MTB
We spoke to industry experts to find out how e-bikes will develop in the coming years.
Electric mountain bikes have found their place on the trail. Since the first serious e-MTBs began appearing at riding spots across the globe, their appearance has really changed. Their geometry has caught up with contemporary non-assist MTBs, batteries and motors have become better integrated compared to the clunky-looking early bikes, and a range of specific components has helped to reduce breakages.
But e-MTBs still have a long way to go – and that's partly why they are so exciting. The industry devoted to developing bikes, motors and components is barely getting started.
We asked six e-MTB enthusiasts – five industry insiders and one member of the public – their opinions on the future of e-MTBs. Specifically, what they think e-MTBs will look like in five years’ time.
Alex Rafferty – SRAM MTB PR & Marketing
"Four or five years ago when I first started riding e-bikes, I’d get stopped at the trail head and people would be like, 'Whoa, is that one of those electric bikes?' or fire off some snide comment about cheating or laziness. Either way, it was pretty clear that I’d swung my leg over something recognisable, but clearly different and controversial. Now, I can head out for a few hours and bump into a bunch of riders, and I reckon some of them don’t even know it’s an e-bike. And those who do recognise it, don’t seem to care too much anymore. I think a lot of that’s down to improvements in battery/motor integration and a much wider understanding that e-MTBs are still just mountain bikes. I mean, look at the Specialised Levo, that thing is a rad looking bike, with or without being a e-bike.
"Weight will come down gradually and geometry/handling is already delivering a more recognisable and better user experience – that’s what’s most exciting. There are e-MTB-specific products out there that make good sense, like SRAM’s single click shifting, but others that are just, well, you know. Everything should add to a better experience. If it doesn’t, there’s no place for it on my bike.
"I like the idea of having the benefits and versatility of an e-MTB, without all the reminders like computers, keys, kickstands, error codes and battery warnings. Keep it simple, less is more.
"The industry is in a pretty exciting place right now in terms of product development and technology advancements. Combine that with the desire to get people stoked, and all bikes should continue to improve, not just e-MTBs. So that’s where I think it’s going: better, lighter, simpler bikes for improved experiences."
Alex Boyce – Professional e-MTB test rider
"E-MTBs in five years will have a greater level of integration than now, slicker profiles, and crucially more technology. Companies are investing in connected bikes that tell them how the user rides and allows them to make products which work better when the rider needs it to. Motors will automatically tune to riders’ heart rates and suspension inputs to create smoother rider experiences. Sounds far-fetched, but I’m testing one of these future beasts as we speak. I can’t say any more."
Chris Jones – Recreational e-MTB rider
E-MTBs in five years will surely move to looking like a normal mountain bike as much as possible? I’d like to see them go lighter, more reliable systems, fewer parts breakages, and with a battery that lasts forever… or closer to forever than the current batteries (I’ve been caught out a few times).
Chris Roberts – Haibike Mini Enduro race organiser
"There is a lot on the wish list for the future. Obviously, weight needs to be reduced, but not to the point of affecting the ride of these bikes. The weight is a good thing in the right place on e-bikes.
"Batteries have three problems: they are too small; take a couple of hours to get a decent charge; and you cannot fly with them. E-MTBs are the perfect tool for exploring and big days out, but the batteries are the limiting factor. Maybe we need charging stations connected to wind turbines, so we can ride to each wind farm plug and in for a charge…
"We really need to have internal gearboxes in a few years. There is no need for a rear cassette or derailleur and it would save a load of weight off the back end of the bike."
Rowan Sorrell – BikePark Wales head honcho and pro rider
"I think five years of development from now and e-MTBs are going to be pretty legit all round. Want to hit the jump trails, the DH tracks or a good trail loop you can access and session easily? Want to go for an explore and see what's been hiding in all those nooks and crannies of your local area but you’ve never invested the effort to go and see? Now you can. I think geometry will evolve to be more aggressive to suit the hard-charging qualities that the added weight brings, overall weight will come down and I expect travel will settle around 170mm for a capable trail bike. Expect sleeker lines and stronger rims and tyres to suit the power, weight and momentum applied when up to speed."
Tamara Winograd – Director of Marketing and Communications, Bosch e-bike Systems
"The current trend of development in e-MTBs is geared towards the integration of an e-bike system – so e-MTBs are looking more and more like conventional MTBs. There will for sure be further development in all areas of the -bike system – and from all brands of e-bike system suppliers. This is great for the e-bike rider. Motors will gradually become smaller, lighter, quieter, and more integrated. Batteries too will become smaller and lighter over time. E-MTBs will also adopt more technologies that are being seen on other types of e-bike – such as Bluetooth and mapping.
Conclusion
So, there we have it. The general consensus from those we asked is things will get lighter, better integrated and more user-friendly. Alex Boyce’s insight into the bike’s reading of its rider is intriguing, it is perhaps a look into the possibilities the future could hold thanks to a system and user group that is more likely than traditional cyclists to embrace technological assistance.
