In recent years, the growing demand for electric bikes (e-bikes) has transformed the way people explore and exercise, so much so that many tour operators are now adopting electric bike tours alongside traditional bike tours.
In this short guide, we’ll delve into the details of e-bike tours in Europe, covering the surge in popularity, the best e-bikes for touring, where to go depending on the sort of bike tour you’re looking for and what you might need on the trip.
Rise of the E-bike
The electric bike market in the UK has seen a significant surge in recent years, with more people opting for e-bikes for commuting, leisure, and touring. According to recent statistics, the UK e-bike market has experienced a notable 180% increase in sales over the past 5 years.
Whilst the market has slowed with the cost-of-living crisis it is expected to continue with this growth trajectory in 2024, reflecting the growing popularity of this eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation.
What to expect on an e-bike tour?
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or new to bikes, when embarking on an electric bike tour, there are specific benefits and unique experiences that you can look forward to. Here’s what you can expect:
Ease of riding
For those daunted by their level of ability and fitness, the key benefit of electric bikes is the powered assistance, making pedalling effortless and allowing riders to easily traverse different terrains, even uphill. Additionally, different resistance levels can be deployed allowing you to tailor the level to your capabilities and ride in a group of varying levels.
Extended exploration
With the assistance of an electric bike, you can cover a larger distance in a shorter timeframe. Best suited to those wanting to explore and diversify their trip, taking in stunning views as well as cultural sights and attractions along the way.
Environmental sustainability
As awareness for the environmental impact of travel accelerates, people are choosing electric bikes, rather than other transport to reduce their carbon footprint. For conscientious travellers, travelling by e-bike, although a little slower than by car, offers a more sustainable alternative to getting around.
Knowledgeable guides
If planning routes puts you off many e-bike tour operators often provide experienced and knowledgeable guides who will lead you through the tour. Not only can they share interesting stories, historical facts, and local insights about the places you visit but you can rely on the broader local knowledge of suitable stopping and charging points.
Closer to local culture
Electric bike tours can help take you off-the-beaten-track more easily, exploring smaller paths that are not easily accessible by traditional vehicles. Riding through rural pastures, vinyards, mountain valleys and old town alleyways, allows for a more immersive and authentic cultural experience, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of locals.
Social connections
Cycling with a group is a great way to meet like-minded travellers and share experiences. It’s an opportunity to connect with fellow riders that share your passion for electric bike travel and create lasting memories together.
Best E-bikes for Touring
Selecting the right e-bike for touring is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Considerations include battery range, motor power, comfort, and overall durability. Some notable e-bike models that are well-suited for touring include:
Riese & Muller Superdelite Mountain Rohloff:
Budget: High-end (£9,339)
Full-suspension e-tourer, for riders seeking a high-performance off-road experience.
Powerful motor system
Premium build quality for longevity
Seamless electronic gear system for low maintenance shifting.
Dallingridge Malvern:
Budget: Low-end £1,349
Practical performing e-bike at an affordable price.
Great for hill-climbing
Sportier style riding position
Comfortable design including saddle, suspension fork and ergonomic grips.
Riese and Muller UBN 5 Touring:
Budget: Mid-range at £4,909.
For lightweight touring and city riders
Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0:
Budget: Mid-range at £3,500
A solid choice for on-road touring combining power, practicality and comfort.
Powerful motor assistance.
Decent battery range.
Bright and clear display system
Integrated front and rear lights, a rear rack, and full-length fenders, ideal for light touring.
Haibike SDURO Trekking:
Budget: Mid-range at £3,399
Tackles challenging terrain well this bike is a strong choice for extended rides.
Versatile set up for touring and everyday use.
Great battery life
Robust build with strong motor and substantial front suspension.
Where to go on an e-bike tour in Europe?
Depending on what your touring preferences are we’ve divided our list into segments offering different types of bike tours across Europe.
Best E-bike Tours for Sightseeing
Exploring Europe’s cities and historic landmarks on an e-bike provides a unique and enjoyable experience. E-bike tours for sightseeing often cover iconic landmarks, city parks, and historical sites. Some popular destinations for city-based e-bike tours include:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Famous for being a friendly city for cyclists Amsterdam is an ideal choice for exploring historic landmarks by e-bike. Enrich yourself with information from iconic historical figures at the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House. The 400-year-old canal district is a starting point to peddle past picturesque bridges and narrow boats alongside well ridden waterways.
Paris, France
Navigate romantic, cobbled streets of Paris on an e-bike, glide over bridges, alongside the river Seine. Spot key sights in a short time frame as you motor past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Florence to Rome
This city-to-city tour through the Tuscan countryside is a popular choice for cultural enthusiasts. World renowned sights can be ticked off in numbers on this route passing Ponte Vecchio, in Florence, Assisi (home of Francis of Assisi), the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and Vatican City in Rome.
Best E-bike Tours for Hill Climbs
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, e-bike tours in mountainous regions offer the perfect blend of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. Some notable destinations for mountain climbs on e-bikes include:
Alpe d’Huez, France
An infamous Tour de France favourite, the climb up to Alpe d’Huez takes in 21 bends and an average gradient of 5-6%. Perhaps out of reach for many on a traditional bike, you can follow in the footprints of cycling legends, taking this route at a more friendly e-bike pace.
Passo dello Stelvio, Italy
Climbing the Stelvio Pass on an electric bike allows you to take in the stunning peaks, glaciers and surrounding alpine landscape. This route involves endless hairpins and switchbacks to test your resilience and stamina.
Pico de Veleta, Spain
Renowned as being the hardest bike climb in Spain the Pico de Veleta is an obvious choice to take on an e-bike. The climb begins in Granada and covers approximately 43 kilometers with an elevation gain of 2,700 meters. With the average gradient hovering around 6%, for e-bike riders, crank the setting to easy and push on to the summit at a sensible speed.
E-bike Tours Off the Beaten Track
For those who prefer to venture off the beaten path, there are e-bike tours that explore lesser-known regions, offering a more immersive and authentic experience. Some examples of off-the-beaten-track e-bike tours include:
Porto to Lisbon, Portugal
The Atlantic Road connects the two major cities of Porto in the north of Portugal, travelling south to Lisbon. The route takes you through charming coastal towns and a number of famous beaches, Ericeira and Cascias. The journey takes about 8 days travelling between 80-100km per day. Taking an e-bike you’ll be flying up the rugged hills and cutting through the coastal headwinds with ease.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Atlantic Road connects the two major cities of Porto in the north of Portugal, travelling south to Lisbon.
This scenic route spans approximately 2,500 kilometres along the rugged western coastline, treating cyclists to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesque villages, and traditional Irish landscapes. Pedal pass historic sites such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the iconic Connemara National Park.
Dalmation Coast, Croatia
With the Adriatic Sea on one side, this coastal route takes you along lesser-known paths exploring the Croatian culture and countryside. Visit the ancient towns of Split and Dubrovnik and pass by awe inspiring islands such as Hvar.
Best E-bike Tours in the UK
For those with limited time, short e-bike breaks offer a quick and rejuvenating getaway. These tours often focus on specific regions or themes, providing a condensed yet fulfilling experience. Some examples of short e-bike breaks include:
Cotswolds, UK
Steeped in history and with quintessential British charm, you can explore these rural roads with a whistle stop weekend tour. Travel through these iconic English towns; Moreton-in-Marsh, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stow-on-the-Wold and Cirencester taking in rolling countryside with historic architecture.
Highlands, UK
The Great Glen Way is a well-known coast-to-coast route stretching 75 miles from Fort Willium to Inverness. It follows the Great Glen, a series of glens filled by lochs that are linked by the Caledonian Canal. Cruise alongside the canal path taking in the wilderness and wildlife of the highlands, passing by the iconic Loch Ness.
What to plan for an electric bike tour?
When preparing for an e-bike tour, it’s essential to ensure you have the right equipment and essentials to guarantee a safe and enjoyable trip. Here’s what you should consider:
Equipment:
– E-bike, consider luggage restrictions if transporting via plane
– Spare battery
– Toolkit
– Puncture repair kit
– Water bottle
– Bike lock to secure your bike when necessary.
– First aid kit
– Back-up charging capabilities
Travel:
Choose a navigator for your tour and be sure to plan your route beforehand. Research the distance, different terrain and elevation changes. Carry a GPS or map to navigate, and a mobile phone for emergencies.
Luggage:
Opt for lightweight and waterproof panniers or saddlebags to carry essentials like clothing, food, water, and toiletries. A handlebar bag or backpack can also come in handy for storing smaller items. Consider luggage requirements if transporting your bike. Airlines will need these to be packed in a secure bike bag and additional charges will be incurred.
If undertaking a long-distance tour, consider a bike trailer for extra storage capacity. This enables you to carry camping gear, cooking equipment, and additional supplies.
Weather:
Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for hot weather, as well as waterproof clothing, warm layers, and gloves for colder or wet conditions. Particularly relevant for mountain climbs as weather can change rapidly and dramatically at altitude.
Clothing:
Choose comfortable and moisture-wicking clothing suitable for cycling. Don’t forget a helmet, specialist cycling shorts/pants, and appropriate footwear. Bring layers to accommodate changes in temperature.
Accommodation:
Booking accommodations in advance is recommended to ensure they are e-bike friendly and can accommodate your specific requirements, especially secure storage for your bike. Some places provide charging facilities for your bike battery as well.
Security:
Carry a sturdy bike lock to secure your e-bike whenever you leave it unattended. Some tours may provide secure bike parking arrangements, but always have your own lock as a backup.
Insurance:
Check if your insurance covers any accidents or damage that may occur during the trip. If not, consider purchasing travel or bike insurance for additional protection. Cycling travel insurance should include medical expenses, cancellation, personal accident, delayed, lost or stolen baggage and sports equipment.
Get Cycling Travel Insurance with SportsCover Direct
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Bee Ingram
Content Writer for SportsCover Direct
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.