The BCBR MegaVolt is North America’s premier e-mountain bike (eMTB) festival – a multi-day event that combines racing, riding, and revelry on electric mountain bikes[1]. Now in its fifth year (as of 2025), the MegaVolt has evolved into a three-day extravaganza in the scenic Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, drawing e-bikers of all ages and skill levels. This case study examines the unique format of the MegaVolt festival, its impact on participants, its scale and industry influence, and key performance metrics from the event. Ultimately, we consider whether more e-bike festivals like this should charge up the endurance and biking communities.
A New Format for E-Mountain Biking Events
Unlike a traditional single-discipline race, the MegaVolt is structured as an eMTB festival with a variety of events and activities packed into one weekend. A full festival pass includes five distinct riding events – all scheduled so participants can ride every one of them[2]. These range from competitive races to social rides:
- eMTB Fondo (eXC) Race: a lengthy cross-country style ride (dubbed the “eFondo”) testing riders’ endurance and bike handling over a big loop[3].
- eMTB Enduro Race: a multi-stage “eEnduro” on technical descents, serving as the grand finale of the festival[4].
- OneUp Hill Climb Challenge: an uphill technical contest where riders attempt increasingly gnarly climbs – even scaling a 3-foot rock ledge – cheered (and heckled) by the crowd[5]. This spectator-friendly challenge offers a wild look at what eMTBs are truly capable of.
- Trailforks Adventure Challenge: an orienteering scavenger hunt using the Trailforks app, where riders hunt for trail checkpoints. Each checkpoint earns entries into a prize draw[6].
- Shakeout Ride & Skills Session: a guided group ride to get familiar with the trails and optional skills clinics for eMTB beginners led by pros[7].
Beyond the riding, MegaVolt embraces a full festival atmosphere. Each day features communal meals or après-bike socials, an on-site eMTB industry expo, demo bike rentals, live entertainment, local food trucks, craft beer and cocktails, and quirky touches like the famous “Big Ass Bacon Station” on the trail[8].
Participant Experience and Impact
The MegaVolt eMTB festival has had a noticeably positive impact on its participants, from seasoned pros to first-timers. The event cultivates an inclusive environment where riders of all ages and abilities can participate. The 2025 eFondo race results show categories for Open (elite) riders as well as Masters 40+, 50+, 60+, and even a 70+ age class[9]. Both men’s and women’s divisions were well represented, and beginners were welcomed with orientation sessions and skills clinics to build confidence[10].
Participants consistently report that the MegaVolt strikes a balance between competition and community. Mountain bike legend Elladee Brown remarked that the inaugural MegaVolt reminded her of the first mountain bike races in the late ’80s – low-key, grassroots, and lots of fun. That spirit has carried through to this day. Each day’s rides are followed by lively après-bike gatherings where alumni and new friends swap stories over pizza and local brews[11].
Crucially, the festival format allows everyone to find their own “win.” For some, that means racing for the podium; for others, it’s simply completing all three days and earning the coveted finisher’s belt buckle[12]. Riders who want to go hard will find plenty of tests – like the hill climb challenge’s hardest lines – while those who prefer to take it easy can treat the adventure rides as casual tours.
Scale and Industry Influence
From a humble start in 2021, the MegaVolt has grown into a flagship eMTB gathering. By 2025, it is firmly established as a marquee event in the e-biking calendar.
MegaVolt has attracted a who’s-who of bike industry sponsors. The 2025 festival was “ePowered by Bosch,” and major brands like Specialized and Rocky Mountain were involved – from presenting events to donating high-end bikes as prizes[14]. Component and gear companies such as OneUp, Fox, and Maxxis also supported the event[15].
The local community benefits too. Local shops like Freedom Bike Shop provided service tents and shuttles. Wineries and breweries were integrated into the festivities, creating a strong regional synergy[16]. This reflects a broader industry impact: e-bike enthusiasts are a growing market, and festivals like MegaVolt are key touchpoints.
Performance and Challenges: Endurance Meets E-Power
While E-Biking helps with the climbs, the MegaVolt demands serious performance. In 2024, the Saturday eXC/Fondo race covered 24.5 km with significant elevation gain; top riders finished in under an hour[17]. Some riders added the afternoon adventure challenge and logged up to 50 km in a single day[18].
The eEnduro event tests endurance further. The 2025 edition featured three timed downhill stages totaling 8.5 km of descent. In 2024, it was an epic 25 km course with 12 km of downhill riding[19]. Battery management and physical stamina are crucial.
The event includes safety and logistical support: on-site charging stations, e-bike patrols, medical staff, and scheduled breaks[20]. Organizers even offer pancake breakfasts and bacon stations to keep energy levels up.
Conclusion: Should We Have More E-Bike Festivals?
The BCBR MegaVolt proves that well-designed e-bike festivals are a powerful addition to the cycling calendar. They make mountain bike epics more accessible — and invite a broader range of riders to push their limits, connect with the community, and experience world-class trails in a whole new way.
References
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