What is an e-bike cycling holiday?
An electric bike cycling holiday doesn't fundamentally differ from riding a traditional bike. Pedalling remains a significant part of the journey, and the daily stages usually take a similar amount of time (unless turbo mode is engaged!). However, the advantage of an electric bike lies in requiring less effort, allowing for a more spirited tour, conquering challenging terrains like Tuscany's long climbs, or extending the ride with assistance from the motor.
Crucially, an electric bike enables riders to keep pace with faster family members or fellow cyclists, fostering a more enjoyable experience for everyone. On cycling holidays or local rides, keeping a group together can be a challenge. E-bikes bridge this gap as slower riders on e-bikes can outpace those on standard hybrids, ensuring everyone stays together.
While there's an initial cost difference between an electric bike and a hybrid, investing in an e-bike for a cycling holiday can be highly rewarding. Especially for those new to consecutive days of cycling or embarking on a European cycling adventure for the first time, hiring an electric bike is a worthwhile consideration, enhancing the overall experience and making the journey more accessible and enjoyable.
Are e-bikes good for cycle touring?
Electric bikes are a game-changer for touring, offering several hiring benefits. The standout advantage is the pedal-assist feature, enabling riders to cover greater distances than even top-quality hybrid touring bikes. Tackling hills becomes more manageable, a factor that often deters people from embarking on cycling holidays. With enhanced battery life, detailed ride statistics, and premium components, e-bikes have become the go-to choice for many cycling enthusiasts on holiday.
Thanks to luggage transfer services, carrying daily essentials becomes more manageable, although having a pannier and handlebar bag is recommended. An electric bike significantly eases the strain of any additional weight, enhancing the overall touring experience. Plus, the shared effort between the rider and the bike enhances the enjoyment of the cycle tour. E-bikes are now a common inclusion in most cycling holiday packages, and their popularity continues to soar with each passing season.
How far can you ride an e-bike in a day?
The electric bikes we feature on most of our holidays are sourced from top brands like KTM from Austria or VELO DE VILLE from Germany. These bikes are specifically designed to offer support while pedalling through the pedalec assistance method. It's important to clarify that they aren't mopeds or motorbikes and don't do all the work for you.
A well-maintained electric bike equipped with a high-capacity battery allows for approximately 120 km of riding. Typically, you'll need to recharge the removable battery at least every two days during an 8-day cycle tour on relatively flat terrain.
The key consideration is finding the right balance between power usage. Turbo mode offers significant assistance but can drain the battery faster. It's advisable to avoid using turbo or sport modes continuously to preserve battery life, although they do enhance the riding experience. Opting for Eco mode and managing the gears efficiently extends the battery's lifespan. Once you reach 25 km/h, the motor disengages, and the bike operates solely on manual pedalling.
What are the best destinations for an e-bike holiday?
The answer is straightforward—most cycling holidays are compatible with electric bikes. Italian cycling holidays for example, specifically in Tuscany or Piedmont, feature rolling hills and extensive climbs, making them particularly suited for e-bikes.
The motorised assistance significantly enhances overall holiday enjoyment, especially in high temperatures and when ascending mountain passes. However, it's not limited to hilly areas; windier regions like Portugal, Denmark, or the Netherlands can pose challenges, especially when cycling against strong headwinds.
While the Danube Cycle Path ranks among Europe's most popular routes, many cyclists opt for rented e-bikes or bring their own. With an electric bike, covering 100 km per day is feasible, allowing a relaxed yet energetically fulfilling ride from Passau in Germany to Budapest in Hungary along the Danube.
Your riding style, landscape profile, and break frequency impact the experience. An electric bike also offers a fun way to explore a cycling holiday destination.
Is an electric bike just for seniors?
This is a common question, often followed by the favourite, 'Isn’t riding an electric bike cheating?' The answer to both is a firm no. Electric bikes indeed offer an easier ride, especially for those facing challenges with longer distances. However, there's a growing trend of commuters, electric mountain bikers hitting the trails, and individuals opting for high-quality electric bikes over cars.
Using an electric bike on a cycling holiday holds the advantage of experiencing it firsthand for a week. Many find themselves considering an investment in an e-bike upon returning home. After using an electric bike extensively for 7 or 8 days during a holiday and discovering its capabilities, reverting to a standard bike for a future cycle tour becomes a tough choice.