Page 36 - Winter 2018 Journal

THE ELECTRIC

MOUNTAIN BIKE:

ACCELERATING ACCESS TO DOWNHILL RIDING

By Chris Bernhardt, C2 Recreation,
& Mike Repyak, IMBA Trail Solutions

emember when downhill mountain biking made There are three classes of eMTBs:
its debut at ski resorts back in the 80s? The sport 1. Class 1, pedal assist (in which the rider pedals the bike
R was dominated by skilled (and sometimes just very to engage the motor), with a max speed of 20 miles per
brave) riders. It’s no wonder so many people were hesitant to hour. (This is the model of bike most commonly used
give it a try—or let their kids. for off-road recreation use.)
Since then, resort-based and lift-served downhill moun- 2. Class 2, pedal assist and throttle assist (in which the
tain biking has become far less intimidating and far more rider can activate the motor without pedaling), with a
accessible, with trail systems that now offer different levels max speed of 20 miles per hour.
of challenge and styles, formalized lesson programs, and 3. Class 3, pedal assist and throttle assist, with a max speed
evolutions in equipment, all of which are opening up a path of 28 miles per hour.
for more people to participate. The electric mountain bike
(eMTB) is one of the most recent evolutions helping make eMTBs weigh in the mid-40 pound range, about 10 to 15
the sport more accessible. No longer do you have to be pounds more than a typical MTB. They are fairly quiet and
highly skilled or super fit to have a good time on a moun- make a slight humming noise when the motor is engaged,
tain bike trail. And that means ski areas have one more great but you don’t have to raise your voice to talk over them.
activity to offer, especially when the lifts aren’t turning. Depending on features, they can cost anywhere from $1,000
to more than $7,000.
eMTB Characteristics Overall, e-bike sales in 2017 grew 80 percent over the
A Class 1 eMTB is a bicycle with a small electric motor that previous year, indicating the technology is here to stay. The
is designed for the rigors of trail use. The presence of an trend is hugely popular in Europe, where many ski resorts
electric motor, typically powered by a small rechargeable in the Alps are incorporating eMTB rental fleets into their
battery, separates the eMTB from a standard bicycle in that summertime offerings. Families are the largest customer
it is not solely human-powered, but also not solely propelled base at these resorts, and eMTBs help equalize ability levels
by a motor. so that everyone can ride together. Another growing market
Typically outfitted with mountain bike-specific technology for eMTBs are mountain bikers that are starting to age out
such as disc brakes, suspension, and a wide gear range, eMTBs of the sport. With an eMTB they can continue the activity
are functionally different from the large variety of e-bikes that they love even if they have less strength and stamina.
are intended primarily for use on paved or improved surfaces, The increased use is causing some resorts to reconsider how
such as streets and bike paths. Also, eMTBs do not include they appeal to mountain bikers, with less focus on black-diamond
gas-powered bicycles, and are quiet and emissions-free. All elec- trails and more on trails for a range of skill levels. It is also
tric bikes have a maximum wattage of 750w, or 1 horsepower, encouraging resorts to consider more directional (up and down)
with a power output similar to that of a hairdryer. trails because of the increase in summertime visitors.

34 | NSAA JOURNAL | WINTER 2018