Why electric mountain bikes finally won me over

Mountain biking has a long history of gatekeeping. Purists once balked at full-suspension frames, dropper posts, and larger wheels, labeling them as shortcuts that cheapened the sport. Today, those features are industry standards. Powerful, torquey mid-drive motors represent the next evolution in this cycle. On the trail, the motor acts as a force multiplier, allowing me to compensate for poor technique and maintain momentum through technical sections that would otherwise force a dismount.

There is a common misconception that eMTBs automatically make riders faster. In Europe, where I ride, regulations cap pedal-assist at 25km/h and limit continuous output to 250W. This means I am not riding a motorcycle in disguise; I am simply pedaling with a boost that helps me keep pace with more experienced riders. The $10,000 Amflow PX Carbon Pro, with its 150Nm of torque and 20.6kg frame, certainly highlights the potential of this technology. However, with Avinox partnering with over 60 brands, options like the $4,000 Crussis e-Hard 11.11 prove that the experience is becoming accessible at lower price points. Ultimately, the motor doesn't replace the effort—it just makes the suffering optional, leading to more laps and significantly more time spent enjoying the mountain.