Touring with Electric Bikes - Charging, Navigation and Safety

Keen to go touring with your electric bike and want to know how the experienced riders manage it? For EBB's Adventure & Touring Open Day we canvassed the questions people most wanted to know about in advance. With the help of our special guests, Linda Cash (@agirlandherebike), Andrew Hopper (@ebike_andy) and our very own Sam Willis, we  answered the most frequently asked questions about touring with ebikes. 

Read on and see the videos for answers on each of the most commonly asked questions, which revolved around the themes of charging, navigation and safety. 

Q1: When touring with electric bikes, how do you manage range and charging particularly when you get into difficult or more remote areas?

Hear what Sam, Andrew & Linda recommend, including how Linda uses her "gypsy caravan" on long tours.

Q2: Where is the best place to get ideas on cycle trails and riding routes?

Andrew, Linda & Sam share what resources they use to get started and to help plan their cycling trips.

Q3: What are the best apps and tools to use for planning and navigation? 

Linda, Sam & Andrew talk about the apps and tools they use (which are available to us all).

Q4: How do you prepare so to minimise risk breakdowns and ensure safety while touring?

Sam, Linda and Andrew talk about what they take with them and how they prepare

Best Touring E-Bikes to Buy

Our best touring ebikes fall into the following categories:

• The classic adventure ebike - long distance, all-terrain capable, and comfortable. Depending on the riding you plan to do and your preferences for ride feel and maintenance, you have the options of dual suspension or hardtail; belt drive or chain; internal gearing or derailleur; single battery or dual battery or dualbatt-capable (range extenders available). 
• Gravel ebikes - lightweight and fast-paced and able to be kitted out with bikepacking luggage if you plan to carry gear.
• E-Mountain bikes - built for mountain biking, however, some models can also make great tourers. Certain hardtail and dual suspension eMTBs are able to be fully equipped with rear rack, lights, kickstand etc for touring.
• Folding ebikes - compact and easily stored in a vehicle. These provide a handy option for exploring the local area when you stop. 

What makes a great adventure and touring ebike? If you aren't sure and want to learn more about the technology that matters, see our Ultimate Buyers Guide.

Tools to Help You Choose

If you are planning to get yourself an ebike for exploring and touring and you would like our help to narrow the options from our range we have a handy 'EBikeFinder' tool you can use.

We also offer test rides and you can book your test ride appointment here if you already have a couple of ebikes picked out that you want to try.