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.
E-MTB Trail Etiquette: How to Ride Responsibly
Written by: Rémy Rossi | July 6, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
More power means more responsibility: Your e-MTB gives you an edge, but don’t let it ruin the ride for others.
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.
With great power comes great responsibility. And those hill-climbing superpowers provided by your electric mountain bike need to be used for good. There are more e-MTBs on the trails than ever, and most people are excited about that— but a few bad eggs can give electric mountain bike riders a bad reputation. Here are the basics of e-MTB trail etiquette and some common-sense rules to stay safe and respectful out on your adventures.
A changing landscape
Electric mountain bikes are everywhere these days. The boosted ride lets riders climb with less effort and spend more time doing the fun part: descending. The pedal assistance also makes mountain biking more accessible to riders with varying levels of fitness, and that’s a major win.
But that extra oomph has come with some additional rules to ensure trails are protected and the people on them stay safe. Some biking trails prohibit the use of electric bikes altogether, whereas others allow Class 1 e-Bikes that are pedal-assist only and top out at 20 mph. Still, these trail changes and the occasional rule breaker or rowdy rider have caused some flare-ups in the mountain biking community. The MTB vs. e-MTB debate can get pretty spicy with old-timers who are slow to accept this new tech or rogue riders who give the rest of us law-abiding pedalers a bad rep.
At the end of the day, though, e-MTBs are here to stay, and there are easy ways we can make the trails work for everyone. Trail managers may establish directional trails, e-MTB-approved climbing routes, or post signage about rules and etiquette.
Talk to your local shop
Swing by your local bike shop if you have any questions about riding the trails with your e-MTB. They’ll have recommendations on the best e-Bike-friendly routes or can point you in the right direction to resources. Local rider groups, online maps, or cycling apps like Trailforks are a good place to look as well.
Know your e-MTB class
This is pretty basic knowledge, but it’s important to be clear on what class your electric mountain bike falls into. Class 2 e-Bikes (ones with a throttle) and faster Class 3 e-Bikes with a top speed of 28 mph are nearly always prohibited from mountain bike trails. If the trail allows electric bikes, it likely only permits the use of Class 1 electric bikes that only have pedal assist and a top speed of 20 mph.
You may be able to get away with deactivating your throttle or limiting the top speed via the e-Bike’s settings, but this is a legal gray area that may still get you into trouble. As many riders will report, if you’re riding responsibly and treating the trail and its users with respect, you’re unlikely to run into any problems. But I do recommend following the letter of the law.
You may be able to get away with deactivating your throttle or limiting the top speed via the e-Bike’s settings, but this is a legal gray area that may still get you into trouble. As many riders will report, if you’re riding responsibly and treating the trail and its users with respect, you’re unlikely to run into any problems. But I do recommend following the letter of the law.
Ride responsibly: e-MTB etiquette tips
Mountain bikers are often the fastest users on multi-use trails, and electric mountain bikers are at the very front of the pack with their extra boost. E-MTBs must follow the same trail etiquette as standard mountain bikes on multi-use trails, plus there are a few e-Bike-specific tips to heed.
Note: Some riders are reporting that trail traffic is up in general these days. The growing popularity of e-MTBs may play a part in this, making the climbs more accessible and encouraging more riders to get out and explore. This is fantastic, but denser traffic can lead to more accidents since the trails are so narrow. Be aware of how crowded the riding area is and be prepared to navigate that, helping the route stay as fun and safe for everyone!
Note: Some riders are reporting that trail traffic is up in general these days. The growing popularity of e-MTBs may play a part in this, making the climbs more accessible and encouraging more riders to get out and explore. This is fantastic, but denser traffic can lead to more accidents since the trails are so narrow. Be aware of how crowded the riding area is and be prepared to navigate that, helping the route stay as fun and safe for everyone!
Only ride trails open to e-MTBs
Follow the rules and posted signs you see along the route— don’t ride your e-MTB on a trail that doesn’t allow electric-assist bikes. You can get in trouble, and you’ll give fellow e-Bike riders a bad name.
Stay on the trail
As with traditional mountain bikes, be sure to stay on the trail at all times. Cutting corners and veering off-piste can damage the trail or poorly affect the surrounding wildlife.
Stay off the trail when it’s too wet or muddy
Avoid riding the trails after a recent rain. Riding a mountain bike on trails that are too soft or muddy can cause major damage to the trail— plus, those wet surfaces can feel pretty sketchy to ride on anyway.
Yield or stop when needed
Be prepared to yield to other trail-goers when appropriate. As far as right-of-way goes, mountain bikers yield to hikers and horses. When it’s just bikers, the rider moving uphill has the right of way. To yield, move as far to the side of the trail as possible and stop there, leaning off the trail a bit to give the other person enough space to get by.
Slow down to pass others and be polite
Going fast is fun, but keep your pace in check so you can safely respond to trail obstacles or other trail users. Slow your roll before you overtake others and call out asking to pass— and ensure you get the okay before moving around them. Speak loud enough that they can hear you, and remember that a smile and a grateful wave go a long way.
I’m quite patient on the trail and typically wait for a good section to pass if I’m stuck behind a slower rider. Many riders are aware of their surroundings and will allow me to pass without me even needing to ask. I’m not one to get my bike shorts in a knot simply because I’m sharing the trail— I’ve seen experiments showing that drivers use more gas when angry, and I bet it’s the same on an electric mountain bike (though with an electric battery, of course)!
Be respectful and have fun!
Have fun out there and enjoy building a strong community of mountain bikers. Most trail users are polite and give off great vibes, but it doesn’t take much for a misbehaved bunch to spoil the fun. Use proper etiquette, smile, and follow the rules, and it should be a great time for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you spend on an electric mountain bike?
When is the best time to buy an electric mountain bike?
Many deals are going on as popular brands continue to offload stock, meaning you can get more bike for your budget. Another great strategy when purchasing an e-MTB is searching for a used electric mountain bike— they are always on sale! Refurbished and used e-Bikes help riders save even more cash on premium models, letting you snag your dream e-MTB for a fraction of the original price.
Key Takeaways
- Know the Rules: Only ride trails that permit Class 1 e-Bikes, and always check local regulations before heading out.
- Ride Responsibly: Yield properly, pass politely, and avoid trails when muddy or crowded to keep things safe and fun.
- Protect the Trail, Protect the Community: Stay on marked paths, follow posted signs, and help maintain a positive reputation for all e-MTB riders.
