Technique and safety

Useful information for your E-MTB tour

Some of these tips you may have heard before, others will probably be new to you. Either way, here you will find lots of useful information for e-mountain bikers. Whether as a gentle reminder for pros or helpful hints for beginners. The following tips relate to both the surroundings you pass through during your chosen tour and your equipment. What do you need to know, what should you be doing? Read our basic tips for e-bikers and the most important information about how to ride an e-bike here.

Basic tips for e-bikers

KEEP THE BIGGER PICTURE IN MIND!

Be aware of your location: As an e-mountain biker, you should know where you are at all times. Whether you choose to navigate using a map, app or GPS, take a look in advance so you know where your ride will take you. If in doubt, check again during your tour.
Be aware of sunset: If you are out in the afternoon, you should know when it will get dark. This can happen quickly, especially in the mountains and forests. Plan your tour with a good buffer to ensure you are back before sunset.
Be aware of alpine weather conditions: Be sure to read the current weather report in advance so you are not caught out by a thunderstorm. Remember, the weather often changes quite quickly in the mountains.
Be aware of your environment: Be sure to leave the natural surroundings you ride through as you found them. If there is no rubbish bin nearby, take your rubbish with you. Also, remember to show consideration for anyone you share the trail with, including hikers, walkers, runners, other bikers and even animals. This mutual respect allows everyone to enjoy the area together.

RESPONSIBLE USE OF EQUIPMENT

Nobody needs a flat tire. To prevent your bike from literally running out of puff, check the air pressure of your tyres before every ride. The ideal pressure is between 1.6 and 2 bar depending on the rider's weight.
E-bikes need fresh brake pads more often than conventional bikes. The reason for this is the additional weight. It is important to check the brakes on your bike before every ride. Do you need help with this or even new brakes? If so, swing by one of our bike workshops.
Only well-maintained bikes are good bikes! Be sure to regularly clean your bike, oil the chain and check the important functions.

A CHECKLIST FOR E-MOUNTAIN BIKERS

What do you need to take with you on an E-MTB tour: helmet, gloves, which tools? Take a look at our checklist for your touring backpack.

Helmet, gloves, sports glasses
Backpack with rain cover (volume of at least 15l for a day tour)
Tools: pocket knife, mini tool, spare tube, tyre lever, pump, adhesive tape, zip ties
Map or GPS device for navigation
Rain coat/windbreaker, spare top
Emergency kit: mobile phone, first aid kit, survival blanket
Cash
Sun cream
Battery key, maybe a bike lock
Sufficient drinks, energy bars, snacks

How to ride an e-mountain bike – technique and know how

How to ride downhill correctly

An e-mountain bike weighs more than a conventional bike. Be sure to make allowances for the extra weight!
Brake carefully and in good time.
Be particularly careful on gravel and corners (centrifugal force).
Alternate between the front and rear brakes to prevent overheating.

Starting uphill

E-bike motors have a short lag time, which means there is a delay between when you start to pedal and the motor assistance kicking in. You should practice starting on steep terrain before embarking on a big mountain tour.
Never start in the fall line, otherwise the rear wheel will spin.
Always start at an angle to the direction of travel.
Your upper foot should be on the ground and your lower foot on the pedal.
Then pull the brakes, put your other foot on the pedal and only then should you start.
Use the walk assist (almost all e-bikes have one). To activate this, press and hold the small button on the handlebars: the motor then automatically powers the bike to a walking speed of just six km/h.

Braking

E-bikers should always be ready to brake! The reason for this is the higher riding speed and additional weight of the bike.
Activate the front and rear brakes at the same time: this ensures the shortest possible braking distance.
Important: be sure to brake properly! Otherwise the rider can be thrown out of the saddle.
The surface you are riding on also has a major impact on how quickly and easily you can brake.
It is essential to practice and do a few tests before embarking on a long ride in order to learn the optimal braking technique.

Battery management

How long does an E-MTB battery last? Unfortunately, there is no one right answer to this question.
Various factors play a role: the length of the tour, the gradient, the weight of the rider and how much motor assistance you opt for.
An average E-MTB rider with a modern bike can manage about 1,000 to 1,500 vertical metres on full motor assistance. This corresponds, for example, to the ride from Igls to the summit of Patscherkofel mountain.
To save battery: dial down the electric boost on flat terrain and only increase it for ramps and inclines.
Important: always start a tour with a fully charged battery. Do your research on where you can find power sources and charging stations!

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