Touring with an e-bike in the UK is among the most rewarding ways to uncover the country’s hidden country lanes, coastal rides, national parks, and historic byways. Nor is it just about distance; it’s about how far you can go without rushing, or how deeply you can connect with the land, the people, and the contemplative spaces that sprawl just beyond the main roads.

The possibility of multi-day e-bike touring has opened up a variety of destinations and helps explore new areas with peace of mind and miles of enjoyment. We cycle up hills that would normally leave all of our energy sapped, and cruise into the next village with plenty of daylight left for tea and a pub dinner.

Another great thing about touring with the UK’s best road-legal electric bikes is that it’s not about racing or even hardship. It’s about movement with meaning and at an ever-growing number of places across the UK.

What to Bring on a Multi-Day E-Bike Tour

Before we uncover the 15 routes, it’s important to prepare. These are not difficult missions, but the right gear will mean the difference between winning in town and suffering in town.

A Suitable E-Bike for Touring

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a bike, but you do need one that matches the rough nature of the terrain.

• Gravel riding and woodland trails: Go for a good suspension, e-MTB, or fat-tyre hybrid.

• For road riding and mixed surfaces: The perfect answer is a touring or trekking e-bike with rack mounts and a comfortable, step-through frame.

The bike should have:

• A 50-100 mile range per charge (battery)

• Disc brakes (preferably hydraulic if you’re going to be doing longer descents)

• A good chair (you’ll be on it for hours)

• The ability to add panniers or bikepacking bags

• An insurance if anything unfortunate happens. Although it’s not legally required, the ultimate guide to insurance for an electric bike in the UK suggests it’s better to be safe than sorry.)

Charging and Power Plan

When traveling with an e-bike, ensure a charging and power plan is set. The following tips will be useful:

• Bring an extra battery if you plan to ride long distances without access to charging stations.

• Plan routes and pin spots with outlets and cafés, by using apps such as Komoot, RideWithGPS, or Google Maps.

• A fully charged power bank for phones and lights.

E-bikes don’t have the shortest battery lives; for many cyclists, the limiting factor is really how far they can ride in a day (and thus, how much pedal assist they’ll use). Therefore, knowing your maximum daily range is the best way to avoid battery anxiety.

Lightweight Waterproof Gear

The weather in Britain can be rather unpredictable, especially in the hills and along the coast!

• Bring a packable waterproof jacket and quick-drying layers.

• Avoid cotton clothing that holds onto the moisture and is heavy.

• Don’t forget gloves, a thermal base layer, and warm socks during autumn.

Even in the summer, there is nothing that can turn an unprepared rider miserable faster than a chilly wind or a downpour.

Navigation and Maps

It’s better to rely on a mix of tech and traditional maps.

• GPS apps on a smartphone are a great idea when there’s a signal.

• Download offline maps in case you experience poor connection.

• If electronics fail, carry a paper map.

Most UK routes are easy to follow, especially if they follow National Cycle Network signs, but there can be confusing parts, particularly in remote areas without other landmarks.

Repair Kit and Essentials

Even if your bike has an electric motor, it’s still a machine, and machines require care. So carry the following items suggested in the ultimate guide to e-bike’s safety:

• A multi-tool kit

• Spare tube (or tubless repair kit)

• Mini pump or CO₂ inflator

• Puncture patches and tyre levers

• Chain lube, especially if you will be going out on dusty or wet rides for a few days running.

You don’t need to be a bike mechanic, but being able to fix a flat tire or tighten a loose bolt is all you need to keep you rolling.

7 Safe and Scenic UK Routes for E-Bike Touring

Below are 7 hand-picked UK multi-day e-bike tour destinations:

1. Way of the Roses: Morecambe to Bridlington 

Distance: ~170 miles, Time: 3–5 days

From the Irish Sea to the North Sea, this route takes you over the Yorkshire Dales, quiet lanes, and riverside towns.

What to expect: Several long climbs, easy to handle with e-assist; routes with scenic valleys and historic sights; evenly spread B&Bs and cafes. The terrain alternates between smooth roads and light gravel. Moreover, many spots cater to cyclists with sockets who have brought their charging cable with them.

2. Devon Coast to Coast: Ilfracombe to Plymouth 

Distance:~99 miles, Time: 2–3 days

This is one of the most varied and rewarding of UK tours, incorporating the Tarka Trail, Granite Way, and Drake’s Trail.

What to expect: beautiful wooded paths and river crossings; rail trails with flat grades and gentle descent; lots of charging opportunities at cafes and guesthouses. 

3. South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne 

Distance: ~100 miles, Time: 2–4 days

This chalk ridge trail across Hampshire and Sussex is one of the UK’s iconic off-road long-distance routes, gently undulating over the hills.

What to expect: continuous elevation changes, perfect for e-bikes; remote farm tracks, meadows, broad vistas, and wind exposure. Moreover, plan your stops well because water resources are limited.

Among various types of e-bikes, a gravel or mountain e-bike with an extra battery and a couple of bottles of water is perfect for this area. There are fewer refills among villages, but their rewards are panoramic.

4. King Alfred’s Way (Circular Route)

Distance: Approximately 220 miles, Time: 4–6 days 

From adventurous mountain goats to scenic alpine lakes, the Wonderland Trail has something for everyone.

The circular route is a huge loop around historic Wessex, taking in Stonehenge, Avebury, and the Ridgeway.

What to expect:

• Off-road tracks, country roads, gravel, woodland trails

• Ancient hillforts and Neolithic landmarks

• A stretch of hundreds of miles with no shops or towns in some places

This ride mixes British history and high adventure. 

5. Sea to Sea - C2C (Whitehaven to Tynemouth)

Distance: ~137 miles, Time: 3–4 days 

Trans-Zion Trek Cross the length of a classic national park on this 3-4 day thru-hike. It is a coast-to-coast route through the Lake District and Northern Pennines. There is a reason it’s a classic.

What to expect:

• Big, hard climbs become fun with pedal assist

• Great blend of nature and rural charm

• Excellent signage and bike-friendly B&Bs

It is a good idea to reserve accommodation, especially during the hot summer months when this route is popular.

6. Hebridean Way (Outer Hebrides, Scotland) 

Distance: ~185 miles, Time: 5–7 days 

This rugged route starts inappropriately and ends with a stiff climb. Spanning from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis, this journey smashes across ten islands linked by causeway and ferry. The track is one of the UK’s most dramatic and least accessible rail rides.

What to expect:

• High winds and constantly changing weather. Monitor the weather daily

• Minimal services. Bring supplies, a repair kit, food, and an extra battery

• White sand beaches, lochs, and Gaelic-speaking villages

This is a solo route for the nature-spotters. Ferry times and limited lodging make planning important.

7. Tarka Trail (North Devon)

Distance: ~32 miles, Time: 1–2 days (can extend)

Tarka Trail One of the UK’s best-loved traffic-free paths, the Tarka Trail follows a disused railway line running from Braunton to Meeth.

What to expect:

• Easy, flat path, good for beginners or a warmup ride

• Close to bike-friendly cafes and art galleries

• Perfect for exploring with other Devon trails, including the Granite Way

On the ride, you’ll have estuary views, quiet greenery, and a level of relaxation that’s hard to duplicate. You may wish to stretch it out into a weekend trip, with diversions or an overnight in Barnstaple or Bideford.

Why is E-Bike Touring the Best Way to Explore the UK?

There is something personal about powering your way through the UK, on your schedule, partially by your legs and partially by a battery that whispers: “You’ve got this.”

Whether it’s winding up to a fog-clad summit with sheep dotting the hillside or breezing through a sleepy village, the smell of freshly baked bread winding through the crisp morning air, e-biking transforms the known into what feels like the secretly magical. You’re not just passing through; you’re part of the rhythm of the land.

Is It Safe to Go Alone?

This is one of the most asked questions by new travelers, especially by those who are anxious about traveling solo. The good news is that yes, e-bike touring in the UK is generally safe, provided you use common sense.

Tips for solo and group riding safely:

• Upload your route to someone back home and plan the check-in points

• Keep a phone fully charged, plus a power bank as a second source of power

• Don't ride after dark, particularly on byways and bridleways in remote areas

• Pack a plain first-aid kit and learn how to handle minor ailments

• Use your common sense; if you feel that a trail looks too isolated, find another trail

Most rural areas love a cyclist. Moreover, most cafés and inns help cyclists re-energize; both actually and metaphorically.

Wild Camping versus Accommodation

Some of the many riders who pedal several days have a question: Are electric bikes legal? And camp or sleep indoors? The answer to the former is yes. If your e-bike is 250W and doesn’t exceed a 15.5mph speed limit, it is allowed across the UK. As for the latter, make an informed decision based on the given information below.

Wild Camping:

• Legal in most of Scotland (responsibly)

• Need the land owner’s permission in England and Wales

• You’ll want a minimalist tent, a sleeping bag, and some insulation.

• Best for lonely riders who want to save money

• Select flat, inconspicuous sites, well away from roads and farm animals

B&Bs, Hostels, and Inns:

• Provide secure bike parking, hot meals, showers, and charging facilities

• Ideal for powering up your body and battery simultaneously

Pro tip: Call ahead to ensure they can securely store and charge your e-bike — most will be happy to assist, particularly in established cycle touring areas like the Yorkshire Dales or Devon.

How to Get Ready Physically and Psychologically

E-bike touring requires effort. Though the motor bears the brunt of climbs and distance, it’s not as though you can relax nonstop for five hours while riding. You need the ability to exert for extended periods and mental sharpness for riding in the changing Pacific Northwestern weather.

Preparation tips:

• Do weekly rides with all your bags full of gear to simulate actual weight

• Practice how to change a puncture or fix a dropped chain at home

• Learn how e-bikes work

• Gradually increase daily mileage. Begin at 20-30 miles per day and build up.

Charging Tips on the Road

Although charging isn’t much of an issue, it does require some forethought.

Where To Charge Your E-Bike?

• Cafes and pubs on popular cycling roads (ask nicely!)

• B&Bs and Hotels — Most are more than willing to let you charge overnight

• Public buildings, tourist centers, and train stations, even in larger villages

• Portable solar or power stations, if camping off the grid (albeit a slow way)

How To Conserve Battery Power?

• Apply lower assist on flat or slight descent surfaces

• DOn’t rely on the motor completely. Pedal when you can.

• Completely shut off the motor on flat, smooth surfaces

• Ensure your tyres are properly inflated to minimize rolling resistance

What You Will Learn On This Journey

There is a way in which e-bike touring teaches you things that don’t necessarily appear on a map:

• How to slow down and catch sight of things

• How to push your body beyond its limits

• How nice strangers are when you're out of water or get lost

• How even a rainstorm can be made to feel like part of the story

And you’ll discover plenty about your gear: What works, what doesn’t, what you’re wishing you’d packed. Most importantly, you will find that the journey is never just physical; it’s both internal and external.

When Is the Best Time to Go?

When you go makes a difference, particularly if you plan to camp or travel to highland or coastal areas.

Best seasons for riding an e-bike in the UK:

• Late Spring (May – June): Moderately warm to warm, long days, blooming wildflowers

• Early Autumn (September): Fewer tourists, vivid colors, stable conditions

• Summer (July-August): Hottest, but more crowded and more expensive rooms.

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Not recommended unless in warmer areas with good daylight and indoor accommodation

Be sure to always factor in the daylight hours — multi-day bike touring is always more fun when you’re not racing the sun for your campsite.

Conclusion

You’re likely reading this because you’ve already followed the pull of the open road, an insistent whisper to pack a bag, hop on your bike, and don’t look back. Perhaps it is the notion of rolling through silent farmland. Maybe it’s the coast. Perhaps it is simply the idea of doing something you have never done before.

So whatever it is, let it go so it can carry you.

Begin with one of these routes. Just one. There’s no need for it to be the most grueling or the most absurd. It only has to be yours. After just one tour, though, you'll understand exactly why this style of travel stays with people forever.

You’ll come home with stronger legs, better stories, and the understanding that you can move through the world at your speed. If you’re a beginner and need more information about e-bikes before setting off, our beginner's guide to e-bikes in the UK will help you step in the right direction.