In a country renowned for its efficient cycling infrastructure and flat landscapes, you might be surprised to discover that the Netherlands offers a thriving and diverse eMTB scene. Despite lacking the towering peaks of the Alps or the rugged terrain of the Dolomites, Dutch trail builders have masterfully crafted excellent mountain biking experiences that are perfectly suited for electric mountain bikes.

The Dutch eMTB Revolution

The Netherlands is experiencing an unprecedented boom in electric mountain biking. While traditional bicycles have always been integral to Dutch culture, eMTBs are redefining how riders explore the country's natural areas. According to market data, the Netherlands has one of the highest per-capita eMTB adoption rates globally, with sales continuing to grow at a steady CAGR of 6.31% through 2029.

This surge in popularity has led to significant investments in trail infrastructure, with many regions developing dedicated eMTB routes that cater specifically to the capabilities of electric mountain bikes. Unlike many other European countries where eMTB access can be restrictive, the Netherlands has embraced these bikes with progressive trail policies and clear signage systems.

South Limburg: The Netherlands' Hidden Mountain Bike Paradise

Valkenburg MTB Route

Location: Valkenburg aan de Geul, Limburg
Distance: 25 km
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Battery Range: 1 battery (moderate assist)

South Limburg stands out as the country's premier eMTB destination, offering the closest thing to "mountains" you'll find in the Netherlands. The Valkenburg MTB route winds through the rolling hills and abandoned marl quarries of this distinctive region, featuring elevation changes that are substantial by Dutch standards.

The trail network includes several technical sections carved into the marlstone hills, providing a riding experience unique to this corner of the country. The route incorporates parts of the famous Amstel Gold Race cycling route, adding a touch of prestige to your ride.

eMTB Advantages: Battery power shines on the short but punchy climbs that characterize this area, allowing riders to tackle multiple laps and explore side trails without exhaustion. The Valkenburg route features several designated rest areas with charging facilities, making it ideal for a full day of exploration.

Local Tip: Stop at Bikestore Valkenburg for trail information, minor repairs, and charging. Their knowledgeable staff can recommend route variations based on current trail conditions and your riding preferences.

Brunssummerheide Technical Loop

Location: Brunssum, Limburg
Distance: 15 km
Technical Difficulty: High
Battery Range: 1 battery (high assist on technical sections)

For more technically advanced riders, the Brunssummerheide delivers one of the Netherlands' most challenging eMTB experiences. This compact but intense trail network features steep sandy climbs, rooty descents, and several purpose-built technical features.

The area's unique geology—a result of its former mining history—creates an unusually varied landscape with sudden elevation changes and diverse soil types. The main loop can be extended with several optional technical sections that add both distance and difficulty.

eMTB Advantages: Electric assistance transforms the numerous short, steep climbs from lung-busting ordeals into enjoyable challenges that focus on technique rather than raw power. This allows riders to conserve energy for the technical descents where skills matter most.

Don't Miss: The "Mijnheap" section that climbs and descends an old mining spoil heap, offering both technical challenges and panoramic views of the surrounding nature reserve.

The Veluwe: Expansive Forests and Flowing Trails

MTB Route Posbank

Location: Rheden, Gelderland
Distance: 22 km
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Battery Range: 1 battery (low-moderate assist)

The Veluwe region contains the largest continuous forest area in the Netherlands and is home to some of the country's most beloved eMTB trails. The Posbank route stands out for its combination of flowing singletrack through majestic forests and open heathland sections that offer spectacular views.

What makes this trail special is its perfect balance of natural technical features and carefully maintained flow sections. Recent trail improvements have focused on sustainability, with new drainage systems and hardened surfaces in vulnerable areas ensuring all-season ridability.

eMTB Advantages: The route's length and varied terrain make it ideal for electric mountain bikes, allowing riders to complete the entire network without fatigue. The Veluwe's size means that multiple route variations and extensions are possible for those with extended battery range.

Weather Note: This trail system performs exceptionally well after rain, as the sandy soil quickly drains excess water. However, the open heath sections can be challenging in strong winds, so check forecasts before heading out.

Leuvenum Forest Trails

Location: Ermelo, Gelderland
Distance: 35 km (network)
Technical Difficulty: Low-Moderate
Battery Range: 1-2 batteries (depending on exploration)

The Leuvenum Forest trail network offers one of the most extensive and varied eMTB experiences in the country. With over 35 kilometers of marked trails ranging from beginner-friendly forest paths to more challenging technical sections, it's a playground for electric mountain bikers of all skill levels.

What makes Leuvenum special is its diversity—dense pine forests open up to expansive heathlands, stream crossings add technical challenges, and wildlife sightings (including wild boar and deer) are common. The entire network is well-marked with the international mountain bike signage system.

eMTB Advantages: The extensive network is perfect for eMTBs, allowing riders to explore multiple trail sections in a single outing. Several strategically placed rest areas provide excellent spots for a battery boost if needed, though most modern eMTBs can handle the entire network on a single charge.

Coastal Challenges: Dunes and Beach Riding

Schoorlse Duinen MTB Route

Location: Schoorl, North Holland
Distance: 15 km
Technical Difficulty: Moderate (sand-specific skills required)
Battery Range: 1 battery (high assist)

The coastal dunes of North Holland offer a completely different eMTB experience that tests riders with constantly changing sandy terrain. The Schoorlse Duinen route takes advantage of the Netherlands' highest and widest dune area to create a physically demanding trail with spectacular North Sea views.

Recent trail developments have focused on environmental sustainability, with carefully routed trails that minimize impact on the fragile dune ecosystem while maximizing riding enjoyment. The route features a mix of winding singletrack through pine forests and challenging sandy climbs.

eMTB Advantages: Sand riding is one area where eMTBs truly shine, with the additional torque allowing riders to maintain momentum through sections that would stop conventional mountain bikes. The assistance is particularly valuable on the dune climbs, where loose sand can otherwise make progress nearly impossible.

Riding Technique Tip: For sandy sections, select a higher assist level but lower your tire pressure to 15-20 PSI for improved flotation. The additional motor power compensates for the increased rolling resistance of softer tires.

MTB Spaarnwoude

Location: Velsen-Zuid, North Holland
Distance: 18 km
Technical Difficulty: Low-Moderate
Battery Range: 1 battery (low assist)

Located just a stone's throw from Amsterdam, the recently developed Spaarnwoude trail network has quickly established itself as one of the Netherlands' most accessible yet satisfying eMTB destinations. The contrast of urban proximity and natural riding makes it perfect for after-work sessions or half-day adventures.

The trail winds through a diverse recreation area, featuring a mix of forests, open grassland, and even some surprising technical challenges. Recent developments include several wooden bridges and northshore-style features that add excitement without requiring advanced skills.

eMTB Advantages: The trail's accessibility to urban areas makes it perfect for eMTB commuters who want to add some trail time to their daily routine. The moderate assist requirements mean most riders can complete multiple laps on a single charge.

Urban Connection: This trail connects directly to Amsterdam's cycling network, making it possible to ride door-to-trail from most parts of the city without needing car transport—a uniquely Dutch advantage!

Eastern Technical Gems

Roof of Netersel

Location: Netersel, North Brabant
Distance: 4 km (loop)
Technical Difficulty: Very High
Battery Range: 1 battery (multiple laps possible)

Don't let the short distance fool you—the Roof of Netersel packs more technical features into its 4-kilometer loop than many trails twice its length. Built on a former landfill site, this trail demonstrates the ingenious Dutch approach to creating mountain bike experiences in unlikely locations.

The trail is characterized by extremely steep, short climbs and descents, tight switchbacks, and numerous technical features. It's a skills-focused trail that rewards precise handling and good line choice rather than raw speed or endurance.

eMTB Advantages: Electric assistance transforms this intense trail from an exhausting ordeal into a technical playground where riders can focus on skills development. The short loop length but high technical difficulty makes it perfect for multiple laps, with each pass offering opportunities to improve on challenging sections.

Skills Progression: For riders looking to improve their technical abilities, the Roof of Netersel offers a perfect practice ground. The concentrated nature of the challenges means you can quickly attempt multiple runs at difficult features without long rides between attempts.

Sallandse Heuvelrug

Location: Hellendoorn, Overijssel
Distance: 28 km
Technical Difficulty: Moderate-High
Battery Range: 1 battery (moderate-high assist)

The Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park hosts one of the Netherlands' most diverse and rewarding trail networks. The varied landscape includes some of the country's highest points (by Dutch standards), offering actual mountain-like riding experiences with legitimate climbs and descents.

The trail system includes several interconnected loops with varying difficulty levels, allowing riders to customize their experience. The highlight is the "Bergtop" section that climbs to the summit of the Hellendoornse Berg, delivering a genuinely alpine feel despite the modest 75m elevation.

eMTB Advantages: The substantial climbs on this route make electric assistance particularly valuable, allowing riders to enjoy multiple ascents without exhaustion. The varied terrain is ideal for modern eMTBs with sophisticated suspension systems that can handle both technical sections and high-speed flow trails.

Conservation Note: This trail traverses sensitive heathland habitat. Stay on marked trails and be aware that certain sections may be temporarily closed during bird nesting season (March-July).

Urban-Adjacent Adventures

MTB Route Bikepark Mook

Location: Mook, Limburg
Distance: 12 km with multiple lines and features
Technical Difficulty: All levels (segregated by line choice)
Battery Range: 1 battery (multiple laps possible)

Unlike most natural trails in the Netherlands, Bikepark Mook offers a purpose-built mountain bike experience similar to a ski resort, with trails divided by difficulty level and specific features designed for skills progression. Its location near Nijmegen makes it one of the most accessible technical riding venues in the country.

The park includes green, blue, red, and black lines, with features ranging from beginner-friendly rollers to expert-only drops and gaps. The recent addition of an eMTB-specific climbing trail with moderate gradient and wide turns makes lapping the descents particularly enjoyable.

eMTB Advantages: Electric assistance transforms Bikepark Mook from a shuttle-accessed venue to a self-sufficient riding location where multiple downhill runs can be enjoyed without exhaustion. The dedicated climbing trail is optimized for eMTBs with appropriate turn radii and consistent gradients.

New for 2025: The park has recently added an eMTB fast-charging station at the trailhead café, allowing for a quick 30-minute boost that adds significant riding time for those on newer eMTB models with fast-charging capabilities.

Utrechtse Heuvelrug

Location: Rhenen, Utrecht
Distance: 22 km
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Battery Range: 1 battery (moderate assist)

The City Forests of Rhenen, part of the broader Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, offer some of the most accessible yet challenging riding in the central Netherlands. The trail network benefits from significant elevation changes (by Dutch standards) and varied forest types, creating a surprisingly diverse riding experience.

What makes this trail system special is its blend of natural technical features and carefully constructed trail elements that maintain flow while challenging riders' skills. The sandy soil base creates excellent drainage, making this a go-to option during the Netherlands' frequent wet periods.

eMTB Advantages: The moderate but constant elevation changes throughout the route make electric assistance particularly valuable, allowing riders to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the ride. This trail system is especially well-suited to eMTBs with range-extending batteries, as the numerous interconnected loops invite extended exploration.

Historical Interest: The route passes several WWII bunkers and defensive structures that are part of the Grebbelinie, a historic Dutch defense line. Several interpretive signs provide historical context between riding sections.

Practical eMTB Trail Information for the Netherlands

Dutch Trail Signage System

The Netherlands uses a standardized mountain bike route marking system consisting of rectangular signs with two circles beneath a triangle. Direction changes are indicated clearly, and technical features are generally marked with difficulty ratings. Most routes are bi-directional, so maintain awareness of oncoming riders.

Trail Access and Regulations

Electric mountain bikes are generally permitted on all marked MTB trails in the Netherlands, with few restrictions compared to other European countries. However, be aware of these important guidelines:

• Class 1 eMTBs (pedal-assist up to 25 km/h) are permitted on all trails mentioned in this guide
• Class 3 eMTBs (speed pedelecs up to 45 km/h) are restricted from some trail systems
• Always yield to hikers and equestrians on multi-use paths
• Many trails require a valid MTB Vignette (trail permit), purchasable online or at local bike shops

Best Seasons for Dutch eMTB Riding

The Netherlands offers year-round riding possibilities, with each season providing distinct advantages:

• Spring (April-June): Ideal conditions with moderate temperatures and stunning forest flowers
• Summer (July-August): Excellent for coastal dune riding when inland forests can be busy
• Autumn (September-November): Perhaps the perfect season, with gorgeous colors and tacky trail conditions
• Winter (December-March): Sandy trail systems remain rideable despite wet conditions

Charging Infrastructure

The Netherlands boasts Europe's most developed eMTB charging network, with options including:

• Dedicated charging stations at many official trailheads
• Bike-friendly cafés with charging facilities near major trail systems
• "Fietsers welkom" (cyclists welcome) establishments that often provide charging options

The Xbenbike Advantage for Dutch Trails

At Xbenbike, we've designed our 2025 eMTB lineup with the specific characteristics of Dutch trails in mind. Our models feature:

• Sand-optimized tire clearance for coastal dune riding
• Quick-charge compatibility for trail centers with charging facilities
• Mud-shedding frame designs for year-round riding in the Netherlands' wet climate
• Battery range optimized for the typical 20-35km length of Dutch trail systems

For riders specifically targeting Dutch trails, we recommend our Xbenbike DeltaForce model with its specialized motor tuning that delivers optimal torque for the short, punchy climbs common in the Netherlands while maximizing battery efficiency on flatter sections.

Connect with the Dutch eMTB Community

The Netherlands has a vibrant eMTB community with numerous events and resources:

• NTFU eMTB Tour Series - Organized group rides on premier Dutch trails
• Dutch MTB Facebook Group - Active community for trail conditions and riding partners
• TrailForks Netherlands - Continuously updated trail information and condition reports

Plan Your Dutch eMTB Adventure

While the Netherlands may not have the extreme terrain of other European destinations, it offers a surprisingly diverse and accessible eMTB experience. The compact nature of the country means you can easily experience several different trail systems in a single trip, with excellent transportation links between riding areas.

Whether you're exploring the rolling hills of Limburg, the expansive forests of the Veluwe, or the unique coastal dunes, an electric mountain bike transforms the Dutch riding experience from a pleasant diversion into a genuinely exciting adventure. The country's excellent infrastructure, well-maintained trails, and growing acceptance of eMTBs make it one of Europe's most accessible and enjoyable eMTB destinations.