eMTB – a success story

Stuttgart/Reutlingen – eMountain biking is on trend. In Germany alone, 245,000 eMountain bikes were sold in 2018 – this is around 90,000 more than in the previous year and accounts for a total of 25 percent of eBikes sold. The figures speak for themselves: More and more people like the idea of combining sport, nature and technology. By using electrically supported mountain bikes they reach new destinations and targets and double their riding enjoyment. Bosch eBike Systems is one of the pioneers in the discipline of eMountain biking and is advancing the sport in harmony with nature – with drive systems that set new standards and with initiatives related to sporty eBiking.

Reach the next level with eMTB

With an eMTB, you can cover significantly longer distances in less time and ride on more trails than with a conventional bike. For ambitious riders, this brings benefits when training, while amateur riders can go on extended cycles after work. Riders can experience what is known as flow, not only when riding downhill but also when riding uphill. Stefan Schlie, riding skills trainer and eMTB expert, explains: "When in a state of flow (the perfect balance), you are never underexerted but also not overexerted. Uphill Flow allows eMountain bikers to also experience this special feeling when riding uphill. Experiencing maximum riding enjoyment on the trail and personally reaching the next level – this is what characterises eMountain biking."

eMountain biking pioneer

Bosch eBike Systems recognised the potential of eMountain biking early on. Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems, says: "eMountain biking was already part of our strategic considerations back in 2010 and 2011. Our thinking at that time was as follows: If only a fraction of mountain bikers can be as thrilled by this as we are, this can really become something big. By seamlessly integrating sporty products into the bike design, the user groups have become younger. eBiking has now become part and parcel of the MTB scene." This, in turn, affects pedelecs in general. "The eMTB has made a substantial contribution to the eBike becoming a lifestyle product", says Mr Fleischer. This is a development that Bosch has had a key role in shaping, also beyond the technology: as initiator of the first Uphill Flow trails in the Geißkopf bike park, in training eMTB guides in Switzerland, or in the form of competition formats such as the eMTB Challenge.

Product lines for all eMountain bikers

Bosch eBike Systems has product lines in its portfolio that are suitable for different eMTB types: The new Performance Line CX offers a new dimension of riding enjoyment to both full suspension and hardtail riders. It is setting new standards in all MTB disciplines with direct response, maximum efficiency and constant power in every cadence range. In addition, the drive unit is particularly light and compact, which allows manufacturers to design agile and nimble eMTBs. The new Performance Line is suitable for eBikers who mostly ride on forest trails and light trails and also use the eMTB as an everyday bike, for example. The extremely compact and versatile drive is characterised by virtually undetectable pedal resistance and a natural riding sensation. Now that eMTB mode is available for the Performance Line, there is nothing standing in the way of fun on the trails with light eMTBs also.

Free access to nature and pleasant coexistence

For eMountain bikers to be able to practice their sport, having access to forests and to mountainous regions is a basic prerequisite. Bosch eBike Systems is therefore backing unrestricted access. "Everybody has the right to be able to take part in active recreation activities in their leisure time. It doesn't matter whether these are on foot, by bike or by eBike. For this, the trails in nature must remain freely accessible for everyone", says Mr Fleischer. "The potential for conflict – between hikers and bikers, for example – is actually significantly lower than is often claimed." One current study verifies that tolerance between different user groups, such as bikers and hikers, is very high in the forest overall and leads to hardly any disturbances. It states, however, that it is nonetheless sensible to make users aware to be considerate of other users. Bosch eBike Systems also support this message: "It is also important to us in the future that all outdoor sports enthusiasts get along with one another. We are working closely with the 'Deutsche Initiative Mountainbike' mountain biking association on this and are advocating trail signs. At the end of the day, tolerance, consideration and goodwill are the basis for pleasant coexistence for eMountain biking also."

Sources:

• Study entitled "Walderholung mit und ohne Bike II:" [Forest recreation with and without bikes II] http://www.fva-bw.de/publikationen/sonstiges/190625erholung_bike2.pdf