In its short history, the sport of mountain biking has been shaped by a constant flow of technological advances, some of which have stood the test of time while others have been relegated to the vault of ideas that, with hindsight, are laughed about over a cold beer at the end of a summer ride.
One of the more recent technological advancements, electric mountain bikes (e–MTBs), have rapidly increased in popularity, with demand predicted to grow for years to come. So, why are they so popular? While they won’t make you a better-skilled rider than you already are, these bikes give you a boost, either to cover more distance in a shorter amount of time or to go farther or higher than they might be able to accomplish under their own steam. And thanks to progression in drive technology, e–MTBs now look and ride almost the same as your standard mountain bike, they just add a bit more power to every pedal stroke. What’s not to like about that?
E-mountain bikes and Skedaddle holidays
In response to demand, we introduced our first e-MTB itineraries back in 2019 and now, six years later, we have grown the range considerably to include more e-MTB only departures on existing holidays and special e-MTB holidays that take full advantage of the capabilities of e-MTBs with thrilling climbs and fun descents.
Holidays include our latest addition in the UK, Lake District – Coniston e-MTB tour, and in Italy, the Dolomites of Brenta. We also now have e-MTB only departures on our popular Highlands Coast to Coast, Sensational Sierra Nevada, Pyrenees All Mountain Traverse and Camino Primitivo. E-MTB hire (or an option to bring your own) is also available on many of our guided and self-guided tours.
We encourage all our e-MTB riders to be mindful and respectful of other riders and to use the appropriate level of assistance for the riding conditions. To ensure the enjoyment of the entire group, on holidays where there is a mix of bikes, the non-assist riders set the pace.
Discover our exciting range of Electric Mountain Bike Holidays!
About the bikes
As biking specialists we understand that the quality of your bike makes a huge difference to your overall holiday experience. Here in the UK, we offer riders both the opportunity to bring along their own electric mountain bikes or test out eMTB technology by renting one of the Giant bikes in our own eMTB fleet. Across Europe, we have partnered with carefully selected local bike hire providers to supply eMTBs that meet our high expectations. This means you will be supplied with a bike fitted with a reliable motor system and high-spec components – perfect for getting you up and down the hills safely and with a big smile on your face.
We ask our expert…
Our chief guide Steve has been riding around the world with us for more years than he will admit to and is an enthusiastic electric mountain bike convert. We caught up with him to find out more…
– Tell us about your electric bike experience?
“I’ve ridden an eMTB for a few years now and am still amazed by how much farther it allows me to ride, bigger distances than I’ve ever managed on demanding terrain! Living with the Lake District National Park on my doorstep means I can regularly ride some of the toughest and fun trails in the UK. Only recently, I ended up on an off road ride of 67 miles (extended because I was having so much fun and feeling so fired up!)… that’s basically a weekend’s worth of riding in one day, which is pretty much unheard of. I was absolutely jiggered by the end (it took me half an hour just to get myself back together). Although I was on empty, the bike still had nearly 20 miles of charge left…”
– What should you expect when riding an e-MTB?
“The first warning is be prepared to buy one once you’ve tried one! Riding an e-MTB is addictive and you’ll find that you’re just as tired at the end of a day riding an e-MTB as a regular mountain bike. It’s a full body workout and the bikes are heavier so you might feel achy from manoeuvring the bike around. The added weight means that you will also feel more stable on rougher terrain. The boost of a battery makes technical ascents even more exhilarating and because we’ve got an assist for the climbs, it means we can add more travel to the suspension which some riders find confidence inspiring.
– What are your top tips for riding an e-MTB?
“If you’ve not ridden an e-MTB before then I would say you should carefully consider the grade of holiday you choose because an e-MTB does handle differently, and you might find it heavier to manoeuvre on technical terrain. When you get on the bike for the first time, go carefully at first and start with the assist level at the lowest before increasing as required. Remember you still need to drop down to lower gears when you’re climbing – don’t just ramp up the assist level. Lastly, whilst e-mountain bikes are designed to handle the elements they aren’t completely waterproof. If you’re crossing a stream or river, it’s best to carry the bike across.”
– Are electric mountain bikes for all riders?
“There’s a misconception that electric bikes are for people that need some extra help in the saddle. While that might be true for some, tons of experienced riders joined the eMTB revolution because it helps them see and do more during their ride. Our electric mountain bike holiday range has been specifically designed for mountain bikers who are comfortable on technical terrain, eager to ride longer distances and experience some classic destinations in a brand-new way.”
– Any parting words of wisdom?
“An electric mountain bike won’t turn you into an amazing rider, but it can empower you to go farther. If you’re expecting these bikes to suddenly enable you to conquer technical terrain above your ability, you’re going to be disappointed. What they will offer you is the opportunity to tackle way more technical terrain, at your level, during each ride.”
As keen bikers and outdoors people we are passionate about sharing the amazing wild spaces of the world with our guests. Our range of Electric Mountain Bike Holidays offer experienced riders an opportunity to enjoy a phenomenal Skedaddle mountain biking journey and share the riding experience with other like-minded bikers.
Find out more about our Electric Mountain Bike Holidays (e-MTB) here!