Close your eyes and picture it now: The wind is blowing through your hair as you float along the Mediterranean coast, the sun is warming your cheeks, and the salty sea air is landing on your tongue. No, you’re not pedaling until you’re out of breath (thank goodness!), but you’re not zipping on a Vespa either … you’re cruising on an e-bike!
What Is An E-bike?
An electric bicycle, or an e-bike (as the kids call it), is a bicycle that has both a battery and a motor that helps you go faster and further than a regular bike — with much less effort.
They’re very popular to rent in cities like New York or Washington D.C. for commuters, but they’re also a great option for tourists in all sorts of places, especially in Europe, where slopes are steep and the terrain can be challenging.
They’re generally allowed on bike paths, shared trails, and scenic routes, though regulations can vary — especially in places like Switzerland. Be sure to check local rules before you set off! And never fear, anytime we include e-biking, we’ve already checked the rules…
Some e-bikes can go nearly 30 miles per hour (if you hit high speeds, don’t worry, the dramatic windblown look is always in fashion), but they can also be an easy and relaxing way to take in the sights on your next trip without expending too much energy. Sometimes on vacation you just want to relax and— not reenact the Tour de France (we get it).
How Do I Use An E-bike?
E-biking might seem daunting if you’ve never tried it before, but it’s simpler than you think. If you learned to ride a bike in your driveway as a little kid, then you’ll do just fine!
To get started, you can pedal an e-bike just like you would any old regular bike. Once you’re comfortable and feel in control, you can switch on the motor, sit back, relax, and enjoy a smoother ride.
Some e-bikes have a throttle on the handlebars that fully controls the speed. Use your thumbs as you would with a handbrake to control how fast you go and brake as usual.
Others pick up speed with some pedaling assistance. When you start pedaling, you’ll engage the motor and the battery, and away you go. The harder you pedal, the faster you’ll go, but e-bikes don’t go as fast as motor vehicles, so don’t be scared about losing control. Just keep your eyes on the road and your hands secure (and may we suggest sunglasses?)
Try One On A Yoga Adventure
If you’re with us on a Yoga Adventure in Italy or France, you’ll get the chance to soak in the experience on an e-bike — and save your endurance for the yoga. Because who wants to show up sweaty to cute little towns and weekday markets?
In Italy, you’ll get to know the Roero by hopping on an e-bike and enjoying the rolling vineyard hills and tiny (very tiny) local stops we make en route to a charming weekly produce market. The bikes may not be 100% local, but the scenery and the stops are.
In France, you’ll e-bike uphill (and here’s where you’ll be so thankful to the e-bike’s motor!) to the ancient and stunning Les Baux-de-Provence, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France (for good reason). You’ll stroll the village, ancient and slightly less ancient, and rest assured the amazing view will be enjoyed without wobbly legs from this mountaintop in the Alpilles.
Keep It Fun, Keep It Safe
As with a normal bike, wearing a helmet is required (especially since e-bikes can go a bit faster) and you need to obey all traffic laws if you choose to ride on an active road. You’ll want to maintain a safe distance from nearby riders but close enough not to lose the group.
We’re big fans of e-bikes and encourage you to try one out if you never have. While we offer the choice to take a car on most routes, e-biking through Italian villages or the French countryside is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we highly recommend. Compared to regular biking, your legs will thank you and – It’s also just a blast!