This is going to happen to you.
If you have the slightest bit of goodness in your heart, you will feel a wee bit guilty the first time that you are climbing a hill, on your new e-mountain bike, and you steadily catch up to a traditional mountain biker. You will see it in their puffy red face… you are cheating.
It’s a default thought, and an understandable one. EMTBs are still in their relative infancy, and us early adopters may feel that we have to justify our purchase. We don’t. E-Mountain biking is smarter riding.
EMTBs offer a range of benefits that can actually improve your fitness, extend your ride time, and make mountain biking more accessible to more people. Here are three key reasons why choosing an eMTB over a traditional mountain bike isn’t “cheating” – it’s a smarter way to ride.
1. More Time in the Saddle = Better Fitness
One of the biggest misconceptions about eMTBs is that they eliminate the workout. In reality, studies show that eMTB riders still exert significant effort, often riding longer distances and climbing more elevation than traditional riders.
In a study conducted by Brigham Young University public health professors, e-mountain bikes were pitted against traditional mountain bikes on a 6-mile test loop that included approximately 700ft of elevation gain. During the study, both eMTB and traditional riders reached the upper half of the vigorous intensity zone for target heart rate.
EMTB riders averaged a heart rate that was 94% of the traditional rider’s rate. They also finished the course faster overall and a at 4.1MPH higher average speed. Based on post-test analysis, eMTB riders felt less taxed than the traditional riders. The “tired but not destroyed” feeling is one that I, personally, have been experiencing since switching to eMTBs.
When you think about it, on a traditional mountain bike, tough climbs often force riders to stop, push their bike, or take extended breaks. I know I did! On an eMTB, you can maintain a steady cadence, keep your heart rate in the optimal zone for endurance training, and ride longer. More time riding means more calories burned, better cardiovascular fitness, and stronger muscles.
Medical Insight
Using an eMTB also helps maintain joint health, particularly for riders with knee or hip issues. The motor assist reduces strain on joints while still providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. This makes eMTBs a fantastic option for aging riders or those recovering from injuries. E-mountain biking is smarter riding, and healthier too!
2. Conquer More Trails and Gain Elevation
As a rider who has entered the second half of his life, I can tell you one thing: trails don’t get easier as you get older! One of the most rewarding aspects of any mountain biking is exploring new trails and catching great views. Traditional bikes often limit riders to trails within their endurance capacity, but eMTBs open up access to longer, more challenging rides.
WARNING! Just because I own a chainsaw, it doesn’t mean that I have the skill to drop a tree in between my neighbor’s house and my own (they are about 40 feet apart). Likewise, just because you have an eMTB, does not mean that you have the skills to ride a double-black trail. Stay within your skill set.
That said, with pedal assist, you can tackle steeper climbs and rougher terrain without burning out early. This means you’re spending more time riding and less time walking your bike uphill. You also gain the confidence to explore trails that might have been too intimidating on a regular mountain bike.
The Mental Boost
EMTBs can enhance mental well-being by reducing frustration and making mountain biking more fun.
In a study by researchers from the University of Reading and Oxford Brookes University cognitive function and mental health was measured, using a group of100 adults ages 50 to 83, who were not regular bike riders. The participants rode either an e-Bike, a traditional bike, or were told not to ride a bike during the eight-week testing period.
Not only did the e-bike riders score as well as the regular bike riders in the follow up cognitive tests, but also the e-Bike participants performed better in processing speed and enjoyed a more improved sense of well-being than the other two groups.
Instead of dreading long climbs, you can focus on the ride itself, enjoy the scenery, and push your limits in a way that’s enjoyable rather than exhausting.
3. Socializing on the Trail
One of the best things about eMTBs is that they make mountain biking accessible to more people. Whether it’s an older rider who wants to keep up with their younger friends, a beginner trying to build confidence, or someone with physical limitations, eMTBs level the playing field.
Instead of splitting up into different groups based on fitness levels, eMTBs allow riders of different abilities to stay together and enjoy the experience as a group. This means more shared adventures, more motivation to get outside, and a more welcoming community for everyone. Not only is e-mountain biking smarter riding, it’s inclusive riding!
Not Just for Beginners
Even experienced riders benefit from eMTBs. Many pro-level mountain bikers use them for training, allowing them to maximize time on technical terrain without over-fatiguing. Riders can also use eMTBs to squeeze in high-quality rides after work or on days when they’d otherwise skip a session due to time constraints.
Final Thoughts: Smarter Riding, Not Cheating
EMTBs aren’t about replacing traditional mountain bikes—they’re about enhancing the experience. If you are a downhill runner or trying to catch big air, an eMTB is likely not for you. However, if you want to build endurance, explore more terrain, and make mountain biking more social and enjoyable, you may find yourself charging up a battery before your next ride.
If “cheating” means riding longer, climbing higher, and having more fun, then maybe it’s time to rethink what we call “winning.”
So next time someone says riding an eMTB is cheating, just invite them for a ride. Chances are, they’ll be the ones smiling when they reach the top of the climb without feeling completely wiped out.
What are your thoughts? Send me an email to let me know how eMTB riding is providing positive benefits for YOU!