Author Topic: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike  (Read 80 times)

tyreon

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Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« on: August 24, 2026, 12:59:23 PM »
I never thought Id get here but here I am exhausted and limited

I moved across from touring abroad on a full frame,to touring with a folding frame bike. Now I find even this too much. Im wondering is anyone here is touring abroad on an electric assist bike,and howsitdone given that flight carriers refuse(?)to accept battery powered bikes on planes.

Do those who require electrical assist bikes now just hire them abroad when wanting to bicycle?

On a related issue: I was in Adelaide and went to hire two bicycles. When I visited where I went to hire  two bikes,the bikes were....crates...bangers,more like those you would find abandoned at a tip. Their hire worked out more expensive than hiring a car that carried four from a local rental car hire firm.

I wonder if others have different experinece or maybe advice

Andyb1

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Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2026, 09:41:53 PM »
It is not ebikes that airlines don’t like - it is the battery.   One option is to fly your bike out with you without a battery and then buy / hire one at your destination.

Bike hire ……personally best avoided IMHO….unless you are hiring from someone you know

mickeg

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Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2026, 11:10:47 PM »
My bike tours, I predominantly am camping in tent sites in campgrounds that lack electrical hookups.  Where are you going to charge the battery every day?

You might be happiest with a guided tour group that provides bikes.  Thus they would have the logistics all taken care of.

Flying with an e bike, even if you do not have a battery for it, some of those bikes are pretty heavy.

tyreon

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Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Reply #3 on: Today at 07:28:33 AM »
I like all the answers given as all make sense.

I've found no easy answer to my question(s)which is why I asked here.

Ive always been fond of walking and cycling tours,but age and fitness and health brings difficulties.

I like to see others cycling or walking on routes. If-before I get a new knee(s) - Im planning to train,bus,cycle travel around northern Portugal and Spain. Sound easy? Well,not so easy when you do the mathematics to make a sensible plan. Buying a ready made tour seems troublesome to me: investigting costs,touring companies,places seems more tiring than just riding a bike ;). I know others can do it. Im justa peculiar guy :)

in4

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Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Reply #4 on: Today at 08:45:22 AM »
Suggestion:
Ferry to Santander. Few rail options from there for both Spain & Portugal. ChatGPT is quite useful. Citing Valença (Valença do Minho), & Santander → Oviedo/Gijón → Vigo → Valença (Portugal)

However, Vigo is actually the useful interchange. From Vigo you can take the international train to Valença, which takes about 45–50 minutes.

FWIW I’ve used The Algarve Line and found it great for bicycle touring; separate carriage for bikes although you need to get it on board yourself, which might be an issue with a heavy ebike.