What is an electric bike?
Electric assist mountain bikes, or U-Electrics, amplify the
power you put into the bike while pedaling. When you stop pedaling, the
motor stops assisting. You still have to earn your fun, but you get a
better return on your energy investment.
How does an U-Electric work?
Electric mountain bikes have a small motor under the frame
where the cranks are. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers the motor. The
motor only provides power when you are pedaling. It adds power to each of your
pedal strokes, so it feels like pedaling a normal bike, except with
supercharged legs. You can control how much power the motor provides with a
handlebar-mounted remote. Trek U-Electrics with Bosch drive systems let you
choose from three different levels of assist power. Or you can use the
set-and-forget U-Electric mode that automatically adjusts the assist to deliver
just the right amount of power for every situation on the trail.
How far will my U-Electric go? What’s the battery range?
E-bike range depends on several factors. Battery size, motor
efficiency, rider weight, terrain, and even temperature can affect how far your
U-Electric will go on one battery charge. Basically, the harder the motor has
to work, the more battery power it will use. The more power it uses, the faster
the battery runs out. That’s why larger riders tend to get less range than
smaller riders, and why a ride on hilly terrain with a lot of sustained
climbing will deplete the battery faster than a flatter ride with less
climbing. To estimate how far you can ride an electric mountain bike on a
single charge, check out Bosch’s range calculator.
How fast do U-Electric bikes go?
Pedal assist mountain bikes will go as fast as your legs
turn the pedals. However, the motor will stop assisting once a certain cut-off
speed is reached. Generally, that cut-off speed is 20 miles per hour in North
America, and 25 kilometers per hour in Europe. Above these speeds, you can keep
pedaling the bike, but the motor will not provide additional power.
Are U-Electrics allowed on trails?
Regulations on where U-Electric bikes can be ridden vary by
region. Generally, electric mountain bikes are approved for use on trails that
allow motorized or pedal-assist vehicles. Many traditional mountain bike trails
do not allow e-bikes, so it’s important to check with your local land
management authority or trail owner before you ride.
Is an U-Electric right for me?
While electric mountain bikes are super fun and can help you
enjoy your favorite trails even more, they're not allowed everywhere. Check the
rules for the trails you plan to ride. If they don’t specifically allow
pedal-assist bikes or motorized vehicles, then an U-Electric may not be your best
choice.
Why choose a Trek U-Electric?
There’s a lot more to an e-bike than the motor. With Trek,
you’re getting a legit mountain bike that’s developed with the same frame and
suspension tech that makes our regular bikes so much fun to ride. Plus, we've
focused our efforts on delivering the best e-bike experience possible so you
can enjoy a ride that minimizes hassle and maximizes confidence.
