Your first trail - how to get started with electric mountain biking
Get out of your everyday life and onto your bike - with electric support and lots of riding fun in the middle of nature. This is exactly what awaits you on your first e-mountainbike trail. It's a feeling of freedom, adventure and a touch of thrill when you ride your e-MTB through forests, across meadows and along unpaved paths. No tarmac, but real terrain - that's exactly what the electric mountain bike is made for. The motor assistance helps you when the going gets tough and lets you experience longer tours with more enjoyment. Have you got the desire? Here you can find out how to prepare for your first trail, what equipment you need - and why getting started with e-mountain biking is easier than you think.
What is an e-mountainbike?
An e-mountainbike (e-MTB for short) is the perfect partner for your outdoor adventure - even (and especially) if you are not a bike pro. The "E" stands for electric, or the electric motor that the e-MTBs are equipped with. This supports you when pedalling and gives you an extra boost with every pedal stroke. Important: The motor only switches on when you pedal, so you have to be active yourself. You can also set the support levels. This makes riding uphill doable even for beginners - and you can perhaps enjoy the ride even more.
Why is an e-mountainbike worthwhile for your first trail?
An e-mountainbike offers you many advantages - especially when getting started with trail riding. Here are the most important reasons why an e-MTB is worthwhile for your first off-road tour: Easier to get started: The motor supports you when pedalling - especially on inclines or longer distances. More riding fun: You can concentrate on the experience of nature and the route instead of overexerting yourself. Better control: The consistent support helps you to steer the bike with stability - especially on difficult terrain. Longer tours possible: With the E-MTB, you can also reach trails that you would not (yet) ride without support. Build up self-confidence: You become more motivated because you feel more confident - this helps you to make progress quickly. Ideal for returning riders: Whether you're returning from a break or starting out again, the E-MTB takes the pressure off you. Flexibility when choosing routes: You can decide spontaneously whether you want to ride further or take a shortcut - without fear of exhaustion.
Which trail is suitable for getting started on an E-MTB?
Not every trail is suitable for getting started on an e-MTB. However, there are many trails that are perfect for your first experience - with riding fun but without risk. Pay attention to these criteria for your first trail:
Few technical challenges
No tight hairpin bends, no high drops or steep, blocked descents
Moderate altitude profile
Around 300 to 500 metres of ascent are ideal
Good signposting and ground conditions
Gravel, forest tracks or flowing single trails - dry, grippy, without steep gradients
The right e-mountainbike for your first trail
The selection of e-mountainbikes is huge - comfort, control and safety are the most important factors for your first ride. Here are the most important basics:
Front suspension for more riding comfort
A bike with robust front suspension, a so-called hardtail frame, is ideal for first tours on forest tracks, forest trails or easy trail terrain. This design impresses with its direct power transmission, low weight and safe handling - perfect for beginners.
Use the battery & range sensibly
A reliable battery is crucial for off-road tours. A capacity of 500 watt hours or more generally offers sufficient scope for extended rides. A well-integrated battery that is easy to charge is particularly practical. Always make sure to charge the battery before longer tours. The range varies depending on the terrain, assistance level and weight.
Tyres & brakes for secure grip
For a trail, the tyres should definitely have a grippy tread. The brakes need to be good as the terrain is sometimes steep downhill. Ideally, hydraulic disc brakes for maximum control.
How to ride your first trail safely and relaxed
Our expert Geri loves riding trails in the great outdoors on his e-mountainbike. He's not looking for higher, faster, further - he's looking for ease. "For me, it's not about arriving, but about letting go", is how the professional rider describes the unique feeling. To help you experience this on your first trail, he shares his tips with you:
Do not improvise. Prepare specifically.
"When I'm on the road, I don't want to improvise," Geri emphasises. That's why he prepares specifically, checks his equipment, inflates his tyres and always has a pump in his luggage: "The battery pump gets you back on the trail in seconds. It fits in every pocket and not only saves time, but also nerves."
Wear a helmet and goggles
Both are absolute must-haves for the bike expert. "When you're riding through the forest, the light conditions are constantly changing. Good goggles are worth their weight in gold." When it comes to helmets, he recommends taking enough time to adjust them correctly: "A helmet protects, of course. But it has to be so comfortable that you forget about it while riding - whether uphill or downhill. It takes seconds to adjust - but the feeling of safety lasts the whole day."
Choose the right clothing and the right rucksack
Geri knows from his countless tours: "When you're riding, nothing should pinch or flap. The clothing has to work with you - not against you." This also applies to the rucksack in which you carry water, provisions and, for example, the pump: "A good rucksack fits tightly, but you hardly notice it. Everything has its place, nothing slips - and you keep moving."
Pay attention to your posture
Everything counts when trail riding - including your posture. It ensures stability. The professional mountain bike athlete explains how it works: "Look forwards, not directly in front of the front wheel. Keep your elbows slightly bent, your upper body flexible and your weight centred over the bottom bracket."
Choose the right support level
E-mountainbikes have different support levels, which you should consciously choose. "Start in 'Tour' or 'Eco' mode to get a feel for the bike," recommends the expert. "Only use higher levels on steep sections, because more power also means that you need more control."
Brake with feeling
Correct braking is incredibly important, especially when going downhill. But "many people often make the mistake of braking too hard", warns Geri. How to do it right instead? "Try to use the brakes in a controlled manner - light at the front and controlled at the rear."
Your first trail: have fun and take the plunge
Riding a trail on an e-mountainbike is a lot of fun. Especially with the light support of the electric motor, you can concentrate more than ever on your surroundings, be active but also manage to get uphill without any problems. Would you like to experience this too? Now it's up to you. Get on your bike and enjoy the ride.
Frequently asked questions about getting started with E-MTBs
Profile of bike expert Geri
Name: Gerald Rosenkranz
Age: 31
Occupation: Professional rider, athlete, coach & photo rider
Sporting background:
- Professional mountain bike athlete
- Austrian national ski instructor
- State-certified mountain bike instructor
- Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science
That's what makes Geri special: Pure hands-on mentality: Geri gets stuck in wherever he can - with expertise, passion and years of experience in the sport.
