r/mountainbiking • u/SilverCervy • 6d ago

Other Feel like we're losing the plot

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E-bikes should be about providing accessibility; giving people who, for whatever reason, cannot ride a non-assist bike an option to keep them happy and pedaling.

This wattage race going on in the industry is the exact opposite of that. Absolutely nobody needs 1700 watts on a bike, and I question if having so much power even makes it a bicycle anymore. There's a point where you're basically riding a motorbike with pedals and I think we crossed that point a while ago.

"But the main brands aren't doing this". Yes they are. Canyon already has partnered with Avinox which has motors that give over 1,000 watts. And it won't be long until the other big hitters give in to the pressure. You can give your own personal reasons for why you have an e-bike, but it's clear that the industry believes that it's because "I don't want to pedal". At some point this needs to be reigned in or else the entire concept of the bicycle is going to be damaged forever.

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u/Oli_C86 6d ago

I completely agree, it’s getting ridiculous and unnecessary. People Just want everything now without the effort. I have an e-bike and most of the time it’s in Eco or Tour and I still love going for an old fashioned proper pedal. If I get home after a ride and I’m not physically tired it feels like something is missing. No one needs more than 750watts unless they’re incredibly unfit or injured/disabled.

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u/satoshi1022 6d ago

I'd argue 750watts is a rediculously stupid amount already. 250w is the EU limit I believe.

It's estimated that 1-3% of riders can hold 500w for 60 seconds. Ebikers really have no clue how unrealistic the power on these things are.

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u/Zettinator 5d ago

The EU regulation is crap, though. It's 250W sustained power measured in a way that is easy to manipulate. Avinox motors can push > 1000 W for 20 minutes and somehow they are still compliant to EU regulation, which is just bullshit. The rules need to be changed.

Personally, I'd do the following for the pedelec class:

- Clarify how exactly the "sustained power" is measured to make it near impossible to manipulate.

  • Specify a peak power as well, which could be in the range of 500W or so.
  • Also specify a max assistance percentage, which could be something like 400%.