Electric Bikes in Aviemore

There’s been a huge surge in popularity for electric bikes over the past couple of years with e-bikes now being part of the everyday cycling scene here in the Cairngorms. As the technology advances the bikes get lighter and easier to use, and the batteries last longer than ever.

But what exactly are e-bikes, where can you rent them, and where should you go? We’ve got all the answers in this handy guide. 

What are electric bikes?

Electric bikes are bikes that have been modified to include a battery and motor that give the rider a boost – great for peddling up hills. To be road legal in the UK, electric bikes need to include pedals and all motors must be capped to travel no faster than 15.5 mph. Riders also need to be aged 14 or over, but you don’t need a licence to ride one.

E-bikes are practical both on the roads and on trails, and can make longer or more extreme journeys more manageable. They can also improve fitness, especially for those who need a little extra help – climbing and riding down hills is an absolute breeze. They basically allow you to see more in a shorter period of time and have enough energy to chat while you cycle! What’s not to love?

Currently, there are three main types – the e-commuter (or e-hybrid), the e-road, and the e-mountain bike. It’s worth noting that e-mountain bikes are heavier than standard mountain bikes, but the extra power makes all the difference when riding extreme trails. 

Where can I rent or buy an e-bike in the area?

Aviemore Bikes, 5A Myrtlefield Shopping Centre

These guys are specialists in electric bikes and have a range of e-bikes in store to rent and to buy. They stock all kinds, from traditional road bikes to full-suspension mountain bikes. 

If you just want to try an e-bike for a day, without shedding out the £2000 or more it costs to buy one, Aviemore Bikes offer a 3-hour or a 6-hour rate. You don’t have to be experienced with e-bikes to hire one, they’re just like normal bikes – gears and brakes are operated as usual, but there’s a small control panel on the handlebars which you use to adjust the assistance you receive. 

If you fancy an e-bike but you’re not sure where to go, you could also book a tour with Aviemore Bikes. The tours are 3 hours long and are off-road on a mixture of terrain. There’s no extreme downhill or steep uphill, however, do expect to cross small rivers and ride some bumpy sections. A moderate skill level on a bike is needed, so if you’re very new to cycling this probably isn’t for you.

Booking can be made via hire@aviemorebikes.co.uk or by calling 01479 810478.

Bothy Bikes, Dalfaber, Aviemore

This is an independent, family/rider-owned bike shop based in Aviemore. The shop was established in 1996 with the aim of providing a bike repair service for local riders and visitors. They also thought it would be good to stock some great gear and still maintain their guarantee that everything they stock they would either use themselves or recommend to friends or family.

Open from 9-5 every day, they have a large range of bikes for sale and for hire, and they also stock a selection of e-bikes. At the time of writing, they have mountain hardtail e-bikes, mountain dual suspension e-bikes and cargo e-bikes for sale. But be warned, they’re not cheap.

Hiring an e-bike for the day will cost you £50 and includes a helmet, a repair kit, a map and some expert route advice. They can also supply gel seat covers if you want an even comfier ride. Although they don’t offer guided tours like Aviemore Bikes, they’re incredibly knowledgeable about the local area and will help you find the trails that suit you best.

For half-day rides they recommend the Speyside Way to Loch Garten, or Loch an Eilein via Route 7 and the Old Logging Way. For full-day rides the circuit to Loch Morlich is ideal for starters, or they’re ok with you transporting your bikes to Laggan Wolftrax or Glenlivet if trail-centre riding is your thing.

For bookings visit bothybikes.co.uk or call 01479 810111.

One last thing to consider! 

Battery

The power rating will determine how far you can travel on one charge in full assist mode. Bear in mind that weather, terrain and your body weight can alter the battery’s performance. Most electric bikes have a display attachment that will tell you how much battery power remains and recharging usually takes around 3 hours.