Woehlckabout

@zede: I believe it. They seem to be more popular in Europe than North America.

@won-sean-animal-chin: definitely an advantage for clearing large trees etc. reaching can’t imagine getting many photos from the ews without ebikes.

@brianpark: I haven’t seen any info about the sales figures outside of anecdotal stories from commentators. Maybe I missed something but are there any articles about the numbers of emtb to mtb sold by each brand and the locations where they are selling? I’ll try to google see if I can find something.

@won-sean-animal-chin: I think the thought process is that an emtb would cover more distance. So if you have the same number of riders they are using more miles of trail and you get increased use per rider. I think there is this weird us vs them mentality that people think emtb riders won’t advocate repair and build trails the same way a fully human powered mtb rider would. I don’t think it’s accurate. Also in many areas emtb are not allowed. If they are used or look too similar to regular mountain bikes we may see regular mtb s banned with them. A lot of the backlash is treating symptoms not the root of the problem which would literally require acts of congress for many areas. The US perspective is vastly different to Canada or Europe.

@Intensevp: you are absolutely right. I don’t make any judgements as to why someone wants an emtb. I don’t get the hate in the comments about lazy. If that were the case the site wouldn’t show shuttle or lift accessed trails or videos. Also judging by the flag you all can use your emtb on larger percentage of trails than the US. Enjoy your ride and forget the trolls.

@threehats: yep. It is definitely the ludicrous laws not the emtb. Just trying to explain why some people freak about them. Having the assist could allow more people to commute by bike which would be great. Your situation shows just how many different use cases for the assist motor there is. Sounds like you love yours and have fun with or without the motor on which is rad!

So in the US trail access is precious. We don’t have right to roam etc. a lot of mountain bikers view (not sure if this would happen) emtb as a threat as people will ban all mtb access based off a few bikes having electric assist motors. Also throughout the US all bikes are banned in any area designated wilderness. This is a blanket ban in areas where horses are allowed. Don’t want to give anyone a reason to say no in the future if they lift the ban. It’s awesome if you are able to use the tech to hang with your friends. I’m stoked people like martyn Ashton still get to ride too. Emtb have their place. Another reason people don’t like them is it feels like it’s another new thing kinda being shoved in our faces that the industry wants us to buy. I have an aversion to that personally if someone tries to sell something too hard.

I think they are defining it as chair lift instead of truck etc.

Tallahassee wasn’t bad when I lived there. That may be too far for you.

@BikesBoatsNJeeps: That would be awesome. I would love to see the base model or one higher than base model reviewed.