Europe has undergone a tremendous cycling renaissance, and the popularity of e-bikes makes this even more exciting. If you’re a cycling (or, rather, an e-cycling) enthusiast with a thirst for the great outdoors, you won’t find many more enriching or beautiful locations to experience on your bike than in Europe.
From the sun-drenched coastlines and archipelagos of Madeira to the giant rocks and Alpine pastures of the Karwendel, e-bikes are transforming how we explore this beautiful, culturally diverse continent and its spectacular scenery.
Whether you’re a cycling veteran or someone who wants to test themselves on some uphill climbs, e-cycling opens up a world of possibilities for discovering Europe’s most picturesque gems at a pace that suits you.
Taking a bike tour when venturing abroad, however, does require some pre-planning, and it’s important to note that regulations may vary between countries. E-Bikes Direct explains that “In the UK, electric bikes are legally limited to a top speed of 15.5 mph (25 km/h) when powered by the electric motor. However, you can pedal faster than this speed if you wish.”
Most European countries follow similar rules, with motor assistance cutting off at this speed, but this and all relevant rules of your chosen destination should be checked before your adventure begins. With this in mind, let’s explore the countries and destinations where you can experience the best that Europe has to offer with your electric bike.
Italy
Italy offers some of Europe’s most stunning cycling routes. Sicily stands out for the island’s undulating terrain, and the flexibility and power of an e-bike make riding along the coastline feel like gliding along the water itself. The UNESCO World Heritage Val di Noto route takes you through baroque masterpieces like Ragusa and Modica, which make for some truly exquisite photo opportunities.
Venturing further north, Puglia presents a dramatically different Italian story. Here, you can ride effortlessly between the conical trulli houses of Alberobello and the whitewashed streets of Ostuni. The region’s relatively flat trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll on wheels, while the gentle hills feel infinitely easier to climb using an e-bike.
What makes Italy particularly enriching for e-biking is the seamless integration of culture and cuisine. Traditional trattorias are scattered throughout trails every few kilometres, giving you ample time to rest up, refresh, and savour the local specialities.
Portugal
Portugal’s Atlantic coast offers some of Europe’s most spectacular coastal cycling experiences, and using e-bikes makes these all the more accessible. The notable Porto to Lisbon route is especially rewarding, combining relatively flat terrain with stunning ocean vistas and charming fishing villages.
The journey takes you through the São Jacinto Natural Reserve and its pristine marshlands, as well as the fortified village of Óbidos, boasting a canvas of exquisite architecture amidst contemporary Portuguese life.
E-bikes undoubtedly prove their worth when tackling Lisbon’s famous seven hills. The capital city’s nickname, “A cidade das sete colinas“, becomes less daunting when you have a motor helping you cycle up these inclines, giving you ample time to sample and soak in the rich heritage of this stunning city.
Portugal’s relaxed pace of life perfectly complements e-bikes. The country is inherently bike-friendly, and thus, it’s a great place for you to focus on the experience rather than worrying about traffic or route-finding.
Austria and Germany
The Danube Cycle Trail represents European cycle touring at its most accessible. This 306-kilometre route between Passau, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, is renowned as one of the continent’s most rewarding and surprisingly gentle long-distance cycling routes. It’s even more enjoyable with an e-bike in tow.
The trail follows the historic Danube River through hillsides and towns that have inspired countless artists and musicians over the years. Castles perch on hillsides, whilst traditional Austrian gasthauses offer the perfect temporary pit-stop. The route’s modest gradients and dedicated cycle paths make it ideal for families or those new to cycle touring.
With an e-bike, you can cover greater distances at a fraction of the physical endurance required on a standard push bike, allowing more time to explore the charming riverside towns and sample local specialities. The trail’s excellent infrastructure means charging points are readily available, and the predominantly flat terrain maximises battery life.
Croatia
Croatia’s Dalmatian coast offers a pleasant e-bike tour opportunity that combines cycling with luxury accommodation on the water. The island-hopping tours allow you to explore Croatia’s scattered islands, each with its own character and charm.
The combination of e-bikes and boat transfers seems strange at first, but if you’re looking for something unique and quirky, there’s nothing quite like it. You can tackle the hilly islands like Hvar and Brač with confidence, knowing that you can navigate the stunning olive groves, lavender fields, and pine forests without exhausting yourself before reaching those perfect hilltops to take some stunning photos of the horizon.
The Croatian ethos of comfort and flexibility rings true when pursuing the Dalmatian coast. Make each day manageable to satisfy both your energy levels and enthusiasm for the surrounding environment. Give yourself more time to swim in the crystal-clear waters, have lunch in a quaint, historic village, or set up camp in one of the many rest spots overlooking the sea.
The beauty of European e-bike touring lies in its accessibility; there’s never been a better time to explore its diverse coastlines, hillsides, and towns from the comfortable saddle of an electric bike. Whether you’re drawn to Italy’s cultural treasures, Portugal’s coastal charm, the Danube’s gentle pace, or Croatia’s island adventures, e-bikes make sure that your journey becomes remembered for discovery, rather than endurance.