Cycling Holiday Advice | E-Bikes
Guidance from our team of experts
E-bike tours are fast becoming popular with those seeking a fun cycling challenge, who like having the reassurance of ‘pedal power’ to support them when needed. There are many benefits to hiring an e-bike over a standard bicycle, making e-bike holidays a great choice for new and group cyclists.
Choosing an e-bike tour can be daunting, especially when - at Freedom Treks - there are over 160 tours to pick from across Europe and Asia! Here, we explain how our e-bike tours work and what to expect on your holiday. We’ve even shared top e-bike tour recommendations based on terrain and ability level. If you have questions about your next e-bike holiday, please call our UK team on +44 (0)1273 224066 and we'll be happy to help!
Why try an e-bike?
Opting to ride an e-bike allows you to cycle in places you might have otherwise avoided because they're too hilly, too far, or you were concerned about keeping up. An e-bike rewards you with the thrill and enjoyment of any cycle ride, with the added advantage that with the press of a button, you’ll have an extra ‘oomph’ of electric power to support you if you are tiring or wish to relax and avoid over-exertion. This makes e-bike perfect for hilly stretches of track and long distances.
Which e-bike tour is best for you?
At Freedom Treks, we are pleased to offer e-bike hire on over 90% of our cycling tours, at picture-perfect destinations that cater to all ability levels. You might consider a culture-packed city-to-city tour, like our Florence to Rome, or want to challenge yourself to a 14-day multi-country voyage such as our Danube River 6 Countries. Perhaps you wish to discover what's beyond Europe and cycle Asia on an e-bike. Spice Trails of Sri Lanka is a popular trip; eight days journeying through a world of temples, elephants, tea plantations and luscious river valleys. We also offer fully guided, 100% e-bike-only tours, that only use electric bikes - perfect for when there are mixed levels of ability within the group.
We organise your trip for you, so you can just enjoy the journey! For some inspiration, take a look at our recommendations below.
Flat and leisurely
Routes will feel easy-going and effortless on these recommended hill-free tours, thanks to your electric bike. You’ll find it a breeze as you roll along flat cycle paths and smooth, bike-friendly roads that often follow beside riverbanks and canals. Faster pedalling is possible on this relaxing terrain, giving you more time to stop and explore along the way.
Gentle rolling hills
The track beneath you softly undulates, and short, gradual climbs are accomplished with ease. Rolling hills no longer seem daunting as they become more accessible with your e-bike’s pedal assistance.
Challenging but rewarding
E-bike tours for more confident and experienced cyclists, these routes are some of our most challenging. Expect longer distances and steeper climbs but the incredible panoramic vistas are truly worth it.
Or call +44 (0)1273 224066
About our E-bikes
E-bike models, weights and speeds vary across the tours we offer, depending on location and availability. Still, these stats can be used as a guide:
- Weight: 20kg to 28kg
- Gears: 5 to 11
- Speed: 12 to 15 mph
If you have any questions about your e-bike for your next cycling tour, please call us on +44 (0)1273 224066
How does it all work?
We will work with you to build your perfect cycling holiday, making sure it ticks all the right boxes and is at a level catered to your ability. Then we’ll package it up for you and give you all the information you need in the run-up to your trip.
FAQs
Common questions about how our e-bike tours work and what you might expect before, and during, your Freedom Treks holiday.
The most common makes and models used on our e-bike tours include Cube, Giant, Scott and Trek. The bike you are allocated on your tour will be subject to availability.
Puncture repair kits are handed to you at the start of your tour, or your tour guide will come prepared.
Accessories differ from tour to tour but pannier bags and bike lights are usually supplied.
Your e-bike will need to be recharged at the end of each day. How this is done differs slightly depending on the kind of tour you're on.
All Boat & Bike tours have charging stations on the boat, so when you return each day, they will be docked while you enjoy your evening. The crew also unload your bike daily, so they're ready to go at the start of every day.
With Bike & Hotel tours, you are provided with a charger and it's your responsibility to make sure your bike is securely stored and on charge each night.
Your battery should last a full day and would only fully deplete if you were continually using the maximum power mode. You can still use the bike without electric pedal assistance, however, we recommend you manage your battery usage by selecting the appropriate mode for riding and you will finish your day with charge remaining.
The good news is that e-bikes are getting lighter. E-bike weights on our tours range from 21kg to 25kg, with a handful of exceptions that are either a few kg heavier or lighter.
The lightest e-bike available is 15kg, supplied on our Japan Shikoku Tour.
The maximum speed for e-bikes in the EU is 15.5mph (25kph). The e-bikes offered by Freedom Treks range between 12 to 15.5mph (20 to 25kph).
Most e-bike tours require riders to be a minimum height of 140cm, although some tours may require a minimum height of 165cm. The rider's height and ability to reach the floor while sitting on the bike will determine whether they can use it, this means children won't be able to use an e-bike.