Who are these eMTBers cruising through life with big grins on their faces and humming mid-motors between their legs? Our 2025 survey made it clear: 15,498 of you responded and, honestly, the result is a wild mix of facts, contradictions and delightfully strong opinions.
Who You Are and How You Roll
Congrats, you got 1.5 years younger on average! 95 % of our readers are men, averaging 54 years of age in the GSA region (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), and 55 % men internationally. But it still sounds like life experience, well-stocked toolboxes and probably more torque than in some marriages. More than half of you have been riding eMTBs for more than five years. No early adopters anymore, but seasoned electric pioneers who know what they do and don’t want.
Why You Ride – Between Balance and Adventure
The differences between the German-speaking region and the rest of the world could hardly be bigger: one group seeks Zen, the other just wants grip – and the truth probably lies somewhere in between. 66% of GSA readers ride for trekking, 62% simply want to get outdoors. Internationally, 70% see their bike as a fitness studio on two wheels.
Note: This was a multiple-choice question. Therefore, the values do not add up to 100%, but indicate how many participants selected each option.
Internationally Divided: Gravel over Tarmac
A large majority of GSA riders prefer gravel, forest roads and flowy trails – terrain that doesn’t traditionally fall within the typical eMTB hunting grounds. Surprisingly, 7% prefer riding their eMTB on asphalt: presumably the eSUV crowd. While the German-speaking community mostly glides along on forest roads with a steady pulse, the international crowd charges down technical trails as if there’s a trophy waiting at the bottom. Almost half (49.8%) of international readers want maximum performance on technical terrain.
Trends of 2025: Between Curiosity, Nerdiness and Nitpicking
We took the chance to ask you about various current eMTB trends. Here are some interesting insights:
Self-regulation up to 750 W: freedom with limits?
Trending: are manufacturers pushing motor power so far that regulators will eventually step in with rules that nobody wants? Or should brands agree on internal limits before their hands are forced by external ones? Our readers are as divided as the industry: 37% support self-regulation, 26% oppose it, and the rest just shrug their shoulders. Sounds like a pub debate. Fact is: the topic is divisive. You’ll find more in our article here: “Have We Gotten Even Dumber? The Dangerous Regulatory Dilemma Facing the E-Bike Industry”. The good news: nobody is calling for riding bans. Yet.
Gearbox motors: the next big thing or too hot to handle?
Motor-gear units still sound like spaceship tech to many. One third of our readers say they would buy such a system, and 43% internationally. But almost as many don’t really know what it is. Concerns? Sure: too expensive, too heavy, too new. Welcome to the club of cautious optimists.
USB-C: the charging port of love
You love convenience. 42% of our German-speaking readers celebrate the idea of a USB-C charging port, whereas 26% don’t care. The international crowd is similar. In short: you’re open to tech as long as it doesn’t annoy you. For now, it’s still theoretical – no eMTBs currently offer USB-C charging, but it’s technically possible, and some brands are already eyeing it. Typical E-MOUNTAINBIKE: we check the trend before it hits the market. You read it here first!
ABS: safety first or overrated gimmick?
More than half of you have never tried ABS but would like to. Others wave it off: “I don’t need ABS, I’ve got skills.” But when it comes to safety, opinions shift. One third of our readers believe ABS makes riding safer. So maybe try it before relying solely on your braking skills. For a deep-dive on the top, check out our article: “Bosch ABS Pro: Fancy Tech or Real Gamechanger?”
The Hearts of eMTBs: Motors
Bosch führt das Feld so souverän an, dass man fast applaudieren möchte: 50,5 % in GSA, 37,1 % international. Dahinter: Shimano, Brose, Specialized, Yamaha. Die alte Garde bleibt also stark. Doch Achtung: Avinox (DJI) rollt von hinten an, und wer die Szene kennt, weiß, wie schnell Newcomer etablierte Helden alt aussehen lassen können.
“The customers just want power!” – a phrase you currently hear a lot when discussing increasingly powerful motors. But our data shows this is a convenient myth. Most riders don’t want watt-monsters but motors with character – quiet, efficient, reliable. Reliability is the top priority, closely followed by a natural ride feel. Then comes torque.
Even fans of the new Avinox motor, the current spearhead of full-power motors, confirm this trend: they love power, yes, but with finesse. Their top criterion is maximum torque, of course. But right behind it are ride feel, low noise, and efficiency – the factors that make power manageable. No blind horsepower frenzy in sight.
Demand for power is real, but not standalone; it comes with the expectation that new motors will also become quieter, more efficient and more intuitive. The industry can’t keep hiding behind the excuse of “customers just want power”. The scene wants intelligence, not brute force. Fine tuning, not sledgehammers. Whoever delivers silent, balanced and reliable performance will win the hearts eMTB riders.
Which eMTBs Make You Weak?
Current bike brand
CUBE rule GSA (18.9%), meanwhile Specialized wear the crown internationally (26.2%). Sounds like stability, but if you look closer, the market is shifting.
Which features would be “nice to have” on your next bike?
At the top: bike ride tracking (41.6% / 51.1%). Closely followed by: theft protection, navigation, lighting and yes, USB-C charging again. Apparently you like cables more than expected. Most importantly: everything should work before you roll into the woods.
Which bike brand would you buy next?
Once again, your wish list features Specialized, CUBE, Haibike, and newcomer Amflow with the Avinox motor (DJI), pushing surprisingly far ahead for the reasons mentioned above.
Conclusion: Mature, Critical Yet Still Hungry for Innovation
Once you’ve tasted motorised life, you never leave the eMTB lifestyle behind. The scene has definitely grown up. You know what you want, you question hypes and stay curious. Bosch remain at the top, but names like Avinox, Pinion MGU and Amflow are knocking at their door.
Words: Jonny Grapentin Photos: Julian Lemme
