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Best Electric Bicycle for Touring
Bike tours are incredibly popular ways to travel and have fun while you have some off time. Touring with an electric bicycle increases that enjoyment extraordinarily. Already quite big in China and now Europe, electric bicycles are becoming more everyday bikes worldwide—but they’re also great for touring.
Traveling by bicycle is a feeling like no other. You’re outdoors and there’s a sense of being closer to nature and your surroundings. Electric bicycles increase this wonderful feeling while still giving you the energy to travel and be on your merry way discovering new things and places through your journey.
The main things you should know about electric bikes
What are electric bicycles?
Electric bikes are just that: electric. Also known as e-bikes, electric bikes are bicycles with an integrated electric motor. While every electric bike is different on how they are made and, therefore, work, most e-bikes in the United States have a throttle feature that propels the bike forward. Like motorcycles and motorized scooters work, this throttle is the powerhouse of the e-bike. However, it should be noted that there are some countries where the throttle is not allowed, so pedal assist is therefore needed. Most electric bikes can go up to 20 miles per hour or (if you have pedal assist) however fast you can pedal it.
How reliable are e-bikes?
For the most part, electric bicycles are actually really reliable. A high-quality bike will be fine throughout any bicycle tour, even in crazy temperatures. Most electric bikes are made to withstand temperatures from -15 to +45 degrees Celsius, which is quite a good range. Also, these bikes usually last well even in situations like sandstorms or crazy bumpy trails and roads.
However, we do caution taking electric bikes out in heavy rain, as this has been known to fog up some computer displays in electric bicycles.
How long or far do electric bikes work for?
Now, battery range depends on usage including but not limited to how hard you’re pedaling overall, how hilly your trail is, how windy it is, how much assistance you chose, the bike’s weight, your own weight, the tire inflation, the road’s surface, and the size of the battery. As you can see, a lot goes into finding out how long a battery lasts, or how far you can travel without charging the battery.
A lot of people that tour with electric bikes decide to only use their electricity and power for the hills or when it’s particularly windy. This way, they know their bikes will last for the whole tour. Bikers can also save as much battery energy as possible by coasting downhill and always making sure the gears are in the best gear for their situation or scenario.
How to charge when you’re on the road
Along with a bike tour, you may think it would be hard to find a place to charge your electric bike batteries. However, it’s actually pretty easy. For the most part, people charge their batteries at hotels and places that they stay along the way. You can also recharge at cafes or supermarkets.
For a full charge, it takes about 3–4 hours, depending on what type of electric bike you have, as well as the battery size.
The main benefits of using electric bicycles
One of the best things about electric bicycles is they offer you so much potential and energy while you barely provide effort. It’s great if you have a long day planned while touring and don’t want to overexert yourself. While you still put energy and passion into your riding, much less is needed when using an electric bike.
Electric bicycles are also quite helpful if you’re riding in an area where there are a lot of hills or you’re riding into headwinds. While on a regular bike this would prove to be quite exerting and difficult, electric bikes really help you out. You won’t feel as exhausted after these little trials when you ride an electric bike.
Electric bikes also help you cover much more distance than a normal bike would. Because of the electric motor, you’re able to reach farther and wider, all while providing the same effort you would if you were riding a regular bike.
If you have injuries that have made it harder to ride regular bicycles over the years, such as knee or back pain, e-bikes are a great solution. Because you’re exerting less and using less energy than you would with a regular bike, there are less strain and pressure on your potentially inflamed joints. This makes electric bikes really beneficial to older people as well who may be experiencing arthritis in their knees or body.
Even if you’re not a regular cyclist who enjoys going on tours, e-bikes have been known to convert more than the odd person. Electric bikes are admired by almost everyone, not just regular cyclists. So, if you know someone that wants to start up riding but doesn’t have time—or if you are thinking of starting to cycle more, you may want to consider introducing electric bikes to your lifestyle.
The best electric bikes for touring
Below is a compilation list of the best five electric bikes on the market now. With a detailed pros and cons list to help you discover which bike could be best for you, use this guide to discover just what you’re looking for in a new e-bike.
Made from high-quality carbon fiber steel, this e-bike has a very long lifespan and can be used for up to several years—even if used daily and in harsher conditions than normal. The battery included, a 36V, 10Ah lithium-ion battery, can be removed. Also included is a smart lithium battery charger. Built for more urban commutes, this bike isn’t recommended for harsh terrain, though it is comfortable and comes with an adjustable seat post to fit any height or need. Equipped with front brakes to create a highly safe experience, this electric bike also comes with a horn and an LED headlamp, making it highly capable of night riding.
To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the VEEKO 26” City Electric E-Bike:
Pros
Con
Made from an aluminum city frame, the Addmotor HITHOT Electric Mountain Bike has a range of about 60 miles. Equipped with both throttle riding and pedal assist, this bike performs well and is made for the harshest conditions and terrain. Also added, as an extra, are aluminum alloy spring shock absorbers and a front light that makes it easy to see—and be seen—during any night rides that you go on. This specific model also climbs even the steepest of hills efficiently. Finally, the Addmotor HITHOT comes with a 5-inch LED computer screen that lets you track your trail, how long you’ve been riding, how your bike and battery is doing, along with other helpful features that are good to know when using an electric bicycle.
To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Addmotor HITHOT Electric Mountain Bike:
Pros
Con
The Magnum UI5 Electric Hybrid Bike comes with a built-in USB where you can charge all of your mobile devices through your bike’s battery on your long tour journey. A more affordable electric bike than some other brands, this bicycle is made for both urban commuting and touring in any terrain or area. With a strong 350-watt motor and a 36-volt battery pack, this electric bicycle also offers both throttle and pedal assist. Weighing about 50 pounds overall, the whole bike frame is made of aluminum. For the most part, this bike can last for up to 20 to 30 miles before needing to be recharged.
To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons for the Magnum UI5 Electric Hybrid Bike:
Pros
Con
With a 7-speed entry level, the DJ Mountain Bike Power Electric Bicycle was made for both touring down rural or country roads and commuting to work in a big city. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged either still attached to the bike or removed to charge inside a home, office, or anywhere on the go, the DJ Mountain Bike has a range of 25 –40 miles. The whole frame is made of aircraft grade aluminum and the brakes are Tektro Disc. Finally, the seat is a comfortable cushion that is spring loaded GS-900.
To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the DJ Mountain Bike Power Electric Bicycle:
Pros
Con
The Greenbike USA Electric Motor Power Bicycle can go up to 20 miles per hour and has a range of about 60 miles in one battery charge. Equipped with a Samsung Battery which can be removed to charge, this e-bike was made for regular commuting times as well as long journeys or tours. This specific model also allows for three different modes of riding: regular biking, pedal assist, or only throttle. This can be very effective for long tours where a rider needs to limit the battery usage. A USB connection is also provided with this e-bike, making it easy for you to charge any and all electronic devices (such as cell phones or tablets) while you are on whatever journey you take.
To keep things simple, here are the pros and cons of the Greenbike USA Electric Motor Power Bicycle:
Pros
Con
Conclusion
Every bike here has shown its worth and is considered to be the best electric bikes for touring. However, there is one main winner here: the Greenbike USA Electric Motor Power Bicycle. Overall, this electric bike beats all of the others, hands down. With its high-powered Samsung battery, three available modes of traveling (which make it perfect for monitoring battery usage while touring), and the great equipment it comes with (like a horn and headlights), the Greenbike USA Electric Bicycle is the best possible option for anyone that wants an electric bike for touring. With the ability to have a range of 60 miles without charging, this e-bike can take your long distances in a short amount of time—even in the harshest conditions. Overall, there are just too many positives attributed to the Greenbike USA Electric Bicycle to ignore it for much longer.
