Do you want to visit more places without feeling tired?
E-bikes have created a new way to explore the world as they are a great combination of adventure and convenience that traditional bicycles do not provide.
Here’s what you need to know…
Travelers are moving from rental cars and tour buses towards two wheels and a battery. The numbers tell the story: US E-Bike sales jumped 269% between 2019 and 2022, according to Circana market research.
This is not a trend, it is an E-Bike revolution.
E-Bikes work great in small coastal towns, mountain trails, and city streets. E-bikes make travel comfortable, more fun, and much more memorable.
Contents:
- Why Are E-Bikes The Best For Travel?
- Essential E-Bike Travel Tips
- Battery Management On The Road
- Choosing The Right E-Bike For Your Trip
- Safety Tips Every Traveller Needs
- Wrapping Things Up
Why Are E-Bikes The Best For Travel?
The E-Bikes solve the most common issues when using a traditional bike to travel.
Let’s take a look at the reasons:
Bicycles are often hard to use. Travelling a long distance requires a good level of fitness, hills become obstacles, and the wind an additional challenge. After a few miles of riding, you need to take a shower before you get to your sightseeing.
EBikes change everything, switching to electric.
Understanding what makes e-biking special starts with its pedal-assist technology. A bike motor comes in handy as soon as pedaling becomes challenging. The hills are no longer a problem as the E-Bike flattens the way. Headwinds are also no more. Riding longer distances becomes a real possibility.
This means:
- Travelers cover more distance without feeling tired.
- They arrive at their final destinations feeling fresh.
- They can ride their E-Bikes through the terrain that would be impossible to do on a regular bike.
- Travelers will keep up with their fitter riding buddies.
Research supports this. A study published in Transportation Research found that people riding e-bikes average 5.8 miles per trip compared to 2.9 miles for traditional cyclists.
This is twice the exploration potential.
Essential E-Bike Travel Tips
Planning is essential if you want to get the most out of your E-Bike travels. The following strategies will allow you to make the most of every trip.
Plan Your Routes Around Charging Points
Battery anxiety is real. Many e-bike travelers worry about running out of power before reaching their destination. How do you avoid this? Knowing where you can charge is the solution.
Most cafes and restaurants will let you charge while you are eating. Most hotels will have an outlet available, and in some cities, you will find dedicated e-bike charging stations.
Pro tip: Download offline maps with elevation data. Estimating battery usage is more accurate this way rather than looking at the distance.
Pack Light and Smart
E-bikes are designed to carry extra weight. This does not mean that you can overload your E-Bike. The motor works harder with more weight, and this drains the battery faster and reduces the range. Pack only the essentials and ensure that weight is evenly distributed between panniers.
What should you pack? Have a look at these priorities:
- Charger and cables (essential).
- Basic repair kit
- Weather-appropriate clothing layers
- Snacks and water
- Phone with navigation apps
Research Local E-Bike Regulations
Rules regarding E-Bikes are different depending on where you travel.
In some places, electric bicycles are treated as regular bicycles. In other areas, you might need registration, insurance, or are required to be above a certain age. Certain trails and paths will be off-limits.
Researching this information before you go is going to help you avoid any nasty surprises. Nobody wants their trip to end with an unexpected fine or an impounded bike.
Battery Management On The Road
Battery life and how far an E-Bike can take you are interlinked. Improper management of it will not let you travel far.
Travelers make the following mistake:
Riders set the highest assist from the start. This will drain your battery, and fast, and you are left with nothing for when you really need the motor.
The smart travelers do the opposite.
Use a low assist on flat terrain and save the higher power levels for hills and headwinds. Doing this simple thing can double your range.
Other battery-saving techniques include:
- Maintaining a constant speed instead of accelerating all the time
- Using lower gears when climbing
- Keeping the tires inflated properly
- Pedalling actively. Do not be a couch surfer.
Temperature also plays a crucial role in battery performance. Cold weather will reduce the range significantly. A warm battery holds a charge better. Storing the bike indoors overnight will help maintain the ideal temperature.
Choosing The Right E-Bike For Your Trip
Not all E-Bikes will work for every type of travel. Finding the right e-bike for your adventure is crucial.
City Exploration
When it comes to urban adventures, you will need nimble handling and a comfortable upright position. Step-through frames are easy to mount and dismount when stuck in the traffic. Integrated lights and fenders are designed to handle city conditions perfectly.
Trail Adventures
Off-road exploration requires a more robust build. Fat tires will have better grip on loose surfaces. The higher torque motors will power you through the rough terrain. Suspension systems are used to smooth out bumps and tree roots.
Multi-Day Tours
Long-distance travel requires the maximum range and the most comfortable bike. Larger batteries will extend your daily distances. Comfortable saddles are a must to prevent soreness, and rack mounts are needed to support your luggage.
The bottom line?
Renting an E-Bike locally will work better than traveling with your E-Bike. Rental shops know the area and will match you with the bike perfect for the terrain and conditions.
Safety Tips Every Traveller Needs
EBikes are faster than most people think. This means that they will need to change their safety habits.
Speed Awareness
Pedal-assist allows you to maintain higher speeds effortlessly. Stopping distances will increase with speed, so you should always allow extra braking room, especially when on unfamiliar roads.
Visibility Matters
Cars and trucks underestimate the speed at which E-Bike Riders can travel. They think cyclists will move slower. It creates dangerous situations at junctions and crossings.
Bright colors are the answer. Using lights during the daytime will improve your visibility. Travelers should also make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they have seen the rider.
Helmet Use Is Essential
This should be obvious. However, people tend to skip helmets when riding E-Bikes. They think E-Bikes are safer and more stable than regular bicycles.
Do not do it.
Speeds are higher, and with it, the impact forces in an accident. Quality helmets designed to protect your head at E-Bike speeds will offer better protection than standard cycling helmets.
Insurance Considerations
Travel insurance policies often do not cover accidents with E-Bikes automatically. Some policies will exclude motorized vehicles altogether. Some riders need to add a specific add-on to get E-Bike coverage.
Checking this information before you leave will save you a lot of headaches. The insurance from rental companies is also something to think about.
Wrapping Things Up
Traveling with E-Bikes opens opportunities which a regular bicycle could not allow.
The combination of pedal power and electric assist is the ultimate exploration tool. Travelers will be able to cover more ground, take on more challenging terrain and arrive at their destinations in the mood for an adventure.
Let’s quickly recap this article:
- Plan your routes around charging opportunities
- Pack light to maximize battery range
- Research the local rules before traveling
- Manage your battery properly during your trips
- Choose the bike which will be perfect for your adventure
- Prioritize safety by using all the protective gear and being aware of your surroundings.
The E-Bike Travel revolution is here, and it is here to stay. More destinations will become E-Bike friendly, and the number of rental options will grow. More trails will open up for electric-assisted travelers.
Travelers who embrace the opportunity to ride E-Bikes today are discovering a new way to see the world. The only question remaining is… where will you ride first?