Many cyclists are not aware that trekking bikes with electric motors are among the most frequently sold bikes. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, trekking bikes are not the subject of much publicity. Unlike other types of bicycles, where there is a constant hunt for new models, sensational new components or tiny shifts in frame geometry, trekking bikes quite simply do their job for years. The other reason is that a trekking bike is often quite simply a "bike" even to its owner. Not a mountain bike, not a racing bike. Just a normal bike. But what a bike!
The abbreviation:
What is a trekking e-bike - Things to know about touring e-bikes
A trekking bike comes with a lot of components that come in handy on big bike tours. That's why it's worth taking a closer look at the equipment and features of a trekking e-bike in our buying guide
What is a trekking bike, what is a touring bike
A bike for bike trekking or a touring bike for your next bike tour - both bikes are suitable for major cycling adventures. The difference lies in the amount of time you want to spend in the saddle, and the distance you'll cover. A touring e-bike is designed for cycling tours.This refers to day tours or the after-work round, i.e. several hours at a stretch, with some day luggage on the rack. Such bike tours usually take place on well-paved roads. Here you need a good seat comfort and components that won't let you down on the way. These bikes are a lot of fun on tours of a few hours, they are also comparatively cheap to have.
Bike trekking is a completely different ball game. We're talking ride times of more than 4 or 5 hours, overnight stays, camping luggage, and potentially unpredictable routes. Here you need excellent seat comfort, the best and most durable components and a bike that is comfortable to ride off-road. On trekking bikes, therefore, you'll find not only excellent equipment but also electric motors and, most importantly, batteries that can handle these long rides.
Some manufacturers blur the two types of bikes, or there are only trekking e-bikes or only touring e-bikes. Here, you can easily go by price. If you're looking at a cheaper e-bike, it's probably more of a touring bike. A more expensive model will be more durable overall, and thus suitable for long-distance bike trekking.
> For more information on trekking bikes, check out their respective categories.
Trekking e-bike or trekking pedelec?
The definitions of e-bike and pedelec have shifted somewhat in recent years. Most of the time, both terms mean the same thing. Here you buy a bike with an electric drive that supports you up to 25 km/h. The motor must not have more than 250 watts, this is regulated by law. If you ride faster under your own power, the motor support is simply omitted.
But there is one difference you have to keep in mind: In addition to numerous trekking e-bikes, there are also some trekking S-pedelecs to buy. These support their riders at speeds of up to 45 km/h and are subject to special legal regulations. Before you buy such an e-bike, you should make sure that it is really suitable for you.
> You can find more details on this in the buying guide for e-bikes.
Only the best components on a trekking e-bike
As a general rule, a trekking e-bike shouldn't embarrass you on the road, so good quality on all parts is a top priority.
- A trekking e-bike today usually has disc brakes. Good braking even in wet conditions is a big advantage when you set out to explore the world on two wheels. On high-quality models, hydraulic disc brakes are installed instead of mechanical ones, because their braking effect is even slightly better.
- Trekking e-bikes usually have chain gears with up to 12 gears, so you can adapt your bike to gradients, terrain or headwinds. Especially on long distances, an electronic shifting system with shift recommendation is highly recommended. It reminds you to change gear in time, so your drive saves power and the range is extended!
- The motor and battery are designed to provide continuous, harmonious support for your pedalling movements. The power of the motor is agile, but not too dynamic, because an abrupt acceleration is rather not required on a trekking tour. The motors that are mounted on trekking e-bikes provide (depending on model and manufacturer) medium torques of about 65 to 80 Nm, more than a city e-bike, but less than an e-mountain bike. In return, the drive supports you with a sensitively tuned portion of dynamic propulsion. An e-trekking bike is often equipped with a battery with a large capacity, so you have a large range.
- Normally, trekking e-bikes have suspension forks. They keep shocks off your arms and help you stay on track. On most trekking e-bikes, the forks have 40 to 80 mm of travel.
- If you want to pedal for a long time, you need a bike that is optimally adapted to your physique. Therefore, trekking pedelecs have ergonomic saddles, handlebars and grips. Some trekking saddles have additional suspension, so you sit a bit softer. With many bikes, the angle of the stem can be adjusted, so you can change your seating position until you feel comfortable on your e-bike.
- To enable you to ride on a wide variety of surfaces, trekking e-bikes have wide tyres with moderate tread. So the balance between cushioning, grip and efficiency is balanced.
- "Oh if only I had a...", this problem rarely exists on the trekking e-bike. You get everything right with your bike that you might need on the road. It probably has traffic safe equipment with bike lights, bells and reflectors. It also has mudguards and a luggage rack. If lowriders, or fork racks, are not available, they can usually be retrofitted.
Trekking e-bikes are available for men and women
You can buy a trekking e-bike with a diamond frame, it is then a classic "men's bike". However, there are these pedelecs also as a deep-entry, then you talk about a frame with wave shape or a classic ladies bike. In between there are still trapezoidal frames, here the top tube starts centrally between the pedal crank and the saddle.
You can simply choose which shape you like best. Men's bikes with diamond frames are considered particularly sporty and durable. A low step-in, however, makes a bike especially comfortable whether a woman is on it or a man.
Is an e-gravel bike a replacement for a trekking e-bike?
Bike trekking or bike-packing on a gravel bike is becoming increasingly popular. And bike manufacturers are happy to comply with the trend with better and better gravel bikes. Even some e-gravels have been spotted. If you want to combine the sporty riding characteristics of a Gravel bike with the support of an electric motor, buy an E-Gravel! Thanks to increasingly sleeker drivetrains, the motor system is barely noticeable on most Graves at first glance.
Does a trekking e-bike fit in the city?
As you've read this far, trekking e-bikes are totally reliable and comfortable. Therefore, they are very popular as an everyday bike, for the way to work or smaller purchases. Especially if you want to transport children in a child seat or a child trailer, the resilient construction, the excellent components and the good brakes are very helpful. This way, you will also ride especially safe in the city, which is a big advantage! The strong luggage rack and the weatherproof equipment with mudguards are also a real help in everyday life.
Is an e-trekking bike suitable for commuters and commuters?
There's only one answer here: absolutely! If you want to cycle to work on a regular basis, an e-bike is perfect because it will get you to your destination easily and you won't be sitting in the office sweaty all day. A trekking e-bike is reliable, so it's unlikely that a breakdown will stop you from getting to work. Since it's weatherproof equipped, you won't have to worry about periods of bad weather either.
How much range does a trekking bike have?
There's no general answer to how far you can go on one charge, because the mileage depends on many factors. If there is a tailwind, the motor has an easier time and uses less battery; even with a light rider and little luggage, one charge is enough for a longer distance. Uphill and on poor ground, the motor has to work harder and also swallows more energy. Wide tires and especially poorly inflated tires need more juice. A battery also loses charge capacity over time, thus reducing range over the years.
Last but not least, the range also depends on the manufacturer of the battery and the power of the motor. Therefore, the range is quite large, but you can expect 130 to 180 or even 200 km. If in doubt, it's worth plugging in a spare battery.
Is a trekking e-bike the right bike for you?
The number one reason to buy a trekking e-bike is, of course, the desire to go bike touring or to experience multi-day bike trekking. If you want to get to know the surroundings of your home better or if relaxed cycling holidays in the most beautiful parts of Europe are on your wish list, a trekking bike is the optimal bike for this. If you want some support from an electric motor, a trekking E bike is the best choice.
If you want to polish up your fitness, a trekking e-bike will help you do it! You can go (almost) everywhere with a trekking bike, new routes keep your curiosity and motivation high. And you always have a trump card up your sleeve: The engine will help you when you run out of breath.
But also in everyday life, trekking e-bikes are highly appreciated by many cyclists. The quality and thus the durability of the components is often a decisive purchase argument here. If you like to ride a sporty, comfortable bike that is equipped with reasonable components, a trekking e-bike is perfect for you. Even if you will be riding on changing surfaces, a trekking bike is a good choice. Especially in a city with bad roads and lots of cobblestones, a suspension touring e-bike is more comfortable than many a city bike. The balanced seating position allows you to make sporty progress, yet you still have the necessary perspective in city traffic.
Motors and batteries optimized for continuous use over long distances operate economically and environmentally friendly, making the e-bike a real alternative to cars and public transport.
If you like to carry a bit more luggage, you'll be pleased with the strong rack with plenty of payload. And if wind and weather don't scare you, a trekking e-bike brings you many additional advantages.Here you not only get mudguards, but also the good brakes and the grippy tires pay off in miserable weather.
The features of a trekking e-bike at a glance:
- Rugged components
- Motors with linear assistance
- Long-range batteries
- ergonomic seat comfort
- good suspension
- weatherproof equipped
- off-road capable
- safe in the city
- large transport capacity
How does a trekking e-bike ride?
If you've read this far, you already know that a trekking bike brings more comfort than almost any other bike. The electric drive makes the bike a little heavier, but just that much more comfortable.
Where a re-powered touring bike already rides easily and efficiently, an e-bike adds a few more notches of effortless riding fun.
A trekking bike puts you in a slightly forward leaning seating position. This gives you a good overview, your back is not unnecessarily strained and there is not too much weight on your arms and hands. Moreover, you can pedal very efficiently this way.
The weight of a trekking e-bike decreases - as with all bikes - with the price. Cheap models weigh around 20 to 25 kg, expensive ones a little less.
By the way, you can influence the riding characteristics somewhat with the choice of coats. Wider tires dampen better, but you need more power to get the bike off the ground. Narrower tires are more efficient, but you feel more of the ground and the grip is not quite as good, especially in wet conditions.
Since most pedelecs today have mid-mounted motors and frame batteries, the drive is no longer uncomfortably noticeable when riding. The center of gravity of the motorized bike is centered and low, so it rides like a regular bike - just effortlessly.
The handling of an e-trekking bike at a glance:
- Effortless and efficient
- comfortable
- confident ride and good road holding
- good tire grip on and off road
- natural driving feel
What are the advantages of an e-trekking bike?
No bike is as much fun on big bike tours, that's for sure. But a trekking e-bike is also quite simply practical for your everyday routes. It's also particularly safe in road traffic thanks to its features, and weatherproof to boot.
It makes good progress on gravel, asphalt and forest paths and also cuts a good figure downhill and uphill.
It's designed for lots of luggage, whether that's panniers, work gear or a child seat, the bike doesn't care.
A trekking e-bike is meant to be reliable, so it has only durable components on board. This also makes it extra sustainable! It will be with you for a long time, with a few maintenance jobs here and there, you can use it for a long time, which makes for a good eco-balance.
Because a trekking e-bike is built for long bike rides, it has (depending on the model) a large battery capacity, often there is the option to use a dual battery. So you can expect a long range. If you only use it for short trips, you won't need to keep recharging it.
The advantages of a trekking e-bike at a glance:
- Suitable for (almost) any terrain
- tolerates a large payload
- large battery range
- safe on the road
- weatherproof
- comfortable seating
- long-lasting and thus sustainable
How much does a trekking e-bike cost?
For small bike tours and occasional everyday rides, a cheaper e-bike will suffice. If you want to get around comfortably on your bike for several days, you should invest a little more. But what costs do you have to expect when buying a trekking e-bike?
An entry-level e-trekking bike costs between 1500 and 2500 euros. Here you buy mechanical disc brakes and simple gear groups. There are smaller motors installed and also the batteries do not bring too much range. For occasional everyday rides or smaller tours, these bikes are sufficient. They are also ideal as an introduction to the world of e-bikes or as a "taster item". If you don't like getting upset about the odd workshop visit, however, you should invest a little more.
The e-trekking bike middle class ranges from 2500 to about 3600 euros. Processing, gears, brakes and attachments - everything is a good deal more solid here. Not entirely unimportant: The quality of saddle, handlebars and handles and thus the seating comfort increases. With these bikes you can also take on larger tours, because the range is also extended. You can also find e-gravel bikes from this price range
From 3600 to 6000 euros you get top models. Here are your tours almost no limits. Gearshifts, brakes, the processing of the frame or lighting system are the best that the market has to offer. The electric drive of these e-bikes comes from a premium manufacturer, it is quiet and extremely efficient. If you want to go on cycling holidays or depend on your bike every day, you should treat yourself to one of these bikes.
The costs at a glance:
- Entry trekking e-bikes are available from 1500 and up to 2500 euros
- Mid-range trekking e-bikes range from 2500 to 3600 euros
- Top trekking e-bikes are available from 3600 euros
What should you look for when buying an e-trekking bike?
Choosing the perfect e-bike is actually quite easy. We'll help you with a few questions!
- How often do you want to ride your trekking e-bike?
The more often you get on your bike, the more a good quality bike pays for itself. Many bike buyers gulp at first, especially with e-bikes, when they read the price tags. But you shouldn't save at the wrong end. At worst, a low purchase price means inferior quality, which means breakdowns, failures and workshop visits are inevitable. A lot of time in the saddle means you'll benefit significantly from better brakes, gears and drivetrains!
- How long will your rides be?
The longer you plan to ride, the more meticulous you should be about "setting up" your bike for you. For long tours, make sure your bike has a good saddle, a comfortable riding position and good suspension. If you're planning a long ride, a big battery with plenty of range is important, and it's best to pack a charged spare.
- Where will you be touring?
The more terrain and especially inclines you encounter on the road, the better an e-bike with a big motor and lots of torque will perform. Even if you take a lot of luggage and bring even a little more weight on the scale, a powerful drive is important. A motor that is too small will quickly be overtaxed and, in the worst case, will soon give up the ghost! If rough terrain is on your agenda, you should also not put on tires that are too narrow, here sufficient grip is required.
- Which frame shape do you want?
Women's bike, men's bike, wave frame or diamond frame - here you can simply choose based on looks and comfort. Most e-bikes today have the battery on or in the down tube, by the way, so it's not in your way. You can easily find the right frame size in our shop by using the filter. If you need help finding the right bike size, just check out our blog. There you'll find the Frame Size Calculator.
- What equipment do you really need?
There is a wide range of equipment for trekking e-bikes. Here it's worth checking your needs carefully, because components you don't really need don't need to be ridden around, they don't eat up battery power and they don't cost anything either.
Buy a trekking e-bike from the best manufacturer
Now you are well informed about the advantages of a trekking ebike, you can now start looking for your favorite model here in our online bike shop. Using our filters, you will quickly find the bikes that fit your price and equipment requirements and of course the right frame size for you. If you are still not sure whether a trekking e-bike suits you, or if you prefer a trekking bike without e, a city e-bike or a mountain bike, you can simply click through the corresponding categories. On BMO you will not only find a huge selection of great bikes, there are also offers, many tips for buying a bike and tons of accessories, bikewear and everything a biker's heart desires!
