Categories: Bikes, News, Travel Planning

Let’s talk E-Bikes

by Jessie Beyer - Friday, May 5, 2023

Is an E-Bike right for you?

Things to know before you go

What is an E-bike?

As implied by name, E-bikes are powered by a rechargeable electric battery that supplies power to a motor that gives the bike a nice boost when you pedal. In the simplest of terms, the more you pedal, the more assistance the bike provides.

E-bikes provide greater access to bicycle touring for cyclists who are recovering from injuries (and have not fully regained previous fitness levels), less-experienced riders, and those desiring the opportunity to conquer more challenging tours.

On our European tours we offer two main types of pedal assist E-bikes: E-hybrid and E-road. In South America, we offer E-mountain bikes. All the E-bikes we offer use the same type of technology, but the maximum distance each bike can travel on a fully charged battery differs. Please note: E-bikes are currently not available on Expedition Tours. You can read about exact specifications on our bikes page.

Things to keep in mind when considering an E-Bike:

E-bikes are much heavier than a regular bike and so handle a bit differently.
- E-hybrids and e-mountain bikes weigh around 50-53 pounds and can be more difficult for some riders to mount/dismount, especially when starting/stopping on a hill.
- E-road bikes weigh around 35-41 pounds and are generally easier to manage, however these bikes have a shorter range (see exact specifications on our bikes page).
Due to their weight, e-bikes can be difficult to load and store on our vans. Ideally, you will ride your e-bike from start to finish each day.
When managed conservatively, the average range of a fully-charged e-hybrid or e-mountain battery packs is 75 miles and . The range for e-road bikes is less at only 40-50 miles. The operating range depends on many factors such as the assistance level, gear switching behavior, pedal cadence, route profile, head wind, rider weight, and air temperature.
The E-bike drive automatically switches off if speeds exceed 25 km per hour (15 mph).
Though E-bikes are quiet, the electric motor does produce a light but constant sound.
Riding an E-bike is easy and we offer you instructions at the bike fitting. It may take a day or so to reach maximum efficiency using the pedal assist. However, because these bikes are heavier, they require both strength and balance particularly when mounting, dismounting and traveling at slow speeds. If you have trouble with stability, handling or balance, these bikes are not recommended for you.
Before requesting an E-bike, please try riding one for a full day over a variety of terrain. Many bike shops have E-bikes available for rent.
E-bike rentals are not included in tour prices. Refer to our bikes webpage for current fees.

Interested?

If an e-bike sounds like a good option for you, contact tours@ExperiencePlus.com for details and availability.

Tags: bicycles, e-bikes

Jessie Beyer - Originally from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Jessie headed west for college and never looked back. She earned a Journalism and Technical Communications degree from Colorado State University, and has since worked in a variety of industries including radio, sustainability, and wine tourism. Jessie combines her passion for travel, cycling, and storytelling to help people understand the unique power of exploring the world from the seat of a bike. A self-proclaimed travel junkie, Jessie has found herself on many extended adventures. She spent 2015 exploring many corners of the world including tramping through New Zealand's mountains, cycling through Europe, and hitching a boat ride down the Mekong river from Laos into Thailand. At home in Colorado you'll likely find her singing her way up mountain trails, talking to strangers, and seeking restaurants with patios and Spanish wines.