New to cycling and can cycle several miles at about twice walking pace on a flat route.
New to cycling. Slow pace with frequent stopping. Flat terrain.
2
Relaxed Touring: can maintain an average pace of about 11-12 mph on moderate terrain.
Rides occasionally. Can ride at a steady pace for an hour. One or two short hills are OK.
3
Touring: can maintain an average pace of about 12-13 mph on moderate terrain.
Rides a few times a month. Can ride at a steady pace for 3 hours. No problem with hilly terrain.
4
Touring Plus: can maintain an average pace of about 13-14 mph on moderate terrain.
Rides regularly. Can ride at a steady pace for 4 hours or a quicker pace for 2 hours. Steeper hills are OK.
5
Fast Touring/Intermediate: can maintain an average pace of about 14+ mph on moderate terrain.
Rides a lot, often over hilly terrain for 2 to 4 hours each ride and, occasionally, all day.
Terrain
Grade
Road
Off Road
A
A basically flat route.
Country roads and smooth cycleways with low hills.
B
A reasonably flat route with a few minor hills.
Bridleways, byways and fields, may be rough and rutted. Some steep slopes.
C
A partly hilly route with no hills being steeper than 10% (1 in 10).
Rough and rutted byways and fields, gravel and rocky tracks with many hills.
D
A hilly route where some hills are steeper than 10% (1 in 10).
Technically difficult with steps, berms (banked curves), jumps and craters. May include steep gradients.
For MTB rides, the rider must consider if their capability aligns to demands of the advertised ride to ensure safety. The extra weight and pace of e-bikes places extra demands on rider skills in relation to agility and breaking, particularly on technical trails.
