E-bike camping is a great way to experience outdoor activity in the UK while ensuring you enjoy eco-friendly travel. So, if you are an experienced cyclist or a weekend wanderer, what could be better than combining the utility of an electric bike with the serenity of camping? This guide to electric mountain bike adventures covers the basics of e-bike camping, where to go, how to prepare, and which e-bikes to consider for your adventure.
What Is E-Bike Camping?
E-bike camping is the perfect combination of cycling and lightweight, off-grid camping. The pedal-assist function in electric bikes makes it easier to travel farther and climb uphill roads without a hassle. It’s easy to see remote spots, backcountry trails, or visit National Parks without a car or campervan.
E-bike camping emphasises comfort, accessibility and sustainability over traditional cycle tours, paving the way for more inclusive adventure on two wheels.
Why Camp With An E-Bike? (Benefits)
E-bike camping is a new twist on outdoor travel, with just the right balance of adventure and convenience. Here are some of the benefits:
Extended range
Conventional cycling can constrain how far you go, particularly with gear in tow. E-bikes extend your possible route by allowing you to go farther with less effort. This lets you discover far-flung trails, panoramic overlooks, and quiet campsites inaccessible via other means.
Ease of Load Carrying
Transporting things like tents, cookware, and other essentials with a traditional bike is difficult. And if you’ve got heavier gear to move around, e-bikes with rear racks and panniers, plus motor assistance that takes the load off your legs, make it easier to get around.
Green Adventure
Choosing an e-bike instead of a car or campervan drastically decreases your environmental footprint. They use much less energy, generate zero emissions and are in keeping with the ethos of responsible, sustainable travel. Charging from solar or campsite sources only adds to the green credentials.
Increased Access
Steep hills and off-road terrain can scare some away from traditional bike camping. E-bikes eliminate this barrier, enabling woodland trails, coastal paths, and gravel roads to become more accessible and enjoyable for people of all fitness levels.
More Fun
E-bikes make every ride seem light as air. You experience the thrill of movement and exploration without the body burden. That leaves you more energy to enjoy the scenery, wildlife and the camping experience.
Best Places for Off-Road Electric Bicycles Camping
The UK is a perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts to go backpacking with an electric bike because of its rich history, culture and multiple e-bike-friendly campsites and trails. Here are some of the best places to check out:
Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite, Snowdonia
Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is situated at the base of the rugged Rhinog mountain range and only 2 miles from the golden sandy beaches on Shell Island, Snowdonia. The site features more modern facilities and is a comfy base for e-bike adventures. You can also find many e-biking trails in the vicinity, including near waterfalls and along the coast.
Small Batch Campsite, Shropshire Hills
Nestled within the Shropshire countryside, Small Batch Campsite is located in the village of Little Stretton, south of Church Stretton. The campsite is classified as part of the National Trust land and is known for its tranquillity and picturesque landscapes. This is a beautiful area to e-bike, with many routes and trails starting from the campsite.
East Yorkshire: Wold Farm Caravan and Camping Site
Located on the stunning Flamborough Head near Bridlington, Wold Farm Caravan and Camping Site boasts breathtaking sea views and direct cliff access. Nearby Bempton Cliffs, Bridlington, Filey and Scarborough also offer fantastic e-biking along the coast.
Tavistock Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Devon
On the fringes of Dartmoor, the Tavistock Camping and Caravanning Club Site has excellent e-bike routes nearby. Explore several other e-biking trails around the moorland and across the countryside.
Tip: Check out our blog about electric bike trails in the UK for more destinations and info on e-bike-friendly routes.
How To Charge Your E-Bike when Camping?
Keeping your e-bike charged throughout your adventure is one of the most significant considerations for an e-bike camping trip. Electric bicycles, which can go for miles, are a great way to explore remote areas, but they need a charge to keep going. Fortunately, there are a few methods for charging an e-bike while camping that are practical and rather efficient.
Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations — like those available from brands such as Jackery, EcoFlow, and Dake — have become a popular e-bike battery charging solution for when you're far from home. These small but powerful devices can fully recharge your e-bike’s battery several times (depending on the power capacity of the vehicle). To illustrate this, a power station of approximately 500Wh or higher can thoroughly charge many e-bike batteries (which usually cost 500–700Wh) once or more. These stations feature a variety of outlet options with AC and DC ports for use with other electronics. They can be powered up via a regular wall outlet or paired with solar panels, so they’re great for longer trips where you may not have access to an electrical supply.
Solar Charging Kits
Solar charging is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of keeping your e-bike powered during your camping trip. Solar panel + portable power bank = sun-powered e-bike battery recharge! Solar charging can still be slow compared to other methods, but it can be extremely productive in sunny environments, and you’re not using fossil fumes. Many solar panels are lightweight and foldable, so they pack easily. You can put them on during the day and get your bike battery charged.
Car Battery + Inverter
If you are driving to your camping site, a car battery with an inverter is another good option for charging. Inverters convert DC power into AC power, which is compatible with your e-bike’s charger, and typically, the best one. This option lets you recharge your e-bike at the campsite with a car or on the road.
Campsite Hookups
For instance, modern campsites often have electric hookups, particularly sites geared toward RVS and caravans. Common points available for charging are suitable for charging an e-bike battery. If you’re located at such a site, you’ll only need the right adapter to hook your charger up to the power supply. Check your camping equipment for charging cables and optional adaptors.
Pro Tip:
It's always smart to have an alternative power source for other important devices such as your telephone, GPS, or headlamps. Anyone who spends a lot of time with their phone will tell you that a small portable power bank is a lifesaver when their larger power sources are too slow or if they're off-grid longer than you'd expect.
Common Features to Consider When Searching for an E-Bike for Camping
Selecting the appropriate e-bike for camping is important to access various outdoor places with comfort, safety, and performance. Consider the following features to ensure you get the right vehicle for your backpacking and electric bike trip:
Increased Battery Efficiency
Consider getting e-bikes with a 20Ah battery, or a +20Ah dual-battery setup. This is especially important when navigating remote locations where recharging facilities are sparse. That added capacity allows you to go farther without concern of running out of juice in the middle of a ride.
Motor Power (and UK Legality):
There are many types of e-bike motors, but the 250w is enough for road use and remains UK legal. 350w or 500w motors will provide extra torque and are ideal for off-road or private land use, but these are not legal to use on UK public roads, trails or cycle paths unless registered with the DVLA as a motor vehicle. Always verify local regulations before going for more powerful motors.
Throttle Use
UK law restricts throttle use. However, recent models may use throttles limited to “walk assist” mode (up to 3.7 mph / 6 km/h), or with a manual override that can be disabled for road use. Choose bikes where it is possible to disable throttle mode to ensure you’re not breaking the law.
Frame
Choose a durable aluminium or steel frame with racks to support the weight of your camping equipment. Integrated or attachable racks are essential for strapping on panniers, tents and other supplies. A reliable frame also helps support stability on rough terrain.
Suspension
A quality front suspension fork softens the bumps from gravel roads and rough trails, making rides feel smoother and lessening fatigue. If travel is longer and comfort is paramount, rear suspension can be a great upgrade.
Wide Tyres
Fat or all-terrain tyres (e.g., 20x4 inches) allow for improved grip, shock absorption and stability on loose, wet, or uneven grounds. They also minimise the risk of punctures and allow for more assured handling on nature trails or forest paths.
Portable Design
E-bikes are heavier than traditional bikes because of the added tech. If you’re looking for an e-bike that can be transported via a car or train or stored in a tight space, consider folding e-bikes like the Panther.
When you add these features, you get a perfect e-bike for your camping adventures while also ensuring to add fun to your urban adventures.
Tips for Your First E-Bike Camping Adventure
Are you preparing for your first e-bike camping trip? Here’s how to make it seamless and unforgettable:
‘Plan Your Route
Map your trail ahead of time, considering elevation, surface conditions and charging points. Apps such as Komoot or Ride with GPS can help you locate e-bike-friendly routes and campsites.
Pack Light & Smart:
Pack light and balance weight in panniers or bikepacking bags. Bring only essentials — multi-use tools, compressible sleeping bags, and compact cooking pots.
Be Weather Ready
British weather is temperamental. Always pack rainproof layers, quick-dry clothing and waterproof bags to protect electronics and essentials. A tarp or tent with decent wind resistance will also come in handy.
Keep it Secure,
Securing your e-bike is one of the most important lessons in this guide to e-bike safety. Take along a high-security D-lock or Sold Secure Gold-rated folding lock. Fit a hidden GPS tracker for extra peace of mind.
Test Everything First
Take a quick trip in your vicinity to ensure that all the parts are working fine and your e-bike is in optimal condition. Prevention is better than a cure. This will help you troubleshoot gear, check comfort, and analyse how much weight you should carry during your adventure.
Conclusion
E-bike camping is more than a trend, it’s a movement of conscious, adventurous and sustainable travel. Armed with the right equipment, preparation and determination, you are ready for remote adventures, creating priceless memories and exploring the UK like never before. Ready to roll? Check out E-Movement’s camping-ready e-bikes and start planning your next adventure in the wild.
