As a mountain biking motivator, add a little electronic assist

E-mountain bikes may enable newcomers to gain fitness on daunting hills or snowy trails

Pedalling an electric mountain bike is a workout, not an effortless romp, requiring almost as much physical exertion as riding a standard mountain bike. But the effort feels easier on the e-bike, according to the first study of motor-assisted mountain bikes and how they affect the physiology and attitudes of experienced cyclists.

The study suggests that e-mountain bikes might enable many riders, including newcomers, to maintain or gain fitness while transiting otherwise daunting hills, snowy trails, spins with spouses and daily commutes. The findings do raise a red flag for the unwary, however, since the speeds attainable on motor-assisted bikes can