What’s an ebike?
At first glance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between and ebike and its traditional cousin, but look a little closer and it all starts to make sense. Cleverly hidden around the bike’s body are motors and batteries designed to give riders a little extra assistance. You still have to work the pedals, but the onboard aids make it easier to travel further and tackle ascents that would have been out of reach if cycling purely under your own steam.
Where can I ride an ebike?
Anywhere you could ride a normal one. Ebikes come in all shapes and sizes, from full-suspension off-roaders built for berms, banks and rocky jumps, to comfortable tourers more at home on smoother surfaces. You might choose to take one to one of our stellar mountain bike centres, utilising the motor on the uphill stretches so you can conserve your energy for blistering downhill runs.
Or if you’ve been inspired by Geraint Thomas’ Tour de France-winning performances but lack the legs and lungs for similar feats, an ebike can take you to new heights. With a motor taking up some of the strain, even comparatively novice cyclists can experience the thrill of climbing through the steep passes of Eryri (Snowdonia) and Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) - before enjoying equally thrilling descents down twisting mountain roads. Check out the Eryri (Snowdonia) 360 road route for inspiration to explore the wonders of North Wales by ebike.
Where can I try ebiking?
You’ll find ebike hire centres across the country, offering a range of different cycles and experiences. Ebike Hire North Wales, based in Mold, provide tourers designed for exploring the region’s roads and trails. It’s the ideal jumping off point for a spin through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty made up of moss-coloured hills, limestone cliffs and heather-flecked moorland.
Further south, explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - the only fully coastal National Park in the UK. A journey along quiet, traffic free trails between Haverfordwest to the pretty marina at Neyland is perfect for cyclists of all abilities, offering up a stunning selection of sea views, plus plenty of cafés and picnic places for well-deserved pitstops.
For a more intense experience in Pembrokeshire, Hidden Routes provide a variety of e-mountain bike tours with experienced guides so you can choose your pace. From slow and steady, stopping off to savour breath taking views, up to wild and off-piste – hurtling along remote trails with the wind searing your cheeks and the thick, briny coastal air burning your lungs.
For a South Wales based experience join one of Wye MTB’s ebike adventures through the Wye Valley and Bannau Brycheiniog. You’ll traverse fire roads strung through the trees, tackle tricky technical climbs and face a range of descents – ranging from bouncy boneshakers to high-speed sweeps.
