Once a rare alternative for those considering a cycling trip, e-bikes are now the most popular bike option at Trail Journeys. Their popularity first rose rapidly in Europe, and now they are spreading out across the world to New Zealand, making cycling trips a viable option for everyone, regardless of their fitness levels.

What is an E-bike?

Many confuse an e-bike with a scooter or electric motorcycle, but they are quite different. An e-bike, or electric bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor that adds a speed boost as you pedal, giving you a helping hand or push to get up hills and achieve longer distances. 

An electric bike has all the features of a regular bicycle, but they are slightly heavier due to the motor. You still need to pedal, change gears and steer. The benefit comes from the addition of an electrical drive system that consists of a battery, a motor, a way to integrate the motor’s power into the drivetrain, and a way to control that power. 

The main advantage of e-bikes is that they enable people of different fitness levels to join a trip together. 

If you aren't comfortable with your cycling ability, upgrading to an e-bike is a great option. If you are new to cycling and cycling holidays, then e-bikes offer you a safety net, so you don’t feel like the odd one out. 

Ideal for families

E-bikes are designed to make cycling easier, meaning that people of all different fitness levels can cycle together and tackle routes that previously would have been too difficult, or simply to cover longer distances. 
They’ve levelled the playing field for families or groups of friends where one rider is fitter than the other, or perhaps someone is recovering from an injury and not quite back to full physical capacity.

Other benefits of e-bikes include:

• Ease of operation: e-bikes are quick to master and make active holidays physically easier without taking away from the adventurous spirit of the trip

• Less joint impact: even though you are still pedalling, e-bikes reduce the impact on your knees and joints as they minimise the strain you get from a regular bike.

• More fun to ride: for many, choosing an e-bike can mean a more relaxed journey where you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings than huffing and puffing

• Bigger ambitions: e-bikes open many travellers up to the world of cycling holidays, or allow cyclists to choose a trip that covers longer distances

Electric bikes do cost a lot more than regular bikes, and require more maintenance, so therefore they cost more to hire.

Talk to our team if you want to learn more about e-bikes or how to rent one for your next cycling trip in New Zealand.