Electric Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette

Electric Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette

Key Takeaways:

Introduction

The growing popularity of electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) has also increased concerns over proper trail etiquette and backcountry courtesy. With pedal-assist giving you a boost, it’s crucial to ride responsibly so all trail users can safely enjoy shared singletrack.

Following proper eMTB etiquette allows you to explore new trails while minimizing your impact. Just because you have an electric motor doesn’t give you the right to tear recklessly around the backcountry. Being a thoughtful ambassador helps ensure continued access for this fast-growing segment.

Right of Way

When you’re on an eMTB, it’s essential to yield to other trail users, especially on downhill sections where you carry more momentum. Follow these right of way guidelines:

• Yield to all other trail users when descending hills and around blind corners. Your eMTB gives you an advantage going uphill, so it’s courteous to give descending priority to others.
• If approaching pedestrians from behind, make your presence known early and pass slowly giving very wide clearance. Pull off trail if needed to allow safe passage.
• Bikes yield to both horses and hikers. When encountering horses, stop off trail, speak softly and let them pass.
• With other mountain bikers, work out right of way based on skill level, speed, and bike type. Usually it makes sense for eMTBs to yield to cross country riders climbing.
• Stop before trail intersections and yield to users already on the trail.
• Familiarize yourself with specific rules at each trail system as they vary. Many alternate bike and hiker only directional trails.

Following right of way protocol allows safe passage and reduces conflict on shared trails. While your eMTB gives you advantage going uphill, be prepared to quickly yield that momentum to others going downhill.

Passing

When it’s appropriate to pass other trail users, do so slowly and announce yourself to avoid startling them. Follow these eMTB passing tips:

• Announce yourself verbally when approaching from behind. A friendly “Hello!” or “Passing on your left” communicates your presence.
• Pass on left when safe to do so. This mimics road cycling etiquette. But first ask if passing is ok or wait for an affirmative response.
• Control speed when overtaking and allow plenty of clearance. Passing too fast or close can be scary.
• Avoid passing around blind corners, narrow sections, or patches of technical terrain. Wait until there’s clear line of sight and space to safely pass.
• If passing a horse, the only safe option is to dismount and walk well clear until the horse has passed.
• Thank or otherwise acknowledge the person after passing. A wave or nod is polite.

Communicating and showing control when passing reduces stress and makes the experience more pleasant for everyone. Never blast past others on an eMTB without warning.

Speed

One advantage of an eMTB is the ability to climb faster. But with the motor’s help, it’s also easy to let momentum get out of control. Keep these speed guidelines in mind:

• Always ride at safe speeds appropriate for conditions and your skill level. Just because an eMTB helps you go faster doesn’t mean you should.
• On downhills, the extra weight of an eMTB means you’ll carry more speed, so brake earlier and ride more conservatively.
• Be prepared to scrub speed quickly or stop to accommodate other trail users. Ride ready for the unexpected.
• When passing, match your speed to the person being overtaken until safely clear.
• Slow around blind corners, trail entrances and congested sections to avoid collisions.
• Use the lowest assist setting appropriate for the terrain to minimize unnatural acceleration. modulate pedal input.

While tempting to open it up, resist pushing the speed just because your eMTB makes it easier. Ride smart, not just fast. Other trail users will appreciate your restrain.

Trail Damage

Due to their capabilities, eMTBs require extra care to minimize impacts on soft trail surfaces. Here are some tips to avoid damage:

• Stick to designated trails to avoid widening singletrack or creating new lines. Resist the temptation to blaze new shortcuts.
• Avoid skidding, which accelerates erosion and encourages trail damage. Finesse your braking and cornering technique.
• Never cut switchbacks or ride around barriers meant to close damaged sections. Find alternate routes.
• If a section of trail shows excessive wear, consider walking that portion if possible until it’s repaired.
• Ride only when trails are dry enough to avoid rutting and other moisture damage. Check conditions.
• Consider wider Plus size tires and lower pressures to distribute weight and reduce impacts.

While eMTBs give you access to more trails, their capabilities also require conscientiousness to minimize your footprint. Be part of the sustainability solution, not the problem.

Noise

Compared to a traditional mountain bike, an eMTB has more potential noise from chain slap, motor whine, and general clanking. But a little extra consideration can reduce your volume:

• Avoid revving the motor unnecessarily or showing off acceleration. The extra noise carries further on trails.
• Reduce chain slap by proper gear choice, chain tension and chainstay guards. Keep drivetrains properly maintained.
• Use the quietest assist mode for the given situation. Max power often means max noise.
• Turn off motor assist when not needed like long descents or waiting for others.
• Limit shouting or loud voices which echo more than regular conversation.
• Consider padding on frame to reduce rattling. Foam tubes work well for chainstays.

While eMTBs will make some unavoidable noise, being aware of doing your part to minimize it reduces disruption. A little damping and common courtesy keeps the peace on shared trails.

Groups

Riding with friends can make any trail more fun. But when part of an eMTB group, it’s crucial to minimize your footprint on busy singletrack. Here are some group riding pointers:

• Limit groups to 4 people or less. Larger groups become problematic in many ways. Better to split up.
• Allow ample spacing between riders to allow room for passing by others. Regroup only where it’s safe.
• Ride in a stacked, single file line when around hikers and horses to minimize trail obstruction.
• If stopping, move well off trail so not to block flow or intersections. Don’t cluster in congested areas.
• Consider directional ride days alternating uphill and downhill trails to reduce crowding in one direction.
• When passing as a group, do so one at a time versus swarming around others.

While out with friends avoid a “pack mentality” and showing zero situational awareness. Pay extra attention to group size and spacing so you don’t monopolize the trail.

Interactions

The general mindset and attitude you bring to the trails influences how others perceive eMTBs. Some tips for positive interactions:

• A friendly hello or acknowledging others creates open communication and good vibes.
• Stop to offer assistance if others are waiting on technical sections where you have advantage.
• Listen to other trail users concerns and explain how your ride thoughtfully.
• Follow all posted regulations and give thanks to land managers when you see them.
• Consider joining a local cycling advocacy organization that promotes responsible trail access.
• Be an ambassador for the sport by exemplifying safe riding and etiquette in your actions.

Sharing the trails amicably will go a long way towards preserving access long term. Extend goodwill towards other users, even if they make unfair assumptions about eMTBs. Kill them with kindness and model upstanding behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important eMTB etiquette rule to follow?

Always yield right of way to other trail users, especially when descending hills where you carry extra speed. Your eMTB gives advantage going uphill so give up momentum in favor of others going down.

How can I communicate with other trail users most effectively?

Use verbal greetings to announce your presence and be proactive in establishing positive interactions. A friendly “Good morning!” and following right of way protocol sets the stage for sharing the trail cooperatively.

How can I avoid trail damage when riding my eMTB?

Stick to designated trails, avoid skidding, stay off trails that are excessively wet, use wider tires at lower pressures, and finesse your riding technique to avoid plowing through corners. Small considerations help minimize your impact.

What is the proper way to pass hikers and other riders?

Always pass slowly and announce yourself audibly. Pass on left when safe and only with affirmative response. Control speed near others and match it while overtaking until clear. Thank or acknowledge after passing.

Should I limit eMTB group sizes on busy singletrack?

Definitely. It’s best to keep groups to just 2-4 riders at most and allow ample spacing between riders. This helps minimize crowding the trail and congestion when other are trying to pass your group.

Conclusion

With electric power comes responsibility. Practicing proper eMTB etiquette keeps trails open and friendly so we can all enjoy backcountry adventure together.

Exercise common courtesy by establishing communication, yielding to other users, controlling speed, minimizing noise and impacts, and riding with deference. We all share these trails, so a bit of awareness and self-restraint goes a long way.

The actions of each rider influence broader perceptions. By being thoughtful ambassadors, we help secure the future of eMTB access and show what responsible riding looks like. Bring your kindness along with your sense of adventure.