Just a few years ago, anyone who claimed that every third bike sold would have a rechargeable battery would not have been considered a visionary, but a crackpot. Today, things are different. An estimated three and a half million e-bikes are currently whirring through Germany. In 2017, the e-bike segment's share of the overall market was ZIVs (Zweirad Industrie Verband) already 19 per cent. And the trend is rising. A good one in five e-bikes sold in 2017 is an e-mountain bike, accounting for 21.5 per cent.
If industry insiders are to be believed, then a market share of 25 per cent for e-bikes in the overall market is realistic in the near future, and even 35 per cent in the long term. But what does this mean for us organic bikers without an e-drive?
"Many development departments are now focussing more on e-bikes," says design engineer Bodo Probst: "They believe there is more potential for innovation here." However, e-bike critics fear more than just a lack of innovation in sporty bikes. Namely the demise of the marathon race scene. The most recent example: the reigning German champion Markus Bauer. Despite his title, he was unable to find a sponsor and instead was only given the option of converting to an e-MTB pro. "Many pros are given an ultimatum. The e-MTB industry is desperately looking for hip influencers," says bike pro Rob Heran. However, he sees a particular problem on the trails - especially on paths where bikers are only tolerated anyway. "Many of the concerns are justified," says Markus Greber, project manager of our EMTB magazine. Nevertheless, he also sees advantages from which bikers without an e-drive can also benefit. "With the e-MTB boom, many tourist regions have realised that biking is no longer just a fringe sport and are therefore investing heavily in trails," says Greber.
OPINIONS
Is the e-bike boom harming us normal bikers?
Bodo Probst, design engineer:
Yes, it will slow down the normal biker somewhat. But this is a natural development. We mustn't forget that many e-mountain bikers are at an age when they will soon be hanging up their sporty bikes anyway. The fact is that the development departments for e-bikes at many large companies are now twice as big as the departments for sporty bikes. Of course, that's a hindrance! But the normal bike is not yet fully developed, as many people think. The e-bike will never replace the normal bike!
Markus Bauer, German Champion:
The e-bike boom is not hurting hobby mountain bikers. The marathon race scene, on the other hand, is already suffering from the e-trend. At least in Germany. Apparently, many bike manufacturers are being forced to reallocate their budgets. Instead of investing in the long-distance format, they are now pumping money into the e-bike segment. In short: marathon racing is the loser. Unfortunately! The interest of the bike community is also limited. The best example: 5000 bikers start at the Black Forest Ultra Bike Marathon in Kirchzarten, but an estimated 4950 starters are not interested in who won.
Rob Heran, professional biker, Evil:
I think so - it harms us. I take a particularly critical view of the use of trails. For years, we bikers have tried to fight for legal trails. To sensitise people to how bikers should behave towards hikers. Now e-bikers are coming, some with zero MTB experience and little sensitivity. The frequency is increasing and, thanks to e-power, they can access trails for which their riding skills are inadequate. I wouldn't be surprised if trail closures were to follow as a result of the e-bike boom.
Christoph Listmann, Developer, Canyon:
No, e-MTBs generally don't harm normal bikers. Personally, I now see the issue differently than I did a few years ago. E-MTBs allow less fit friends or complete beginners to go on tour together - the social benefit is great! The fact is that most companies are currently investing a lot of energy in this sector. The reason is obvious: E-MTBs harbour enormous potential for innovation. Nevertheless, it would be unwise to focus exclusively on this. For Canyon, the sporty MTB will always play a major role!
Henri Lesewitz, bike reporter:
I can't understand why people are building motors on bikes, but I'm now reasonably relaxed about the subject. Biking and e-MTBs are two fundamentally different things. E-bikes will not bring the sport of marathon biking to its knees. Downhill, freeride and enduro have already failed to do so. The balance sheets of some companies may currently show an e-boom. If you look around on the trails, you will notice an unabated enthusiasm for classic biking. And as far as marathons are concerned, there have never been so many great races and so many participants. It's all good.
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Laurin Lehner
Editor
