The Etiquette of Mixing E-Bikes And Road Bikes on Group Rides

Group rides used to be a lot simpler. Everyone showed up on the same bike, same fitness level and took off en masse. Cycling looks much different these days. There are electric bikes everywhere, including in your Saturday morning pack ride, probably.

Here's the problem: Most riders don't know how to draft in the pack. Cue ugly pace lines, annoyed roadies and e-bikers who feel marginalized. E-bikes and road bikes CAN mesh on group rides. Here's how... when some basic rules of the road are followed.

Inside this guide:

• Why E-Bikes Are Everywhere Now

• The Pre-Ride Chat Every Group Needs

• Power, Pace & The Hill Problem

• Where E-Bikes Should Sit in the Pack

• Passing, Speed & Awareness

• Becoming a Rider Everyone Wants Around

Why E-Bikes Are Everywhere Now: E-bikes have completely changed the cycling world. 1.5 million e-bikes were sold in the US market in 2025. That's a huge amount, and the demand is still growing. So what's behind the explosion? Here are a few reasons:

• Older riders who don't want to hang up the bike just yet

• Commuters looking for eco-friendly transportation that beats sitting in traffic

• Recreational riders chasing longer adventures with less burnout

• Injured or returning cyclists easing back into the sport

If you're new to pedal-assist (or want to upgrade), your best bet is to stop by your local e-bike shop. They can outfit you with a class 1 or class 3 pedal-assist bike. Those are typically the only bikes insured for club group rides anyways.

FYI: The majority of cycling clubs only permit class 1 and class 3 bikes to attend group rides. Throttle only bikes (class 2) are usually banned because you don't pedal at all.

The Pre-Ride Chat Every Group Needs: This is the most important step... and it gets skipped almost every time. Before your group pulls out of the parking lot, everyone should be aware of... The ride leader must know:

• The pace of the ride

• Whether it is a "no-drop" ride

• Where the regroup spots are

• Whether e-bikes are riding the entire route with the group

If you are riding an e-bike, now is the time to disclose it. Don't hide at the back of the group and sneak in. Just own up. Most groups don't care either way, they just want to know. And what if you are riding your traditional road bike? Don't be that guy harrassing the e-biker at check in. They bought their bike. They are there to have fun riding. Period. Pretty simple, right?

Power, Pace & The Hill Problem: Here is where most mixed group rides fall apart... hills. E-bikers and road bikers travel at virtually equal speeds on flat terrain. Throw in an incline, however, and chaos ensues. Road riders instinctively slow down on climbs. An e-bike rider set to high assist continues powering up at the same pace. E-bike journeys are 21% faster than riding a traditional bike the same distance. When you're climbing, that difference can become even greater. So what is the rule? When riding the e-bike, dial down your assist on the climbs. You should aim to climb at about the same rate as others in the group - not speed away from them. If you happen to get to the top first, stop and allow the group to catch up. Group rides aren't races. They are meant to be done together.

Where E-Bikes Should Sit in the Pack: Position matters way more than most people think. The absolute safest place for you to be riding as an e-biker (particularly if you're new to e-biking) is at the back or middle of the pack. Here is why:

• E-bikes are heavier than road bikes, so they handle differently in tight pacelines

• A surge of motor power can close gaps faster than a rider expects

• Inexperienced riders leading the pack can put all riders behind them at risk

That doesn't mean ebikers can't ever pull at the front. But it is something to work towards. Take a few rides to learn how your group communicates, ride with everyone, gain the trust of the pack before trying to take a pull at the front. If you are unsure, simply ask your ride leader where they would like you. Most will gladly direct you to where they would like you stand.

Passing, Speed & Awareness: E-bikes are quiet, fast, and heavier than they look. That combination can surprise other riders while trying to pass. To ensure everyone stays safe:

• Always call out before passing ("on your left!")

• Give plenty of room when overtaking

• Slow down when approaching slower groups or pedestrians

• Keep your speed sensible on shared paths and greenways

This isn't courtesy. This is self preservation. A surprise move to pass at 25mph will cause a pileup that cripples half your group. Ride predictable.

Becoming a Rider Everyone Wants Around: Want to be the rider that gets invited back? Fact is it has nothing to do with what bike you ride. It's all about attitude. The guys that earn respect from any group:

• Hold a straight line

• Use their hand signals

• Don't half-wheel the rider next to them

• Wait at the top of climbs

• Help out with mechanicals

• Show up on time

Check off those six items and you'll be accepted on just about any group ride... even if it's an e-bike.

Final Thoughts: Allowing ebikes and road bikes on group rides is not the issue. Poor etiquette is. If everybody talks before the ride, pitches it right on the climbs, sits in the proper position, and rides predictably, then the group ride goes smoothly. Okay, here's a quick refresher:

• Talk through the ride pace before rolling out

• Drop the assist level on climbs and regroup at the top

• Newer e-bikers should sit at the back or middle

• Call out passes and ride predictably

• Be the rider you would want to ride with

Cycling is booming, green transportation is on the rise, and there is room on the road for everybody. The future of group rides includes both types of bike. The clubs that figure out how to make the mix work are the ones that will continue to flourish. So get out there, set the ground rules, and enjoy the ride.