Between $2,500 and $3,000 hits the sweet spot for entry- to mid-tier electric mountain bikes. That price range opens up the range of e-MTBs from top brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and others with innovative designs and quality parts. Models that fall into that price range are typically hardtail mountain e-bikes or pre-owned full-suspension models.
Spending less than $2,000 means the e-bike will likely come with a rear hub motor, less premium mid-drive unit, or an external battery. Riders can browse the best mountain bikes for under $2,000 designed for recreational riding and lighter mountain biking.
Beginner's Guide to Riding an Electric Mountain Bike
Written by: Rémy Rossi | July 25, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Thinking of hitting the trails with an electric mountain bike? Here’s what beginners need to know—before they boost up that first hill.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Electric mountain bikes are opening up the trails to more riders than ever. Some veteran trail-shredders are returning to their favorite routes— only now with a boost— and beginners are developing their skills out on the mountain. If you’re new to the e-MTB world, here are the most important things to know as you get started!
E-MTBs make riding more accessible
There’s no better time to be an electric mountain bike beginner. The popularity of e-MTBs has skyrocketed in recent years, enabling new and old riders to explore faster and farther than they could on analog mountain bikes. The natural-feeling assistance and help on the hills make mountain biking more accessible— you don’t have to have Olympic-level fitness to scoot up the slopes anymore.
And long-time riders have noticed more people out there using the trails. That increase in traffic is great for the sport, but it means trail etiquette and sharing space are crucial. As you progress in your e-MTB journey, it’s all about improving your bike skills and handling so you can take on bigger and badder routes and adventures. But there’s a lot to take in, especially at the beginning— follow these riding tips below to start pedaling with your best foot forward.
And long-time riders have noticed more people out there using the trails. That increase in traffic is great for the sport, but it means trail etiquette and sharing space are crucial. As you progress in your e-MTB journey, it’s all about improving your bike skills and handling so you can take on bigger and badder routes and adventures. But there’s a lot to take in, especially at the beginning— follow these riding tips below to start pedaling with your best foot forward.
Safety first
Take your safety seriously right from the get-go. Always wear a helmet when you ride, and consider getting a mountain biking helmet that has a visor and more coverage around the back of the head. And if you’re taking up downhill riding on a full-suspension e-Bike, you’ll definitely want a full-face helmet.
If you’re worried about bumps and bruises, wear protective clothing and gear on your rides. This stuff is necessary for more aggressive trail and downhill riders, but is totally recommended for beginners, too. Things like knee pads, protective gloves, and elbow guards offer a great level of defense without sacrificing comfort.
If you’re worried about bumps and bruises, wear protective clothing and gear on your rides. This stuff is necessary for more aggressive trail and downhill riders, but is totally recommended for beginners, too. Things like knee pads, protective gloves, and elbow guards offer a great level of defense without sacrificing comfort.
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Take it slow at first
“Take it slow” is common advice for all sorts of things— hey, even John Legend is singing it into my ears right now as I listen to his smooth super-hit, Ordinary People. And it’s a good tip for beginners as they start their electric mountain bike journey, too.
You could bubble-wrap yourself and fly down the mountain unharmed, but a more proactive approach is probably better. Instead, keep yourself in control by riding within your skillset, taking it slow, and increasing your speed when appropriate and as you become more familiar with the trail. Hardtail electric mountain bikes are a great option for beginners before you hit up the bigger bike parks.
E-MTBs and their superpowers are tempting, but just because you can go 20 mph doesn’t always mean that you should. Get a feel for the slightly heavier weight of the e-Bike and the different levels of assistance. Rather than revving it like a motorcycle, be conscious of the speed and assistance to really connect with your bike’s abilities. This way, you’ll gradually expand your MTB skills in a safe and methodical way, which is way better in the long run.
You could bubble-wrap yourself and fly down the mountain unharmed, but a more proactive approach is probably better. Instead, keep yourself in control by riding within your skillset, taking it slow, and increasing your speed when appropriate and as you become more familiar with the trail. Hardtail electric mountain bikes are a great option for beginners before you hit up the bigger bike parks.
E-MTBs and their superpowers are tempting, but just because you can go 20 mph doesn’t always mean that you should. Get a feel for the slightly heavier weight of the e-Bike and the different levels of assistance. Rather than revving it like a motorcycle, be conscious of the speed and assistance to really connect with your bike’s abilities. This way, you’ll gradually expand your MTB skills in a safe and methodical way, which is way better in the long run.
Research your route & ask for recommendations
Mountain biking trails aren’t always as obvious or out in the open as local roads and clearly marked bike paths. Twisty forest trails and remote routes are the good stuff, but they can be hidden from the uninitiated. To get around this, research possible trails on cycling apps like Trailforks or your local parks page.
Or drop into your local bike shop to ask for recommendations. They’ve got the expertise and probably have tons of maps and books around the shop— nobody ever looks through them, but they should! Electric bikes aren’t always legal, so be sure to check that the trail allows e-Bikes and the specific class that you’re riding.
Or drop into your local bike shop to ask for recommendations. They’ve got the expertise and probably have tons of maps and books around the shop— nobody ever looks through them, but they should! Electric bikes aren’t always legal, so be sure to check that the trail allows e-Bikes and the specific class that you’re riding.
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Always ride in the trail’s intended direction
If you didn’t know, some mountain bike trails are designed to be ridden in only one direction. This prevents slow uphill riders from coming across fast descenders— a recipe for disaster on very narrow or steep trails. It can be dangerous to ascend a trail that's intended only for descent, so make sure you’re following the signs.
Be considerate of others with your extra speed
With great power comes great responsibility, so use your electric bike’s speed for good. If you are about to overtake another rider going uphill, slow your roll and announce that you’re passing and say hi, too. Some e-MTBers prefer to find alternative routes up the mountains, such as fire roads, since they can climb faster than riders on traditional bikes.
Follow e-MTB trail etiquette
Adventures out on the trails are from being a debutante ball or black-tie event, but there is still proper e-MTB etiquette that riders should follow. Ride smart and be a good ambassador for the activity we love!
- Only ride trails open to e‑MTBs: Respect signage and local rules—most trails permit only Class 1 e‑Bikes
- Stay on the trail: Don’t cut corners or ride off-route to avoid damaging the trail or surrounding wildlife
- Avoid riding when the trail is wet or muddy: Wet trails are vulnerable to damage and slippery to ride
- Yield or stop when needed: Bikers yield to hikers and horses, slow down, or pull off the trail to let others pass. Among bikers, uphill riders get right‑of‑way.
- Slow down and be polite when passing: Reduce speed before overtaking, call out clearly to ask for permission, and drop a smile or friendly wave
- Be respectful: Friendly vibes, good manners, and trail respect help maintain a positive reputation for all e‑MTB riders
Where can I ride my e-MTB as a beginner?
Take your e-MTB to your local mountain bike trail area and start exploring. These local loops are a great way to get more comfortable on the bike, and you can also hit up the easy routes at bike parks. These areas are specifically made for mountain bikes and have a variety of trails at different difficulty levels. Hone your skills, and you can work up to lift-served downhill resorts with even larger mountains and rowdy terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you spend on an electric mountain bike?
How much should you spend on an electric mountain bike?
Between $2,500 and $3,000 hits the sweet spot for entry- to mid-tier electric mountain bikes. That price range opens up the range of e-MTBs from top brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and others with innovative designs and quality parts. Models that fall into that price range are typically hardtail mountain e-bikes or pre-owned full-suspension models.
Spending less than $2,000 means the e-bike will likely come with a rear hub motor, less premium mid-drive unit, or an external battery. Riders can browse the best mountain bikes for under $2,000 designed for recreational riding and lighter mountain biking.
Where can I find trails that allow electric mountain bikes?
Apps such as Trailforks have an e-MTB filter to find routes that allow electric mountain bikes. E-Bike owners can filter the Trailforks map on the website or app to show trails where e-MTBs are permitted.
Key Takeaways
- Start slow, ride smart: Ease into trails, control your speed, and get used to your bike’s handling and assistance levels.
- Respect the trails: Know local rules, ride only where e-MTBs are allowed, and follow basic etiquette to protect paths and people.
- Gear up for safety: Always wear a helmet and use protective gear—especially as you build confidence and try tougher terrain.
