No doubt about it, an e-bike can enhance the already enjoyable pastime of riding out on a bicycle. Cycling is indeed a perfect complement to your caravanning or motorhoming activities – ideal for heading further afield when you’ve pitched up at your chosen destination, or just as ideal for a quick pop along the road to the shops, and more.

Enter the e-bike. Here’s a standard push bike with a bit of electric power on tap for whenever it’s needed. Such vehicles are also known as electric bikes, pedelecs and more officially, EPACs (Electric Pedal Assisted Cycles) or EAPCs (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles).

These are bicycles that come with an electric motor that helps the rider whilst pedalling – the amount of pedal-assistance needed is regulated by the rider via a controller that’s usually mounted on the handlebars. Note the motor will only kick in when the bike is being pedalled (hence the term pedal-assisted).

Technically, an e-bike has a motor that’s restricted to 250Watts that will provide power for up to 15.5mph as far as road use is concerned (you can pedal faster without motor assistance should you want, but you can only receive powered assistance over 4mph when pedalling).

Check with any campsite you use regarding recharging your e-bike’s battery. Most will request that you don’t charge direct from the mains hook-up point. However, when you are connected to a mains source, it is usually possible to complete a charge via your leisure battery (better still if you have two) and an inverter with a minimum 600Watts rating, or you could use a DC-DC converter. A separate, portable power station (typically, 500Wh or higher) is another possibility. You could even consider buying a second battery for your e-bike, for use in an emergency.

It’s also considered good practice not to leave the battery unattended while it is on charge.

Here’s our round-up to some of the styles of e-bikes that are available and perfect for taking on your caravan or motorhome trips, along with some key advice for would-be buyers.

Top tips

• Check the weight limit of any bike rack you have fitted – or are considering adding – to your car, campervan, motorhome or caravan. Typically, such racks will have limits of between 30kg and 60kg. You will also need to make sure you’re within your vehicle’s payload capacity.

• If your bike rack is affixed to a tailgate, check whether any pneumatic struts are strong enough to hold that door up with bikes loaded. It’s a straightforward job to upgrade.
• If you’re employed, or get paid via PAYE, you could be eligible for discounts on the purchase of an e-bike via a Cycle to Work Scheme.
• As with any product like this, do collate exactly what you want to use your e-bike for before committing to buying.
• Specialist e-bike retailers can be like goldmines in terms of the advice they can offer whilst helping you decide exactly which model is best for you – including getting the right fit, suggesting sensible optional extras, clarifying which models are deemed legal for road use in the UK (and beyond) and being in a position to offer proper after-sales service.
• Lots of e-bike specialists also offer pre-owned, reconditioned e-bikes at considerably lower prices, but still backed by a warranty, should you wish for a better bargain.
• Book a test drive. Specialist retailers – especially those who understand motorhomes and touring caravans – will be able to give the best advice. The ideal scenario is to test ride each style and see which you are comfortable with. It will also help determine what size is best for you.

• Generally, the bigger the wheels, the better you can expect in terms of ride comfort. This has to be offset by folding models with smaller wheels, which make for easier stowage when caravanning or motorhoming.

What about insurance?

Caravan Guard’s motorhome or touring caravan insurance doesn’t extend to e-bikes so you’ll need specialist insurance to cover your electric bike, or check with your home insurance provider.

How should I keep my e‑bike secure on my caravan and motorhome holidays?

If you’re taking an e‑bike on holiday, your bike’s insurance policy will usually expect it to be properly secured whenever it’s left unattended. Investing in a high-quality lock is essential.

Choose a Sold Secure-rated D-lock or heavy-duty chain lock—ideally Gold or Diamond standard—and use it to secure your bike to a solid, immovable object such as a bike stand or fence when out and about. Many bike insurers require this level of protection for cover to apply.

For added security, consider using two different types of lock (for example, a D-lock and a chain) to make your bike a much harder target for thieves.

When at your caravan or motorhome, you can further protect your e-bike by running a chain through the bike’s frame and securing it to a fixed point such as the caravan A-frame or an alloy wheel. Or if you can, lock it away in your motorhome’s garage area.

Always fix any lock through the bike’s frame rather than just the wheel, as quick-release components can be easily removed.

E-bike batteries are valuable and often targeted, so it’s a good idea to remove the battery when the bike isn’t in use and store it safely inside your caravan or motorhome. This also gives you the opportunity to charge it if needed.

Star Player #1

MiRiDER 16

A folding e-bike like this offers a great blend of ‘go-anywhere’ ability that can also be packed right down for easy storage. It’s one-size, suitable for folk between 5ft and 6ft 4in tall, thanks to features like a telescopic seat and handlebar stems.

The MiRiDER 16 is comprehensively equipped, coming as standard with front and rear mudguards, front LED light, rear reflector, folding pedals, kickstand and stabiliser wheel, wheel magnets for secure folding, adjustable folding strap and battery charger. Dimensions when folded are 69cm x 46cm x 78cm and total weight is 17.3kg. Maximum rider weight is 120kg.

Optional upgrades include chunky tyres, comfort gel saddle, luggage rack, and cage mounts. Plus, there’s a choice of four colours.

Key features Geared brushless rear hub motor, die-cast weld-free magnesium alloy frame, Samsung 36V/7Ah/252Wh removable lithium-ion battery, Clarks CMD-24 disk brakes, two-year warranty

Typical range Up to 45 miles

Typical charge time 2-3 hours

Expect to pay £1,595

www.mirider.co.uk

Star Player #2

Estarli e20.9

A folding e-bike that’s akin to a cross between a commuter bike and a hybrid, with 20in wheels and chunkier tyres, more gears and more torque than its e20.7 stablemate. It’s that bit more expensive, too, of course.

It’s still lightweight – at 18.1kg with battery (16kg if you remove it). And it comes in a choice of six colours. It’s a single size, for adults between 5ft and 6ft 5in in height, with a maximum rider weight of 115kg.

As with all Estarlis, there’s a full range of upgrades and accessories – including alternative handlebars and saddles, a long list of luggage carrier products, infant seat and more.

Key features 50Nm motor, five power assist modes, Shimano Cues nine gears, hydraulic brakes, 6061 aluminium frame, chain, 72Ah/36V seatpost battery, torque sensor, front and rear integrated lights, two-year warranty

Typical range Up to 30 miles

Typical charge time 3.5-5 hours

Expect to pay £1,895

www.estarli.co.uk

Star Player #3

Hygge Virum

A folding e-bike with larger, 20in wheels that’s also available with a step-through frame at no extra cost. Range is up to 37 miles.

It comes with eight speed gears and an integrated 36C, 10Ah Samsung battery that sits in the removable seat post.

Total weight is 18kg, and there’s a choice of colours – Ruby Red or Emerald Green.

Key features 250Watt motor, Shimano gears, colour display, Tektro hydraulic brakes, LED lights front and rear, alloy folding frame, 130kg maximum rider weight, two-year warranty

Typical range Up to 37 miles

Typical charge time 4-6 hours

Expect to pay £1,499

www.hyggebikes.com

Star Player #4

Powabyke Revom 18

A step-through tourer hybrid that’s available in Anthracite Grey, Light Grey or Sky Blue. All-in weight (before extras) is 27kg, but it’s only 23kg when you remove the battery.

It’s also possible of exceeding 50 miles in range. Front and rear mud guards and lights are included too.

Key features 15Ah/36V/540Wh LG battery, 27.5in x 2.1in wheels with Maxxis puncture-resistant tyres, Suntour NEX hydraulic suspension forks, XF Smart 36V 250W rear motor, LCD display, two-year warranty

Expect to pay £1,499

Typical range 50 miles

Typical charge time 3-5 hours

www.powabyke.com or www.countyebikes.co.uk

Star Player #5

AS Electrotrike

Welcome to the world of e-trikes. If you thought such models were incompatible with caravanning/motorhome use, think again. The AS Electrotrike is a folding design (frame, handlebar and pedals), that takes just 30 seconds to convert from its ready-to-ride state (some 32in wide) to 16in width for storing.

There’s a front V-brake as well as discs for both rear wheels, while ride comfort is optimised by front forks suspension and seat post suspension plus a comfort saddle.

Admittedly it’s not the lightest – 30kg with battery, 28kg without – and a typical range is 30 miles with speeds up to 15mph.

Key features 250W brushless motor, 36V/13Ah lithium battery, seven-speed Shimano gears, 20in alloy wheels, folded size 100cm x 81cm x 40cm, one-year warranty

Typical range 30 miles

Typical charge time 4 hours

Expect to pay £3,234

www.asbikes.co.uk

Star Player #6

Pendleton Somerby

As mentioned in our top tips, a refurbished or secondhand e-bike can make for a real bargain, especially if you buy from the right source.

Halfords is arguably the UK’s largest retailer of e-bikes and it also offers a massive choice of refurbished/pre-owned which it grades A (lightly used), B (slight cosmetic and/or mechanical wear) or C (some cosmetic and/or mechanical wear) depending on overall condition.

The example here is a Grade C version of the Pendleton Somerby, a hybrid at a price that’s nearly half the price of a brand-new version and is available in S (for folk between 5ftin and 5ft 8in) or M (5ft 6in-6ft) frame sizes.

Features also include a rear luggage rack-mounted battery, Velo sprung saddle, classic-style handlebars with ergonomic grips, LED display and more.

Note also the step-through design of the frame – it makes getting on and off easier.

Key features Bafang 36V rear wheel drive hub motor, 317Wh removable battery, maximum range 50 miles, eight-speed Shimano, weight 22kg, 700x38c wheels with puncture protection, Tektro aluminium V-brakes, 12-month warranty and no-fuss refund policy

Typical range 50 miles

Typical charge time 5 hours

Expect to pay From £550 (pre-owned) £1,099 (new)

www.halfords.com

Star Player #7

Mark 2 Scrambler Hardtail

A mountain bike, for those who want to venture that bit further off-road – the Hardtail in its name is referring to the fact that, while it has suspension at the front, the rear features a rigid frame. Not only does this set-up make it more efficient for mountain use, it also keeps the weight down (it’s just under 20kg, including battery). And it’s still perfectly capable for normal on-road travel.

The quick-release seat clamp and front wheel could well come in handy when it comes to packing away.

Key features 36V/250W/50Nm Provomec rear hub motor, 36C/10.4Ah/375Wh Provomec lithium battery, 6061 aluminium alloy frame, RST Blaze RA front fork suspension, 27.5iun alloy wheels with 2.25in puncture-resistant Schwalbe  Racing Ralph Performance tyres, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Selle Royal saddle, maximum load 120kg

Typical range 22-50 miles

Typical charge time 4-6 hours

Expect to pay £1,499

www.countyebikes.co.uk

Star Player #8

RooDog Aurora

The latest addition to a comprehensive line-up of e-bikes from RooDog. The Aurora has a 15in step-through frame that’s suitable for riders between 1.5m and 1.78m tall. It’s designed for leisure riding as well as venturing off normal roads and pathways.

The Aurora comes with plenty of features, including a colour digital display with battery indicator and controls for the five-speed pedal assist system and LED lighting. Also as standard, you get a cushioned gel saddle and adjustable handlebar stem. It weighs 23kg before you add extras like a wicker basket or pannier bags.

Choose between Gloss Black and Electric Blue colours.

Key features 250W 36V rear wheel hub brushless motor, integrated 36V 10Ah lithium-ion battery, Shimano Altus RD-M310 seven-speed gears, Kenda 26in x 1.75 mountain bike tyres, hydraulic brakes,  12-month warranty (extendable)

Typical range 30 miles

Typical charge time 4-6 hours

Expect to pay £1,450

www.roodog.co.uk

And don’t forget a cover for your e-bike…

Star Player #9

Oxford Aquatex Touring Deluxe Bike Cover

Don’t forget you’ll want protection if you’re carrying e-bikes on an external rack. You’ll certainly want something that you can rely on to handle all weather conditions, while also keeping your e-bikes out of sight.

In silver, the Oxford Aquatex Deluxe comes with bungees for easy attachment and double compression straps to prevent unwanted billowing. There’s also a transparent sleeve to take a 50cm x 50cm sign.

The version here is for up to two bikes. There’s also a three-four bike version that typically costs around £10 more. Founded in 1973, Oxford is renowned as a manufacturer of premium bike covers and related accessories.

Key features 300 denier fabric with Poly Acrylic coating, UV-resistant, storage bag included

Expect to pay £69.99

www.oxfordproducts.com

Thank you

Our thanks to Ed Thomas at County eBikes, a specialist retailer for e-bikes from a wide range of manufacturers, including pre-owned examples. County eBikes is also the owner of the Mark 2 brand.

Over to you…

Got any advice on e-bikes for motorhoming and caravanning to pass on to others? Feel free to add your comments below. We’d love to hear if you use an e-bike on your motorhome or caravan holidays and which kind you go for.