How toEMTB riding technique video series

Markus Greber

 · 07.10.2022

How to: EMTB riding technique video seriesPhoto: Markus Greber
Masterclass: E-MTB riding technique with Stefan Schlie
With an E-MTB, the fun doesn't just start on the descent. But for the uphill kick, you need sound riding technique. E-bikes have advantages even downhill, but the higher weight requires special riding skills. E-MTB expert and Mister Uphillflow Stefan Schlie reveals his best tricks in this new video series.

Gravel tracks, steep steps, hairpin bends - thanks to E-MTBs, even the way to the descent is pure fun. Driving fun. Thanks to new technical achievements in bikes and drives and fuelled by special E-MTB racing formats, a sophisticated riding technique has developed in recent years.

Ex-trial biker and E-MTB pioneer Stefan Schlie has been a constant in this development for years. Since the EMTB magazine was founded six years ago, Stefan Schlie has been providing us with advice and support when it comes to riding technique. In this new series, Stefan shows us how to use an E-MTB correctly - from the basics to the moves of the pros.


In our E-MTB special "All the facts for beginners" you will find even more useful information:


Our uphill flow expert since EMTB magazine was founded: Stefan Schlie. The new three-part riding technique series with how-to videos on the most important exercises explains the handling of the E-MTB from the basics to the moves of the pros.Photo: Markus GreberOur uphill flow expert since EMTB magazine was founded: Stefan Schlie. The new three-part riding technique series with how-to videos on the most important exercises explains the handling of the E-MTB from the basics to the moves of the pros.

This time we have not limited ourselves to images and text. To accompany the series, the content is also available as How-to video with the detailed explanations of the riding technique routinier. Here is the overview:

How to | EMTB uphill riding technique - PART 1: BASICS

How to | EMTB trail riding technique - PART 2: DOWNHILL

First the work, then the pleasure - that definitely doesn't apply on an e-MTB. Thanks to the motor, you can also have fun uphill on tricky trails. And yet, even with an e-MTB, the downhill is still the icing on the cake. The higher weight, the low centre of gravity and the usually more robust components provide a lot of safety. However, at slower speeds, when cornering and braking, this greater mass requires more vigour and an adapted riding technique. On the trails of the Enduro World Series in Pietra Ligure, Italy, EMTB expert Stefan Schlie shows what you need to pay attention to on an e-bike, especially downhill.

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Low centre of gravity, robust tyres - no question: E-MTBs have their advantages even downhill. However, the higher weight also requires special riding skills.Photo: Markus GreberLow centre of gravity, robust tyres - no question: E-MTBs have their advantages even downhill. However, the higher weight also requires special riding skills.

Even the best e-bikers will sometimes reach their limits on the climbs. If you can't go any further in the saddle, you can only make progress by pushing. In the second part of the riding technique series, we will show you how to make your way through the terrain with heavy e-bikes thanks to the pushing aid.

How to | EMTB Expert Riding Technique - PART 3: PROFITRICKS

Wherever the old master appears with his e-MTB, he causes a stir. Even in the E-EWS scene, the professional league for e-bikers, there are sometimes big eyes when Schlie appears. He moves his e-MTB so light-footedly, climbs ultra-steep ascents seemingly weightlessly and scratches the trail curves with his signature move, the Powercurve, more stylishly than anyone else.

But what is the key to this sophisticated technology? How does he manage to seemingly override physics with this heavy piece of equipment? "If you've got your pedal management under control, then you've won," says Schlie when asked about his secret. Pedalling position, pedalling sequence, good and bad footing - mastering these basics is the prerequisite for most tricks. That's why we dedicate the first page to this topic. And if you can master pedal management in your sleep, you can venture into the freestyle.

Nobody has shaped E-MTB riding technology like Stefan Schlie. Ever since he transferred elements from trial biking to e-MTBs, the boundaries have continued to shift. In the third instalment of the riding technique series, Schlie unpacks his professional tricks.Photo: Skyshot / Markus GreberNobody has shaped E-MTB riding technology like Stefan Schlie. Ever since he transferred elements from trial biking to e-MTBs, the boundaries have continued to shift. In the third instalment of the riding technique series, Schlie unpacks his professional tricks.Playground with a view: the new trail network above Pietra Ligure was the venue for the first E-EWS race. This is where we found the ideal terrain for Stefan Schlies' uphill tricks and where he also demonstrates what is important when descending on an e-bike.Photo: Markus GreberPlayground with a view: the new trail network above Pietra Ligure was the venue for the first E-EWS race. This is where we found the ideal terrain for Stefan Schlies' uphill tricks and where he also demonstrates what is important when descending on an e-bike.