Do E-bikes Really Cause More Trail Damage?

Electric mountain bike access is a controversial subject in trail policy. One of the main points of debate is whether e-bikes cause more damage.

Watch the hosts of the EMTB Podcast delve into the issue below. The discussion happens at minute 1:30.

First things first, it is important to establish that a heavier bike will cause more damage to the trail when ridden by the same person. Where the debate stands is whether that amount is too marginal to consider.

As the hosts say, the debate is further muddied by the fact that different demographics ride e-bikes than traditional mountain bikes. The hosts posit that e-bikers tend to be less aggressive riders than traditional bike riders. That is a very important point to consider, given that how the bikes are ridden is important.

While the hosts say that e-bikers tend to do longer loops and not repeat the same trail, more miles of trail in less time still has the effect of more net wear on trails at the network.

Related: E-Bikers Make Claim For Retaining Access To US Forest Service Lands

While the debate about damage is not cut and dried, allowing more people to recreate with e-bikes is a worthwhile goal to make a tradeoff about damage worthwhile.

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