Calling All e-Mountain Bike Riders
These destinations welcome eMTBs with open arms.
It wasn’t all that long ago that if you mentioned riding an electric mountain bike, you’d probably find yourself the target of ridicule and a healthy dose of side-eye. But times have changed, and even purist mountain bikers have come to embrace what eMTBs have to offer. Efficient, fast and fun to ride, these two-wheeled wonders have made the sport more accessible than ever, allowing us to stay out on the trail longer and ride further.
Still, some controversies surrounding e-mountain bikes remain. For instance, there are some who believe eMTBs are more damaging to trails, leading to higher levels of erosion and environmental harm. And while those claims have largely been debunked, it has led to these bikes being banned from many trails.
Fortunately, an increasing number of places have recognized that Class 1 eMTBs are no more harmful to trails than traditional models. This type of e-bike caps pedal-assist speeds at 20 mph or less and doesn’t include a throttle of any kind. That means the electric motor only engages when the rider is actually pedaling, providing a little extra help getting up steep climbs and over technical obstacles.
EMTBs that fall into this category are now actually welcomed at an increasing number of classic mountain biking destinations around the country. In recent years, some seriously great trail systems have embraced the e-mountain bike trend, allowing riders of varying skill levels and experience to enjoy some truly epic settings. Here are a few of our favorites:
Getting Your e-Bike to the Trailhead
Designed and built specifically with e-bikes in mind, the Küat Piston ION bike rack features an over-engineered frame built to handle everything from off-road traverses to traveling at highway speeds. The rack can securely hold two e-bikes, with 100 lbs.* maximum capacity for each tray (off-road compatible at 50 lbs. per tray; RV compatible with 2-inch chassis-mounted hitch at 80 lbs. per tray). And with clever features like an included loading ramp, integrated wheel stabilizers and a tool-free wheel chock adjustment system, it ensures that your eMTB safely gets to and from the trail.
Versatile enough to carry electric cargo bikes, e-mountain bikes, fat tire models, beach cruisers, and just about any other kind of bike, the Piston ION is the perfect rack for your active and adventurous lifestyle. Approved for use with RVs and fully off-road rated, it allows you to take your bike with you wherever you wander, without having to worry about whether or not it will arrive in one piece.
Copper Harbor, MI
With over 60 miles of wild and fun single track to explore, Copper Harbor is one of the top mountain biking destinations in the US. The terrain can be surprisingly steep in sections, with routes that wander through dense old-growth forests and along rocky ridges overlooking Lake Superior. We recommend the Keweenaw Point Trail, a 26-mile round trip with stunning views throughout.
Crested Butte, CO
Long considered one of the best mountain biking destinations in the world, Crested Butte is surrounded by US Forest Service land. And since the USFS allows eMTBs on all motorized trails, you’ll find hundreds of miles of routes to explore in some of the most jaw-dropping scenery imaginable. If you’re up for the challenge, hit the 28-mile Paradise Divide Loop, which will test your legs and lungs.
Moab, UT
Utah’s mecca for mountain biking sits adjacent to vast areas of US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management territory, with hundreds of miles of trails to explore on eMTB. That includes a number of bucket-list routes, like Slickrock Trail, a 10.5-mile loop over petrified sand dunes that allow riders to roller coaster up and down some seriously memorable terrain. Alternatively, hit up the Seven Mile Rim trail, which wanders through beautiful Tusher Canyon.
Mammoth Lakes, CA
One of the truly great mountain biking playgrounds in the world, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has something for everyone, from complete beginners to grizzled veterans. With over 80 miles of trail to explore, there is plenty to see and do here. You can even buy a ticket to ride the chairlift to the top of the mountain and bomb back down at high speed. For a nice, flowy experience, hit up Beach Cruiser or get the adrenaline pumping on the faster and more technical Velocity trail.
Bentonville, AR
Over the past decade, Bentonville has transformed into one of the premier cycling destinations in the country, including great options for eMTB riders. Here, you’ll find everything from pump tracks and flow trails to long, steep climbs designed to test your mettle. Most of the trails in the area are e-bike friendly, allowing riders to wander far and wide. Easily accessible from town, the Slaughter Pen Trail System is 40+ miles of some of the most varied routes imaginable, with access to even more trails beyond.
East Burke, VT
East Burke is home to the Kingdom Trails. This +100-mile collection of off-road riding is one of the most unique trail systems in the U.S., in part because many trails cross through private property, which owners have generously opened to riders. The result: a spiderweb of amazing trails—with ample access for eMTB riders. Beginners will especially thrill to the Park Trails, which include single track, two pump tracks, a few jumps, and an area to build your skills.
