In response to the growing market and customer demand for e-bikes, SpiceRoads Cycling, Asia's leading cycle tour operator, has introduced electric bicycles, or e-bikes, into their fleets in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, two of Asia’s most popular destinations for adventure tourism.
E-bikes are known as a popular transportation option for commuters in Europe and North America, but they are also an attractive option for cycling holidays. Riders with less experience, lower fitness, those recovering from injury, or with less confidence in their abilities can enjoy trips and destinations without worrying about being able to keep up. Even more, experienced riders can benefit from riding an e-bike on a tour that is particularly challenging. E-bikes are also a great way for cycling enthusiasts to encourage a spouse, family member, or friend who doesn’t ride to join a tour with them.
Of the new e-bike option, SpiceRoads Managing Director Daniel Moylan said, “The e-bike movement is well underway, and we’re excited to be one of the first tour operators in Asia to provide e-bikes to our clients. At SpiceRoads we believe that cycle travel provides a more authentic, sustainable, and memorable travel experience for our customers and the communities they travel to and interact with. E-bikes allow us to be more inclusive of who is able to join our tours and see the world with us, and we’re very proud of that.”
Sri Lanka e-bikes are SCOTT Cross-E Sub 20 bikes, while select Vietnam tours feature Giant Explore E+ bikes. The new e-bikes can be hired per tour, as an alternative to the standard mountain, road, or carbon bike hire. Both models of e-bike use “pedal assist” technology, which engages the bike’s motor once the rider begins to pedal. The more the rider pedals, the more the motor is activated, making e-bikes great for tackling climbs or comfortably cruising at speed.
E-bike available tour options for Sri Lanka include a mix of road cycling and classic touring, spanning the country's ancient and cultural sites. Sri Lanka Tip to Tip by Road Bike, a 12-day journey from the island's northern tip to the southernmost point, offers e-bike hire, useful for a friend or spouse of road cyclist to join in. Ten select SpiceRoads Vietnam itineraries now have e-bike options, helpful for tackling tough climbs in the mountains on Hilltribes of Vietnam or covering long distances on the 17-day odyssey, Saigon to Hanoi.
With growing interest in e-bikes as a travel option and increased worldwide availability, SpiceRoads plans to roll out e-bikes across other Asian destinations in the near future.