E-MOUNTAINBIKE Think Tank 2016 – The New Pioneers

As mountain biking celebrates its 40th birthday, E-MTBs are heralding the beginnings of a new era, but, as was unanimously concluded at the end of the world’s first E-MOUNTAINBIKE Think-Tank, it is going to require a host of bold measures to ensure long-term success. The world of mountain biking is undergoing drastic changes, with new target groups, new players, rapid cycles of innovation and some hazy legal issues rendering it crucial for the industry to stand united and create joint initiatives.

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Industry representatives with a pioneering spirit

As such, the gathering of 23 representations from the E-MTB industry’s most important brands, manufacturers and distributors in San Vigilio, South Tyrol, proved an invaluable first step. In highly engaged discussions and topical workshops, the challenges and opportunities facing E-MTBs were heatedly – and at times controversially – confronted. The objective: establish initial solutions for sustainable and long-term progress and development within the sport.

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San Vigilio Protocol

During the think-tank, five key points were mentioned that pose an acute problem and a huge opportunity, yet they also require immediate action:

Cross-manufacturer campaigns that tackle the issue of tuning – both internally within the industry and to the wider public
Industry-wide unified categories to be defined
An overview of the legalities and legal consequences for E-MTBs to be drafted
Potential problems with right-of-way and trail access to be addressed
Regular exchanges of information and experiences to continue to inspire and broaden horizons

Representatives of the following brands took part in the first E-MOUNTAINBIKE Think Tank:
Bosch, CUBE, DT Swiss, FOX, Haibike, MAGURA, MERIDA, ROSE, RTI, SCOTT, Specialized, SRAM, Trek

Impressions

For further information do not hesitate to contact Max-Philip Schmitt:
mpschmitt@ebike-mtb.com

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Words & Photos: Robin Schmitt