EBIKE SURVEY RESPONSE
As ebiking grows in popularity, we want to recognise it as a growing sport. Right now, we're looking to better understand the ebike landscape and how we can improve ebike event experiences. So we went straight to the heart of the community - the ebike riders themselves.
We asked, the riders responded, and here are the eagerly awaited results…
We asked, the riders responded, and here are the eagerly awaited results…
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Ease of access is the way forward…
70% of survey respondents said that the main reason they ride an ebike is for ease of access to mountain bike trails. Plus, it helps them go further. This was followed in the results by "keeping up with friends" or "having another bike in the collection". |
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We don’t seem to be all the way there with accepting ebikes
We know that ebiking is a great way to get around, ride the trails, and enter events. However results show that 60% of ebike riders have experienced negativity from non-ebikers while taking part in an event.
Incidents included verbal abuse, blocking on overtakes and generally being labelled as lazy or “cheating”. Some ebikers also felt they had to justify their choices; one participant said they received a lot negativity but when they explain they've had a heart transplant people are more understanding.
However, not all reports were negative. Positive responses included "good banter", "joking" with non-ebikers, and that "these days" ebikes are “pretty well accepted by most rational individuals”. Additionally, as more ebikes enter events, riders have found a more "overall positive experience”. Others said they’d had no issues - "everyone just seems to get on with their ride whatever they are riding”.
We know that ebiking is a great way to get around, ride the trails, and enter events. However results show that 60% of ebike riders have experienced negativity from non-ebikers while taking part in an event.
Incidents included verbal abuse, blocking on overtakes and generally being labelled as lazy or “cheating”. Some ebikers also felt they had to justify their choices; one participant said they received a lot negativity but when they explain they've had a heart transplant people are more understanding.
However, not all reports were negative. Positive responses included "good banter", "joking" with non-ebikers, and that "these days" ebikes are “pretty well accepted by most rational individuals”. Additionally, as more ebikes enter events, riders have found a more "overall positive experience”. Others said they’d had no issues - "everyone just seems to get on with their ride whatever they are riding”.
The modding debate
While only 12% of riders said they had speed modifications, we obviously need to consider how honest people have been (even though the survey is anonymous). Some riders feel mods are unfair and many suggested speed should be capped at 32kph. However, it was also flagged that the ebike playing field is already unbalanced with different models of bike.
65% of respondents don't have speed mods, spare batteries or battery extenders. This meant we received a lot of feedback that “ebike racing could never be truly competitive without very strict classes/specifications and scutineerring”. Many respondents agreed that modifications should be controlled; suggesting ebikers “should all have the same max speed assistance, same power assistance” to level the playing field. However, it can also be argued that someone who is lighter has an advantage in speed and retaining battery life. Additionally, it was highlighted that riders “still need fitness and technical skills…as most events are single track”.
While only 12% of riders said they had speed modifications, we obviously need to consider how honest people have been (even though the survey is anonymous). Some riders feel mods are unfair and many suggested speed should be capped at 32kph. However, it was also flagged that the ebike playing field is already unbalanced with different models of bike.
65% of respondents don't have speed mods, spare batteries or battery extenders. This meant we received a lot of feedback that “ebike racing could never be truly competitive without very strict classes/specifications and scutineerring”. Many respondents agreed that modifications should be controlled; suggesting ebikers “should all have the same max speed assistance, same power assistance” to level the playing field. However, it can also be argued that someone who is lighter has an advantage in speed and retaining battery life. Additionally, it was highlighted that riders “still need fitness and technical skills…as most events are single track”.
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Riders don't enter for prizes
The results show that prizes and prize money are the least important reason for entering an ebike race. However, looking deeper into the feedback many feel it's nice to be rewarded or be in with a chance for a prize. Particularly considering ebike categories often have the same entry costs as other categories which are awarded prizes. |
Suggestions from survey responses
Categories
Categories
- Set ebikers off as the first category or leave a longer break between categories
- Introduce separate categories for modified bikes/bikes which can go above 32kmph
- Separate ebike categories into smaller age groups
- Ebike seeding so others riders aren’t held up
- Get a local bike shop to run checks to see if bikes are modified
- Put a top battery wattage in race rules
- Stipulate only one battery per bike/rider
- 1st 2nd and 3rd placed bikes should be checked before prize giving and DQ riders if needed.
- If prize money is not equal, lower the cost of entry to mirror this or provide ebike sponsor prizes instead
- Ebike enduro, with challenging xc stages, or a mix of difficult climbing and downhill stages
- Uphill ebike race
To finish…some of our favourite responses.
“I am a recent convert to ebiking and has always considered myself a purist. But as I've ridden my ebike I have found it to be a fantastic experience”.
“I just love doing e bike events”.
“It's brilliant to be able to participate in these events and long may it continue”.
“I'm loving the fact that more and more events are catering to ebike categories. It's so much fun and us ebikers are just having a good time”.
“I am a recent convert to ebiking and has always considered myself a purist. But as I've ridden my ebike I have found it to be a fantastic experience”.
“I just love doing e bike events”.
“It's brilliant to be able to participate in these events and long may it continue”.
“I'm loving the fact that more and more events are catering to ebike categories. It's so much fun and us ebikers are just having a good time”.
Thank you to everyone who took part in our ebike survey - we love hearing all of your feedback and have already started planning how we can make your future ebike events even more epic!
