E-MTB trend is here to stay
Posted on in Cycles News
E-mountain bikes are here to stay, with Eurobike and other autumn 2016 shows featuring a bigger and better selection of e-MTBs than ever before.
According to Bike Europe motor-assisted mountain bikes were ‘all over the place' at Eurobike. Where the 2016 models looked a bit dull, manufacturers have given the 2017 models all they need to become commercially successful, with wide 27.5+ tyres, front and rear suspension, special e-bike brakes, and even complete e-MTB group sets.
With the bikes featuring heavily at shows this autumn, experts have weighed in on why they believe the e-MTB is set to be the next big trend in the cycles market.
Speaking to ISPO.com Ernst Brust, chief tester at Velotech said "It's clear that e-mountain bikes are all the rage right now in the cycling industry. The reason for this is that young people have once again discovered the bicycle."
This has opened up new possibilities in the markets too, says René Filippek technical editor for the Allgemeinen Deutschen Fahrrad-Club (ADFC). "Sellers see the future of their business here."
Speaking to cyclingindustry.news, Edward Benjamin the Senior Managing Director at eCycleElectric Consultants and Chairman of the Light Electric Vehicle Association, suggests the e-MTB boom could even dwarf the rise of the MTB in the 80s.
"In North America, the baby boomer demographic is 77 million strong, and ranges in age from mid 50's to mid 70's. They are the group that invented the mountain bike, BMX freestyle, and changed USA cycling culture from "kids only" to winning the Tour De France (over and over and over...). They may not ride their bikes enough, but they have an undeniable love for them.
"There is a similar demographic in Europe.
"E-MTBs completely reshape the possibilities for both aging mountain bikers and people who would love to ride in the mountains, but are either not strong enough or too intimidated to try."
Benjamin continued "eMTBs are about to become image items. Owning one and being seen with it on the roof rack of your car, or in the bike parking rack at work, school or cafe will become a sought after image.
"It is good news for the industry. eMTBs are big ticket, high margin items that need service and support from dealers. All making a brighter and brighter future for us all."
Cytech technical e-bike
To give the cycle trade the knowledge needed to cater for this booming e-bike market, Cytech has introduced the brand new Technical e-bike course to provide the skills and confidence needed to set up, repair and sell a broad spectrum of electric bicycles along with an understanding of the specific standards and legal aspects that apply to them.
Suitable for those who are looking to stock and repair e-bikes, the Cytech technical e-bike course is available to those who already hold a Cytech technical two qualification or as a guide, 3-4 years industry knowledge.
Book a course
The
four day Cytech technical e-bike course is currently only available at
ATG Training. Visit cytech.training or contact ATG Training on 01296 737 800 to find out more and book your place on the course.
ACT members benefit from a 10% discount on all Cytech training.