The ultimate guide to long distance e-biking adventures

An e-bike isn't just good for commuting, it's also a fantastic gateway for exploring the outdoors in a new way. Thanks to its powerful assistance capabilities, it can enable riders to cover similar distances to driving a car, unlike its non-electric counterpart. However, long distance e-bike trips require careful preparation to ensure you feel confident and safe, and have energy and power throughout the ride.

To help you get the most out of your long-distance e-bike adventure, here's an essential guide to route planning, battery management, and the best gear to pack.

Route and distance planning

First, choose your route and the total distance you'll ride, considering how your e-bike's battery life might handle the distance, and whether it might be challenged by any potential hills, wind resistance, or elevation changes. These factors can drain your battery faster than smoother, flatter roads in gentler riding conditions.

Online mapping tools or cycling apps can help you determine distance and terrain, as well as potential charging points along your route, so you can plan how to manage your battery life throughout your trip (our TENWAYS app includes real-time map navigation). Using a physical map is also a good backup in case you lose signal or power.

Boost your e-bike's range with a power bank

Even with advanced planning, you can't predict exactly how your e-bike's battery life will be drained by challenging riding conditions. Taking a power bank with you gives you more flexibility, allowing you to charge your bike's battery and your devices whenever and wherever you want. It eliminates the hassle of finding a place to charge or being stuck with an empty battery, leaving your legs to do all the work!

Remember to always check the compatibility of the power bank with your e-bike battery. At TENWAYS, we offer a power bank that can be used with any of our models.

Other ways to prepare for comfortable long-distance riding

Make sure you have enough fuel and hydration to keep you going throughout the ride. Pack plenty of snacks such as energy bars, fruit, and nuts to keep your energy levels up. Also, make sure you have enough water for the entire trip, or plan your route with convenient refill stops.

Even if the weather forecast looks good, it can change unexpectedly, so dress in layers to avoid being disrupted. Start with a sweat-wicking layer to keep you cool, and bring a lightweight jacket or raincoat.

Pack a small repair kit in case you encounter mechanical problems, such as a flat tire. Bringing a multi-tool, tire levers, spare tube, patch kit, and portable pump could save the day if you run into unexpected problems.

Take good-quality bike locks to secure your bike if it's left unattended.

As with any form of exercise, remember to warm up and cool down at the beginning and end of the day to prevent muscle cramps from interfering with your ride.

Efficient battery use for longer performance

An important part of keeping your e-bike running for longer is understanding how to conserve battery power. Using your pedal assist sparingly can help: opt for low or no assist levels for flatter terrain and reserve the higher levels for climbs and more challenging terrain. Also make sure you're riding at a steady pace, as your e-bike's battery can be depleted more quickly by abrupt starting/stopping, inconsistent speed changes, and rapid acceleration.

You can make decisions about how and when to conserve your battery by keeping an eye on your battery level. For example, if it's low, simply reduce your assistance and pedal with your legs as much as possible.

Stay refreshed with regular breaks

Remembering to take regular recharging breaks throughout the day is essential for getting the best performance out of you and your bike. Long rides can be physically demanding, even with the assistance of an e-bike, so make sure you plan regular stops for refreshments and gentle stretching. This will help prevent burnout and is also a great opportunity to recharge your battery and devices.

Long distance riding inspiration

To give you an idea of the scale of logistics and preparation required for a long-distance e-bike adventure, check out this incredible video by Shaheer documenting his ride from the London Eye to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. He completed this 401 km journey on our very own CGO600 e-bike, highlighting his excitement and challenges while demonstrating the versatility of an electric bike for long distance riding.

Conclusion

Whether you're planning a short weekend trip or an all-day cross-country adventure, an e-bike offers the perfect combination of exploration, exercise and comfort while experiencing great scenery in a sustainable way. With careful preparation, battery efficiency management, and regular breaks, you can confidently tackle long-distance e-bike adventures for truly memorable outdoor experiences.