an e-MTB is determined by the technical characteristics of its motor. Electric mountain bikes are powerful, sporty machines that allow you to ride trails that would normally be inaccessible (on a conventional MTB). Thanks to their sporty nature, the motors of e-MTBs are suited to these extreme terrains and disciplines. By sporty, we mean highly dynamic, responsive, lively assistance that efficiently supports the rider's effort when pressing on the pedals.
The sporty behaviour of e-MTB motors is technically reflected in a high maximum torque, between 70 Nm and 90 Nm for the most reputable solutions on the market:
All these motors offer different assistance levels or modes, which allow you to adjust the support according to the terrain (more or less technical or rough), the user's profile (sporty or leisure), and the type of ride (cruising speed over a long distance or a short, fast-paced outing). Each assistance mode delivers a well-targeted maximum torque. The first assistance mode provides the lowest torque (60 Nm in Eco mode for the Performance Line CX motor), while the most powerful mode provides the highest torque (85 Nm in Turbo mode for the Performance Line CX motor).
Adapting the e-MTB assistance mode on the trail
Depending on the motor manufacturer of your MTB (Bosch, Yamaha, Shimano…), you have 3 or 4 assistance modes available.
You always have a first "Eco" mode, appreciated for starting off gently, sufficient for relatively easy pedalling sections, and useful for saving the battery and extending your rides as long as possible. At the other end of the spectrum, the most powerful mode ("Turbo" from Bosch, "High" from Yamaha, "Boost" from Shimano) is best engaged on short, steep climbs — it exploits the full power of the motor but drains the battery quickly. The intermediate modes ("Tour" from Bosch, "STD" from Yamaha, "Trail" from Shimano) are well calibrated for most climbs — steep, winding, technical, long.
The Bosch and Shimano brands allow you to calibrate the various assistance modes precisely (via an app), to find the right balance according to your preferences. These 2 major motor manufacturers also offer modes optimised for e-MTB riding ("Trail" from Shimano, "eMTB" from Bosch), which automatically adjust the assistance level according to the terrain, thanks to an intelligent multi-sensor system.
Using your electric-assisted mountain bike properly: before the ride
The standard checks before an e-MTB ride are identical to those carried out before a conventional MTB ride, with a few specific points to pay attention to.
Essential checks on an e-MTB
Always check the braking system by applying pressure to each lever. Carefully and regularly check the wear level of the brake pads and the condition of the discs. It would be a shame to discover a brake failure in the middle of a descent.
Regularly check the tightening of the various fixings: wheel axle, seatpost, cockpit. Also check the general condition of your bike, to identify any signs of denting or cracks on the frame, particularly in the area around the motor.
Settings on an e-MTB
Check tyre pressure and suspension settings carefully, following the manufacturer's recommendations and fine-tuning your settings according to your weight, your discipline and the day's terrain. Always keep in mind that on an e-MTB, 2 qualities are paramount: traction when pedalling and grip when braking. To climb the steepest hills, you can adjust the suspension settings in order to find maximum compression at the front and greater firmness at the rear.
On an electric-assisted mountain bike, it is also worth lowering your usual saddle height (slightly), to find greater stability and agility when pedalling. You will be more comfortable and more efficient on difficult uphill sections.
After completing this checklist, you can proceed to starting up the assistance system. To get going, we recommend selecting the first assistance level (Eco mode). Your start will be smoother and well controlled.
Using your electric mountain bike properly: during the ride
As we keep saying, pedalling and riding an e-MTB is a somewhat particular exercise that will change the habits of newcomers.
General rules for riding an e-MTB properly
As a reminder, the motor assistance only engages when you are pedalling. As a general rule, you should aim for a regular cadence of around 70 to 90 rpm to benefit from the motor's optimal efficiency. At this pedalling frequency, the e-MTB motor is in its comfort zone, where it consumes the least energy.
On a long climb, we recommend prioritising gear changes over changes in assistance mode to adapt to the terrain, by anticipating variations in gradient. The idea is to use the different modes wisely, maintaining smooth and efficient operation.
In the early stages of use, it is important to get to grips with the machine. The right reflex is to familiarise yourself with "Eco" mode, to properly feel and understand the behaviour of your bike — you will more accurately appreciate the benefit of the assistance. Trying the intermediate assistance mode, then the maximum mode, comes in a second phase — these will allow you to explore the full potential of your e-MTB.
Our tips for climbing efficiently on an e-MTB
Your e-MTB has the potential to climb the most demanding mountain trails. If you ride on very steep paths, over loose terrain and on sharp gradients, mastering the motor's power is essential. Without proper control of the bike on the slope, you will be forced to put your foot down. If you engage the motor at full power whilst poorly positioned, there is a good chance of wheelying the MTB or spinning out on the rear. The challenge is to find the right formula — the most balanced one — to make good progress on the climb. Climbing well on an e-MTB means finding the best combination of gear ratio and assistance level, while adjusting your position to distribute your weight correctly.
Climbing requires anticipating obstacles (roots crossing the trail and stone steps), in order to trace an efficient line. You must at all costs avoid getting stuck on an obstacle, at the risk of turning your powerful machine into dead weight.
Riding an electric mountain bike
As when climbing, descending requires a great deal of anticipation. Due to the weight of the e-MTB, braking distances are necessarily longer. Riding your e-MTB demands careful cornering entry, anticipating your line, and maintaining maximum suppleness and fluidity in your trajectories, in order to maintain control, stability and speed.
Obviously, we advise beginners on an e-MTB against throwing themselves headlong onto overly technical trails.
Using your e-MTB properly: after the ride
After a ride, it is essential to maintain your e-MTB properly, as it will inevitably have accumulated dust or mud. Before cleaning the bike, take care to remove the display and the battery, to clean them separately with a damp cloth. Maintaining an e-MTB follows the same steps as maintaining a conventional MTB. Particular emphasis should be placed on the drivetrain components — clean and re-grease them more regularly to extend their lifespan.
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