What do you say when someone says your e-bike is cheating?

Keep it short and friendly, for example: "Cheating at what? Nobody told me we were racing." E-bikes are only cheating in races for unassisted bikes or when logged as regular rides on leaderboards.

Is an e-MTB a motorbike?

No. A Class 1 e-MTB only assists while you pedal, up to 20 mph in the US, and has no throttle.

How should I respond to hikers asking about my e-bike?

Honestly and politely. Explain that it assists when you pedal, slow down around them, and if they ask whether e-bikes are allowed, answer truthfully.

Why do mountain bikers joke about e-bikes?

Mostly because climbing is hard and e-bikes make it easier, so the jokes are about effort. Some of it is serious concern about trail access and speed, which riders can address by following rules and riding considerately.

Funny things people say to e-bike riders, and what to say back

The short answer

If you ride an e-MTB, people will comment. Most of it is teasing, some of it is curiosity, and a little of it is genuine annoyance. The best response to nearly all of it is short, dry and friendly. Nobody has ever won an e-bike argument in a car park, and nobody needs to.

Here are the classics, what is usually behind them, and something to say back.

1. "That's cheating."

What they mean: "I suffered up that climb and you did not."

Say back: "Cheating at what? Nobody told me we were racing." Or: "Three laps while you did one. I'm not sure who's cheating whom."

The serious version of this question has its own post: is riding an e-MTB cheating?

2. "Nice motorbike."

What they mean: a joke, mostly.

Say back: "Worst motorbike ever. You have to pedal it the whole time." Which is true: a Class 1 e-MTB only helps while you pedal.

3. "Must be nice."

What they mean: said halfway up a climb, as you pass. Envy, lightly disguised.

Say back: "It is. Want a go at the top?" Letting someone try your bike converts more sceptics than anything else.

4. "Is that thing electric?"

What they mean: genuine curiosity, often from hikers or non-riders.

Say back: "Yes, it helps when I pedal. Still have to do the work, just less suffering." People asking honestly deserve an honest answer.

5. "You're not even sweating."

What they mean: they think you are not working.

Say back: "Give it two more laps." Studies find e-MTB riders work at a moderate to vigorous intensity for most of a ride; more in is riding an e-bike good exercise?

6. "Real mountain bikers pedal."

What they mean: identity. Riding is part of who they are.

Say back: "Agreed. That's why mine only works when I pedal." Then ride on.

7. "What happens when the battery dies?"

What they mean: a fair question, with a bit of hope in it.

Say back: "Then I'm riding the heaviest bike on the mountain, and you get to laugh." Plan rides with range to spare and this never happens. Usually.

8. "Did you take the lift up?"

What they mean: they are pointing out you look fresh at the top.

Say back: "Kind of. I brought my own."

9. "Is that allowed here?"

What they mean: this one is serious, and it deserves a serious answer.

Say back: the truth. If e-bikes are allowed, say so politely. If they are not, you should not be there. Riding e-bikes where they are banned is how trails get closed for everyone.

10. Nothing at all, just a long look.

What they mean: everything above, silently.

Say back: a nod. Or let your shirt do it.

The general rules

Keep it short. One line, then ride on.
Keep it friendly. Most comments are jokes. Treat them like jokes.
Answer real questions properly. Hikers asking about speed or access deserve a straight, polite answer.
Ride well. Slow down around people, yield, follow trail rules. That answers more comments than any comeback.

The shirt that answers for you

I made the Watts tee because I got tired of having the same conversation. It has a chart on the back making higher highs and higher lows, ending in the words "watts are overrated". It is a light polyester tee you can ride in. People read it, laugh, and the conversation is over before it starts.