E-Wanderlust. 

Bicycle touring with an electric bike is a great way to explore the outdoors and comfortably cover longer distances with ease. No need to stress about hills or your pain in the knees. Find adventure, fresh air and trees – It’s time to hit the road & ride as far as you please.

Plan your route

 

Charge battery

First and foremost, it’s important to plan your route carefully while taking into account the range of your e-bike. With an e-bike, you will be able to cover much more distance comfortably than on a traditional bicycle, but you will still need to plan your route and make sure that you will have access to charging stations along the way. A typical range for an e-bike is around 80km – 100km, but this can vary depending on the type of e-bike, terrain, and the weight of your luggage. When it comes to e-bike touring, your days may look like “town to town” rides, and less backroad touring. This is simply to be able to charge the batteries, but you could circumvent this by bringing two batteries with you… just be wary of the additional weight!

 

Type of terrain

When planning your route, it’s also important to consider the type of terrain you will be riding on.

Some e-bikes can handle steep inclines and rough terrain much better than traditional bicycles, but it’s still important to be aware of the challenges that you may encounter along the way. The tires that came stock on your bike might not be suitable for all terrain – if you’re planning on encountering some gravel, consider upgrading your tires to something like the Schwalbe GT365. These tires are the perfect mix of grippy, but fast rolling.

 

Packing and Gear

Another important aspect of e-bike touring logistics is packing and gear. When you’re loaded

with gear, it’s important to make sure that your e-bike is equipped with a rear rack, panniers or a trailer to carry your gear. Also, make sure to pack light, you don’t need to bring everything with you, prioritize the most important items and try to find ways to make them multi-functional. Consider a set of Ortlieb backs to ensure your gear stays dry! Here is a shortlist of “must have” items when considering an eBike tour:

• A reliable e-bike that’s been recently tuned!

• A comfortable and well-fitting helmet.

• A comfortable saddle that you’re prepared to spend most of the day in!

• A clothing and gear for potential weather conditions, including rain gear and warm layers.

• A quality and spacious pannier to carry your gear and supplies, like Ortlieb.

• A tool kit and spare parts for your e-bike, such as an extra inner tube, a pump, and tire levers.

• A reliable and waterproof tent and sleeping gear.

• A camping stove and fuel for cooking.

• Adequate food and water for the duration of the trip. Consider bringing water purification tablets if you find yourself without water, but near a natural spring!

• A first aid kit and any necessary medications.

• A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.

This list is not exhaustive and your needs will change to the specific trip you are going on.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, you can either camp, book a hotel or use a mix of both. It’s important to be aware that some hotels may not have facilities for charging your e-bike, so it’s important to plan ahead and find accommodation that will meet your needs.

 

Laws and Regulations

Finally, it’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding e-bikes in the areas that you will be traveling through. Each country and region has different laws and regulations, so it’s important to research them before you start your tour. If you’re touring from Montreal to Burlington, do your research on laws in the United States regarding cycling on the roads & electric bikes!

 

Conclusion

E-bike touring can be a great way to explore the outdoors and cover longer distances, but it’s important to plan your route, be aware of the terrain and laws, and pack and gear accordingly. With careful planning, you can ensure that your e-bike tour is a success.