Bicycle touring, as a form of travel, has always been one of the best ways to discover a country, especially if done long distance. Bicycling differs from traveling by car or train in that you get to experience a landscape, a culture or a local community at a slower and more personal pace. Riding a bike from one place to another, however, has its own set of problems, including enduring fatigue, tackling difficult hills, dealing with the weather, and the constant need to monitor energy usage over long distances.
Which is why I opted to buy a speed ebike and embark on a journey across Europe. Initially an experiment, it’s turned into one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. I found myself cycling hundreds of kilometers across Germany, Austria, Hungary and other neighbouring regions to see that the speed bike is making what is possible for adventure cyclists possible.
If you are thinking about taking an electric tour around Europe, here are some things I learned.
Why I Chose a Speed Ebike
For months prior to the trip, I researched bicycles that would be able to handle long-distance riding. I had done some touring before on conventional bikes and liked the challenge but this would be different. My route involved passing through the mountains, rural areas, and distances of 80-120km a day.
A touring bike would definitely be able to make that trip, but the physical requirements were going to be quite challenging, particularly with all the bags, tents, spare clothes and equipment. What I wanted was a solution that enabled me to travel more but still have fun along the way.
This prompted me to speed e-bikes. Unlike regular e-bikes, speed e-bikes are engineered to reach greater levels of assistance, normally up to 28 mph (45 km/h, contingent on neighborhood regulations). They do not take the place of physical action but complement it. It’s still pedaling, but the motor helps out when it needs it, most particularly on climbs, a headwind and on long days in the saddle.
I learned how helpful that support was after only a couple days on the road.
Covering More Ground Without Burning Out
The greatest benefit of a speed bike is that it decreases fatigue.
With a traditional touring bike, sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice distance for enjoyment. Work too hard or you get to the destination too tired. Don’t worry; you might not get where you want to go.
In finding a balance between efficiency and adventure, I found a speed ebike. I can easily ride longer distances without becoming exhausted and still have the time and energy to visit attractions, go to the city and have dinner at an evening restaurant.
This proved particularly beneficial when traveling to multiple countries. I could enjoy the scenery around me rather than the physical fitness that I was trying to achieve over a whole day’s training. I didn’t have to keep saving all my energy for driving and all the other things, so it was more fun on the forest roads in Germany, on the riverside paths in Austria, and on the quiet country roads in Hungary.
Effective management of battery range.
The most common question I was asked on the trip was:
“So, what is the battery like?”
Managing Battery Range Effectively
I was able to average 120 to 150 km on my speed bike with all terrain, rider input and assist. When I was in flatter areas, I have often gone beyond the expectations. Ranges naturally decreased in mountainous regions.
As I gained experience, I formed some habits that made it easy to manage batteries:
- Turn on Eco mode as much as possible.
- Use higher levels of assist on a climb and strong headwinds.
- Charges during meal breaks, when outlets are available.
- Use a universal power adaptor.
- Do not allow batteries to become less than 20% charged.
- Most range anxiety was eliminated by these simple practices. After the first week, I knew exactly how much I could do on a charge and when I should plug in.
The expanding eBike infrastructure in Europe.
The other good thing was the readiness of Europe to accept electric bicycle travel.
In most of the continent, bikes are provided great facilities. Long-distance touring is very convenient thanks to dedicated bike routes, signage, repair stations, and bike-friendly accommodations.
One was the EuroVelo network which was quite amazing. These paths link several countries along good quality bikeways and offer access to towns, cafes, hotels and charging stations along the way.
Plenty of lodging have been creating a welcoming environment for those traveling with an eBike. More and more hotels, guesthouses and campgrounds offer charging stations as an amenity. In a few instances I was told to find places to charge without being asked.
This expanding network makes cycling tourism much easier for tourists.
Conquering Mountain Passes
The highlights of the journey were the mountain experiences.
Those who have been up an alpine pass on a loaded touring bike are well aware of the exertion required. Additional luggage and long slopes can quickly deplete energy.
Those climbs were not too much of a daunting task on a speed e bike.
The motor assistance didn’t remove all of the effort but it did make things a little less intense so I could keep a pretty constant speed going. I didn’t dread each of the steep sections, as I looked forward to the views at the tops.
As well as the physical benefit, there was a psychological one. The fact that I knew that I could use electric assistance meant that the stress and insecurity I felt was reduced, especially on roads I didn’t know.
Some of the best times were actually after the climbs… The journey down the alpine valleys with all its scenic attractions was an unforgettable experience. It was hard to find a lack of freedom.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
No journey is without its twists and turns, and all journeys are instructive.
If I was going on another long-distance ebike ride, I would make a couple changes.
I’d take a light weight range extender battery. I didn’t ever have a shortage of power, but if I had more would give me more flexibility for a trip I could not have planned out for, or for some days I wanted to go really hard.
Second, invest more in protecting the battery and electronics from the weather. European weather is unpredictable, particularly in the mountains, and it’s nice to have extra coverage.
Third, I would increase the number of rest days. With a fast speed ebike some people can be tempted to ride too far. Occasional breaks will enable to enjoy destinations instead of just passing by.
Could Speed Ebikes be the future for touring?
Upon returning from my European tour, I think speed e-bikes have found their niche in the world of adventure cycling.
They aren’t meant to replace the traditional touring bikes, and that’s okay. The simplicity and physicality of traditional touring is popular with many cyclists. For those seeking longer distances, steeper hills, and less fatigue, speed e-bikes present an attractive option that doesn’t compromise on the essence of cycling.
They make long-distance cycling more accessible to more people, such as older cyclists, ex-cyclists, and those who don’t have as much time as they want to spend on long trips.
Most importantly they enable people to concentrate on less endurance and more exploration.
Final Thoughts
I had no idea how much of a difference a tour of Europe on a speed ebike could make in my attitude towards travel by bike. It enabled me to travel farther, explore more difficult terrain and visit each place with plenty of energy left over.
Technology has developed, batteries are growing more efficient and bicycle infrastructure more accommodating to e-bike use. If you are thinking of your next big ride, a speed ebike is not a risky option anymore. It’s an active and interesting travel method.
From reaching new heights of inspiration to navigating mountain passes or just exploring new terrain at your own speed, a speed ebike can make these dreams come true. The road doesn’t change, but the trip gets easier, funner and more memorable.
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