No, Turbo mode isn’t bad for the bike. When using it a lot, you will find the battery drains quickly, and you will shorten your rides. Save it for the steep climbs when you need it.
New E-MTB Rider? Here’s How Not To Ruin Your First Rides
Written by: Robbie Ferri | February 24, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
Turbo mode. Big climbs. Sketchy braking. If you’re new to e-MTBs, this article is for you.
More about the Author: Robbie Ferri
Robbie is a UK-based ultra cyclist, former bike shop worker, and qualified bike fitter. Deeply passionate about e-Bikes and adventure cycling, he combines hands-on experience with real-world riding to help others go further on two wheels.
The first e-MTB ride you go on will convince you of two things. The turbo mode is absolutely incredible, and you have suddenly become a hero climber! Remember, what goes up must come down, and gravity never forgets you. There are so many mistakes available to make when you are new to electric mountain bikes. This article will save you the trouble of making them. Let’s fast-track those skills and get you riding like a pro in no time!
👋 Welcome to Upway!
Upway is your top destination for buying and selling e-Bikes online. Discover your next e-Bike at up to 60% off retail prices, available in new or like-new condition.
What Mistakes Do New E-MTB Riders Usually Make?
Let’s get straight to the exciting part. Here are our top mistakes that we see e-MTB riders make when they first start. As an electric mountain bike expert and someone who loves off-road riding, I can confirm I learnt all of this from experience.
Riding in Turbo Mode All the Time
Turbo mode is awesome. Ripping up trails, leaving dents in the dirt, and feeling that incredible breeze in your hair is unreal. Having it on the whole time isn’t the best idea. Not only will it shorten your battery's range, but you will have less traction on climbs, and it can make riding much harder and more unpredictable.
Top Tip: Use it only when you need it.
Forgetting It’s Still a Mountain Bike
The electric motor is going to make the riding a lot of fun, but it’s important not to forget that you're still on a mountain bike. Although it’s pedalling for you, it’s not going to take the corners or skip the rock gardens for you.
Top Tip: Still practice proper MTB riding and just let the motor assist you, not take over.
Using the Wrong Gears and Cadence
This is one of the most common errors we see among new e-MTB riders. Letting the motor take over and just forgetting how much you should be using your gear changes. Not just to save battery power, but also to help the motor stay cool while using the pedal-assist system.
Top Tip: A higher cadence with reduced assistance is the best way to ride an e-MTB.
Ignoring Tire Pressure and Setup
Any MTB rider will tell you how important it is to have the right tire pressure for the riding you are doing. It completely changes how the bike rides and how it handles. It’s even more important on an e-MTB with the extra weight on those technical descents.
Top Tip: Use an online tire pressure calculator to optimize the best handling.
Braking Too Late
E-MTBs are amazing when it comes to speed and acceleration from the pedal assist, and because of this, they are often equipped with much more powerful brakes. As tempting as it is to brake late, you are going to want to think about braking earlier.
Top Tip: Brake earlier and use the motor power out of the corner if you can.
Riding Trails That Don’t Allow E-MTBs
Sometimes this happens, and you didn’t see a sign or know you were on land that didn’t allow it. It’s important to be respectful of other trail users and to find a way off the route as quickly as possible.
Top Tip: Do some research first to ensure it’s ok to ride on the trail.
🤝 Enjoy an even greater discount when you trade in your old electric bike today!
Click here for a price estimation
Expecting Massive Range on Every Ride
New riders often believe they will get the top range when riding trails. Unfortunately, with the extra weight of the bike, the loose terrain, all the hills, and even suspension changes that range very quickly. When mountain biking, watt hours don't last as long as you might think.
Top Tip: Plan your rides around terrain and elevation, not just distance.
Modifying or Derestricting the Bike
We appreciate that this is tempting, but it’s just not worth it. It put loads of extra pressure on the battery and motor, which violates 3 class e-Bike system requirements, making it an e-Moto requiring registration and insurance.
Top Tip: Honestly, don’t do it.
Forgetting Trail Etiquette
E-MTBs are such a buzz, and ripping up the trails gives you a huge rush of endorphins and makes you feel unstoppable. It’s vital to respect other trail users and ensure they have plenty of space.
Top Tip: Be kind to others around you and treat people as you would like to be treated.
Not Realising Fatigue Builds Differently
You may feel that because you're on an e-MTB, you're not using much energy, but you will when riding trails. Ensure not to let that bonk creep up on you and leave you stranded. Hydration packs are a great solution here.
Top Tip: Take breaks, hydrate, and don’t push late-ride descents.
Upgrade Your Bike Over Time
Upgrading your electric bike makes a big difference. Disc brake rotors, knobby tires, battery size, performance brake pads, a better suspension fork and rear shock, lightweight inner tubes, and electronic gears. You can even get dual-battery e-Bike upgrades to improve battery range.
Top Tip: Full-suspension, hardtail, and e-MTBs all require maintenance. Look after your components, especially hub-drive motors, mid-drive motors, and disc brakes. Always carry spare brake pads.
Riding the Right Bike
It’s really easy to buy any old bike, but when it comes to e-MTB, having the perfect bike for you goes a long way, and having one that fits you and your budget is key. Also, knowing where to buy the bike and which e-Bike type to choose makes a big difference.
Top Tip: Use Upway!
What Is Upway?
Upway is the best way to buy a pre-owned electric bike, especially an e-MTB. It’s a secondhand shop working both locally and online. They do a whole range of electric bikes at a much lower cost than new, with a full mechanical and electrical inspection. You even get a year's warranty. Here are all the advantages of using Upway to help you avoid buying mistakes.
- Only Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-Bikes
- No unregulated e-motos or DIY builds
- Professionally inspected and refurbished bikes without error codes
- Battery health tested and verified
- Warranty included
- Big savings compared to buying new
- Access to premium e-MTB brands
- Delivered ready to ride
- More sustainable than buying new
- Backed by Upway customer support
Browse some of our amazing e-MTBs below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turbo mode bad for an e-MTB?
Do I still need proper MTB skills on an e-MTB?
Yes. The motor will give you power, but without good handling, braking, and the ability to choose the right line, it won't end well. Practicing the fundamentals regularly makes such a difference.
Is it worth derestricting an e-MTB?
No. Derestricting increases wear on the motor and battery life, voids warranties, and can reclassify the bike as an e-Moto that requires registration and insurance.
Key Takeaways
- The motor changes the ride, not the fundamentals: Electric bikes make climbing easier, but they won't replace proper riding skills. Treat them like mountain bikes, not cross bikes.
- Most beginner mistakes come from overconfidence: Turbo mode, speed, and easy climbing can push riders beyond their limits. Manage your assist levels, brake early, and be safe.
- The right bike and the buying source matter: A well-fitted, unmodified electric bike makes a huge difference to confidence and safety. Choosing a professionally inspected bike removes guesswork and lets you focus on riding, not worrying. Use Upway
