If mountain biking’s past, present, and future were summed up in a single sentiment, it might be the following: “Let’s see if this works!” Boundary pushers and experimenters wrote our history, and mountain bikers are inherently innovative. In recent years, electric mountain bikes have propelled bike design, opened opportunities for all kinds of riders, and furthered the legacy that we all share. For these reasons and more, we believe e-MTBs are here to stay.
A bike for every rider.
Why electric mountain bikes?
About e-MTB
Experience
MYTH: Electric mountain bikes are for aging riders only, otherwise it’s cheating.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED: After dozens of test rides in a variety of terrain, we’ve found that the difference between an electric and acoustic mountain bike is, ultimately, similar to the difference between a hardtail and a long-travel full suspension bike: it’s a matter of where you want to go on your bike and with what relative ride qualities. The e-MTB experience is a mountain biking experience, though it may not be the right one for every rider. At the end of the day, we believe e-MTBs have a place in our demo fleet.
Emotion
MYTH: Electric mountain bikes will ruin the sport.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED: In the conversation surrounding e-MTBs, emotions run high. For good reason: fears about overcrowding, user conflict, trail damage, and restricted access fuel emotional debates about the legitimacy of the e-MTB category. But these same debates surrounded the introduction of the very first mountain bikes. The very nature of our sport is disruptive. We have learned we should not be afraid of our own legacy—that of a curious, innovative, thrill-seeking and inherently human tribe.
Electricity
MYTH: Electric mountain bikes are motorcycles.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED: Class 1 e-MTBs are pedal assisted, and do not work unless the rider is working. No throttle, no combustion. They are whisper quiet. These bikes are limited to speeds of approximately 20 mph, beyond which any incremental increase in speed is due entirely to the rider’s effort. Rider competence, strength, and endurance still underpin the e-MTB experience.
Our Bikes
The new Heckler is all about options. Available as a full 29er or with mixed wheels (29” up front and 27.5” in the rear.) . With an increase in battery size (720wh up from 504wh) and the well-regarded Shimano EP8 motor, the new Heckler is ready to take you further. 150mm of silk smooth VPP suspension soaks up the trail so you can stay fresh, even on the second lap. BUt don’t just take our word for it. As mountain bike legend Danny MacAskill says “It’s more fun than if they built a hoverboard.
The Pivot Shuttle SL launched in late summer of 2022, setting a clear high water mark for the emerging lightweight e-mountain bike category. The SL designers focused on the dynamic of trail riding, and fine-tuned what an eMTB experience can be. Featuring a FAZUA Ride 60 drive unit, this 132mm travel machine is light and nimble, with 60Nm of torque and a max power output of 430 watts. In terms of power to weight ratio, Pivot's Shuttle SL is category-defining.
The Bullit is designed for riders looking for downhill terrain far beyond the reaches of the chairlift. With 170mm of travel front and rear and mixed wheel sizes this bike is happiest when pointed down the steepest trail you can find. The aggressive out of the box spec, like options for a coil over shock and double down tires, means that this machine is purpose built to handle the roughest trails around. Santa Cruz sums it up best “The Bullit is an electric mountain bike designed for tackling the steepest and deepest of trails in both directions. Imagine the kinds of rooty, rocky, horror fests usually reserved for our biggest hitting bikes like the Nomad and Megatower. Then imagine what lies beyond that.
With the tag line "Too Much is Just Right", the Shuttle LT lives up to every long travel expectation. With a whopping 756 Wh battery, this power-dense machine is made for taking extra laps. Inspired by the EWS-proven performance of the Firebird, the 160 mm travel LT has impeccable specs - especially when it comes to stopping power, and the 170 mm Fox 38 custom tuned e-MTB fork. Our experience on Pivot suspension tells us that this bike is indeed a "bird with bigger wings".
More laps, more fun, more of what you love about riding a mountain bike. Yeti spent over a half-decade developing the 160E and the finished product has given us a new gold standard in eMTB. It features a Shimano motor with 630W hour capability mated to a suspension platform that's expertly tuned and designed for the added demands of an eMTB. Developed specifically for the demands of aggressive trail riding, the 160E rides like a trail bike with the support of a best-in-class motor that'll keep you grinning, lap after lap.
Where to Ride
Golden Gate Canyon State Park (Golden)
Hartman Rocks (Gunnison)
Lake Pueblo State Park (Pueblo)
Cheyenne Mountain State Park (Colorado Springs)
Jefferson County
Monarch Crest (Salida)
Staunton State Park (Pine)
Sidewinder Trail (Montrose)
It is important to stay informed about the status of trail access for e-mountain bikes. During your e-MTB demo experience at Sports Garage, we will help you legally navigate your backyard on an e-MTB.
State
E-bikes are allowed in all 42 Colorado State Parks where bikes are permitted. Contact Colorado State Parks for more information. Boulder-based People for Bikes has written this excellent summary of our state’s e-MTB laws.
Local
Each of the three land management entities governing Boulder area trails have taken action to prohibit e-MTB bikes on our city, county, and regional single track. e-MTBs are NOT allowed at:
- Open Space and Mountain Parks trails (Boulder Valley Ranch, Chapman Drive, Doudy Draw, Flatirons Vista, Marshall Mesa)
- Boulder County Parks and Open Space mountain trails (Betasso Preserve, Boulder Canyon Trail, Heil Valley Ranch, Hall Ranch, Mud Lake, Rabbit Mountain, Walker Ranch)
- Valmont Bike Park
Federal
On federal lands, e-MTBs have access to all trails, roads, and secondary roads designated for Motorized Vehicles. Each Ranger District publishes a Motorized Vehicle Utility Map (MVUM). Visit the U.S. Forest Service website to locate MVUM’s. The following trails in the Boulder Ranger District are legal for e-mountain biking:
e-MTB Guide
Riding an electric mountain bike, in many ways, is no different than riding an entirely self-powered mountain bike; both styles of bike deliver the joy of being on the trail and the opportunity to challenge yourself as a rider. However, there are some nuances to keep in mind while preparing for your next e-MTB ride.
The many benefits of e-MTBs
Electricity is powering the bike community forward.
Not only do they provide a way for mobility-challenged riders to get out and enjoy singletrack, but they can also cut back on emissions in a meaningful way. Plus, they’re plain old fun. Learn more about the benefits of e-MTBs in this story from Sports Garage Contributor, Marty Caivano.