How eMTBs are changing new trail design (and how they’re not)

In recent years, we have followed the explosion of trails and trail-building companies. What was once done by a handful of volunteers and could take years to complete is often now done by professional trail-building crews in a matter of months.

Along with an increase in trail development, Singletracks has followed the growth in popularity of e-bikes. A Singletracks survey from 2018 showed that 85% of respondents had never thrown a leg over an e-bike. Fast forward six years, and 68% percent of Singletracks readers reported owning an e-bike, with nearly one-third stating that an eMTB was their only bike — quite a change in such a short time.

As more riders choose to ride electric mountain bikes, more land managers are beginning to open trails to e-bikes that were previously not allowed. This got us wondering how this has changed trail building and development. Are trail crews designing and building singletrack differently, knowing that e-bikes will be on the dirt?

Well, yes, and no.

How eMTBs are changing trail design and builds

Although e-bikes are designed to ride more like their 100% human-powered counterparts, the differences are still very stark. Obviously, a motor powers the rider on the way up, making it possible to incorporate different trail designs and changes for climbing trails.

Climbing trails

The ability of e-bikes to go faster uphill has trail builders, like Peter Mills of Elevated Trail Design, thinking a bit differently about designing climbing trails. Climbing corners, especially, is a place where Mills discussed being able to incorporate an eMTB-specific design.

In some instances, it may be as simple as knowing that a trail system that allows e-bikes will have more passing on the climbs. This could mean having a slightly wider trail, or it could also mean incorporating more places to pull over.

E-bike trail design can also mean more fun.

“Like with switchback turns, why not in-slope them and make a little bit of a faster line?” Mills told us. 

Uphill berms are a relatively new feature in trail design that has emerged with the rise of e-bike popularity. Mills also proposed that, along with these in-sloped, uphill berms, faster and steeper turn lines through the corners can also be incorporated. Where a rider on a mountain bike may need to use the entirety of the switchback to make it around the corner, quicker lines that “cut the corner” can also be incorporated to enhance the climbing experience.

Designing a climb with more technicality for e-bikes can also enhance the experience. This often means less work for a trail crew, as they won’t need to remove rocks or construct a trail around a particularly technical section. Instead, they will plan on the trail going over an obstacle. E-bikes also allow trail crews to design the steepest and gnarliest climbing trail segments possible, knowing that many riders see it as a fun challenge.

Wider climbing trails — like those that you might find at a self-shuttle bike park — are another option. “[For e-bikes] I think a wider trail is better,” Mills told us. “An e-bike changes the game for a social ride — side by side with friends up a steep climb, casual conversation, and banter.”

Descending trails

Trails allowing e-bikes might also be designed differently for the descents. Mills said this is especially true for certain trail systems that might fall short of one key ingredient many of us look for.

“When there’s not a lot of elevation change, e-bikes are a game changer for a place like that,” Mills explained.

With an e-bike’s ability to gain exponentially more speed than a non-electric bike with just a few pedal strokes, what were once slower, more gradual downs are now able to be ridden much faster. This could mean adding jumps or drops that would be perhaps too difficult to get enough speed for on a mountain bike, but are fine on an e-bike.

For trail systems with more elevation and steeper trails, Mills also discussed the importance of considering eMTBs during the design and build phases. E-bikes’ added weight, which is typically lower, means they can carry speed more easily, so trails may be designed with well-spaced features and bigger, longer landings.

How eMTBs are NOT changing trail design and builds

While there are some ways in which trails are designed for e-bikes, there are still quite a few ways that they aren’t. First, while there is certainly an uptick in e-bike popularity, Mills made an important point that everything can be built to accommodate only e-bikes. 

Even on trails designed specifically with e-bikes in mind, many people still choose to ride them on regular mountain bikes. While an uphill berm may be more fun with a tighter turn radius, it still needs to work for riders who require a slower, more sweeping turn.

Mills emphasized that trail systems should be designed to reduce user conflict. To do this, single-direction trails should be prioritized, regardless of whether e-bikes, mountain bikes, or both are allowed in the system.

“The traditional multi-use [and multi-direction] model never worked before e-bikes, right? So treat it like we’re trying to make a better trail system for hikers, bikers, and trail runners,” Mills said. 

And we’re seeing precisely that, with more directional trail systems emerging that feature a few descending-only trails, but also shared climbing trails for hikers and perhaps equestrians. Once at the top, the bikers go one way and other users go another way.

Similarly, and perhaps most importantly to Mills, builders should focus on good trail design, regardless of whether e-bikes are involved. Trails should be well-designed, constructed robustly, and designed to drain effectively.

“Let’s make them better,” he said. “Let’s plan for these grade dips and rock armoring. Let’s plan for these rollers to erode — make them bigger, put more rock in them. If it is going to hold up better, that is our goal no matter what.”

For Mills, proper trail design and building practices take precedence over all else.

“Build it better, design it better. Time to get back to the core of trail building.“