Paris to Madrid: 2,000 km, 35 Days, 3 Riders on a Sustainable Adventure with AGO X

Travel offers opportunities to explore diverse landscapes and cultures, but it also raises concerns about emissions and their impact on global warming. Traveling by e-bike is a sustainable mode of transportation that produces zero emissions and provides healthy, meaningful exploration for both short and long-distance trips.

Recently, in October, three inspiring eco-campaigners, Sushil, Luis and Elaine, proved that long-distance travel by electric bike is possible with their ride of 2,000 km from Paris to Madrid in 35 days. We are proud that they chose our hybrid electric trekking e-bike, the AGO X, as their trusted partner for this mission.

A journey where sustainability meets adventure

Sushil and Luis had already completed other long-distance journeys around the world to promote the power of electric mobility. For this latest quest, the group wanted a route that was not only scenic, but also meaningful. They chose France and Spain to focus on regenerative tourism, experiencing its communities, cultures and landscapes in a sustainable way. Elaine used her eco-tourism expertise to plan their trip, creating a route that passed through iconic and charming destinations such as Versailles, Fontainebleau, Limoges, Bordeaux, Biarritz, Bilbao, and Santander, with stops at vineyards, small towns, and historic landmarks, while also testing the limits of electric bikes on varied terrain.

Meet the riders

The team all share a commitment to sustainable lifestyles and come from countries with different cycling cultures.

Sushil Reddy, from India, a Guinness World Record holder for the longest journey on an e-bike, has cycled an incredible 11,811 kilometers. He notes that while cycling is growing in popularity thanks to new groups and infrastructure, the country still has a long way to go to become cycling friendly. Drawing on his expertise in clean energy and mobility, he created The SunPedal Ride project that embarks on eco-friendly long-distance challenges.

Luis Fourzan has joined Sushil on several SunPedal Ride journeys, including a record-breaking 7,000-mile e-bike tour across the USA. While cycling is gaining traction in his native Mexico, especially for commuting, long-distance cycling tourism remains underdeveloped. He hopes to inspire others to explore beautiful landscapes by e-bike.

Elaine Ford is from the cycling-friendly country of Scotland, which offers scenic trails around lochs, mountains, castles and coastal routes. A nature enthusiast and founder of Electrek Explorer, she maps electric vehicle travel experiences to help others explore nature sustainably.

Why TENWAYS and AGO X were selected

For a demanding journey spanning 2,000 km from Paris to Madrid, selecting the right e-bikes was critical. The team chose TENWAYS and its AGO X model for a combination of practical and inspiring reasons. Its balance of comfort, power, and range was ideal for tackling diverse terrains and covering long distances day after day. Sushil praised its exceptional comfort and smooth ride, while Luis emphasized the bike’s reliability and simplicity.

TENWAYS, as a brand, resonated with the team’s ethos. Sushil shared, "Tenways has a great vibe as a brand, and their Ago X model, built for comfort, is perfect for spending days on the bike. I love that Tenways, with ambassadors like Pamela Reif, brings an upbeat, accessible fun energy to e-biking!" This spirit of sustainable and joyful exploration aligned perfectly with the riders' mission to embrace eco-friendly travel while savoring every moment of the journey.

How the AGO X performed under diverse challenges 

1. Handling all terrains with confidence

The AGO X excelled across a variety of terrains, from rolling hills in the Basque region to city streets and rugged forest trails. "What’s great about the Tenways e-bikes is how intuitive they are," Luis shared. "They respond smoothly to power level changes, keeping us efficient on vineyards in France or steep climbs at 1,800 meters, the highest altitude we reached." Sushil noted the bike’s adaptability, saying, "With 12 kg of luggage, I could easily adjust assistance levels for steep corners or use lower power on flat surfaces to conserve battery."

2. Reliable motor support for tough conditions

The AGO X’s motor power was a standout feature, helping the riders overcome challenges like headwinds and steep climbs. "In northern Spain, strong winds on open roads would’ve been brutal without the motor assist," said Luis. At the Puerto de Navacerrada, the motor made climbing with heavy luggage manageable, allowing the riders to focus on breathtaking views rather than fatigue. Sushil appreciated the motor’s versatility: "It’s like having a quiet teammate, giving a boost when you need it while still letting you pedal and enjoy the effort." This balanced support conserved energy for long days, turning grueling sections into rewarding experiences.

3. Suspension and seat design that go the extra mile

Long rides often take a toll, but the AGO X’s SR Suntour Lockout suspension and Selle Royal seat ensured a smooth journey. The suspension system minimized bumps on cobblestones and gravel, while adjustable shocks handled heavy loads and uneven roads effectively. "Even on cracked roads and potholes, the suspension absorbed the impact, protecting our luggage and bike frame," Luis explained. The seat offered the perfect balance of firmness and cushioning, enabling hours of comfortable riding without stiffness or soreness. This thoughtful design allowed the riders to stay focused and energized throughout the trip. 

4. Dependable battery for enduring journeys

Battery management was seamless, with quick charging times and removable batteries for convenience. The team maximized range by using lower power settings on flat terrains and higher levels for inclines. "Managing battery life became a fun part of the adventure," the riders agreed. Charging stops often led to friendly interactions, highlighting the community aspect of their journey.

On one occasion in a remote part of Spain, they underestimated the distance between charging spots. "We had to switch to a lower assistance level and pedal a bit harder to conserve battery, but it worked out in the end," they shared. "It’s all about being flexible and planning ahead, but even when you’re caught off guard, the Tenways bikes are efficient enough to stretch out the range when needed."

Long-distance e-biking tips

Based on their experience of e-biking from Paris to Madrid, the team told us how they managed to stay in top form.

Safety was a priority, with helmets worn at all times for protection. They managed battery life carefully, using lower power assistance on easy routes to save energy for climbs. They planned regular breaks in their itinerary to rest and refuel, often at cafes, restaurants or local shops where they could recharge their batteries. And of course, the team made sure their batteries were fully charged at their accommodation each night to prepare for the next day. For more tips, check out our guide to long-distance e-biking.

Choosing an e-bike for travel: key learnings

The team found that the AGO X e-bike made their riding experience more enjoyable, allowing them to sustainably ride long distances without the strain they would've experienced on a conventional bike. This gave them more energy to connect with local communities and stunning scenery.

We hope that Sushil, Luis and Elaine's journey has shown how an e-bike can make dream trips possible without harming the environment. It's also a perfect example of how the AGO X lives up to its description as the Urban All-Rounder; whether you're looking for commuting, leisure or exploration, this groundbreaking ride will get you from A to B in complete comfort.