How to ride in the mountains

1. Give way to walkers

When you meet walkers in the forest, brake and slow down, even to walking pace. It will cost you a second or two. You won't miss anything. "Say hello and build a good name not just for yourself, but for all e-bikers. When you're coming up from behind, let them know you're there, because you don't want to scare them, right?" says professional e-biker and Bosch eBike Systems ambassador Richard Gasperotti.

2. Only ride where you're allowed

An e-bike motor extends your range. Suddenly you can climb places you normally wouldn't, but that raises a question: are you allowed to ride there? Every country has its own restrictions protecting natural monuments, protected areas and nature reserves, and in many cases there is a strict ban on entry that applies not only to motor vehicles but also to bicycles and e-bikes. Check your route in advance, before you end up somewhere bikes (and e-bikes) aren't allowed.

3. Plan your route with range in mind

Most people thinking about buying an e-bike ask about range. Nobody wants to end up far from home with a flat battery, right? Range depends not only on battery capacity but on many other factors. The biggest one is the assist level you choose. On the light ECO mode you draw power from the battery slowly, while on TURBO you can watch it drain before your eyes. Other factors include your weight, how much climbing you do, your tyre pressure and how you use your gears. What matters is getting to know your e-bike, getting a feel for it and planning based on your own experience.

Riders with a Bosch eBike Systems drive can plan their ride with Range Control so the battery lasts all the way to the finish. "Modern chargers are compact and light, so it's no problem to pack one in your backpack. That way you don't have to hunt for charging stations along the way, a standard 230V socket somewhere in a snack bar will do," advises Richard Gasperotti.

4. Think about the descent

Don't overestimate yourself when it comes to vertical metres either. Thanks to e-assist, even less experienced riders make it up to mountain ridges, and then lack the technical skills for a safe and smooth descent back to the valley. Always check that you can make it back down too!

5. Learn to brake with both

You won't notice it on the flat, but off-road, especially on descents, braking technique is crucial. "The rear brake slows you down, but the front provides up to 70% of the braking force. Squeeze it hard at the wrong moment, though, and you may go over the bars. Learn to brake gently, with both brakes at once, and above all in good time," explains Gasperotti. If you want to brake effectively and safely, get an e-bike with a modern ABS braking assistant, which distributes braking force between both wheels and prevents them from locking, which almost always leads to a skid and then a fall.

6. Don't forget to pack

Before every ride, check that your battery and phone are charged and that you have water, or at least a water bottle.

"Save the Czech Mountain Rescue number 1210 in your phone and download the Záchranka app," advises Richard Gasperotti.

"Besides food and a light, your backpack should also include a folding aluminium emergency blanket. It weighs almost nothing and takes up no space, but it can keep an injured person warm or help you out in an emergency if you get stuck in the mountains in the rain or overnight," adds Gaspi.

Plan your route