Hiring ebike in France

[karen blancfield]

We are considering a few days with hired ebikes, maybe around Bordeaux. Does anyone have any experience of hiring in France?

 

[lovetravellingoz]

It is the best way to see France. Riding through small villages stopping of along the way away from the main tourist hordes.



I have cycled a lot in France. Often for a week at a time, as well as just day hire or even just for 5 minutes in Paris using their public bike system.

When we were last in Paris we used the Velibe Public Bikes. I believe these have now ceased and have been replaced with the Velib Metrepole bikes.

The culture in France is very cyclist friendly and roads unlike in Australia are a pleasure to ride upon.

Bicyle paths are not always plentiful, but there area number of major velo-routes now which are mainly well signed.

Rental stores for bicyles and ebikes abound. We only hired ebikes once out of Epernay in the Champagne region mainly for the sake of it. We prefer normal bikes as it is easier then to self-justify indulging in all the fine wine and food that France offers.

Where to ride? Bike routes in France; France Vélo Tourisme: All cycling routes in France

You can just book your own bikes, or you can book self-guided trips through companies like:
https://www.randovelo.fr/
Biking tours and cycle holidays - eurocycle.at

There are also many company doing single or half day guided bike rides.

I did the Blue Bikes Tour of Versailles years ago when they were first starting out and it is fantastic day trip.
Blue Bike Tours is the best way to see Versailles - Blue Fox Travel - Blue Bike Tours, Paris Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Picking up two ebikes hired from the Tourist Office in Epernay.

A little snack bought in a village along the way..

Cycling through the vineyards of Alsace on conventional bicycles. We just hired these from a store in Strasbourg for 9 days. We booked via email before we arrived.

We travelled light for this trip. It was in August and so was quite warm and so no winter woolies needed For the 9 days we had each just one pannier bag and one small back pack (You can see these in the pack below.

On other trips we have used an a baggage drop service.

And here we have just arrived at our cottage (the one on the right) in Riquewihr in for 2 nights.

Picnic lunch in our own cottage garden...

 

[karen blancfield]

Thank you so much for the time you took to answer my question! Very helpful links!

We have cycled in France a few times but now I’ve become a fan of ebikes, I wondered where to hire one in advance. Still get my exercise but assistance on hills and in head winds! Love it!

I’ll start with some of your links as that might get me to a rental site near Bordeaux. Thanks again.

 

[cgichard]

Thank you so much for the time you took to answer my question! Very helpful links!

We have cycled in France a few times but now I’ve become a fan of ebikes, I wondered where to hire one in advance. Still get my exercise but assistance on hills and in head winds! Love it!
I’ll start with some of your links as that might get me to a rental site near Bordeaux. Thanks again.

Try this link Renting a Bike in Bordeaux France | Experience France By Bike
N.B. not all the companies mentioned rent ebikes, but my guess is that more of them do now, than when the article was written, as they have certainly become more popular in France in recent years.

 

[karen blancfield]

Try this link Renting a Bike in Bordeaux France | Experience France By Bike
N.B. not all the companies mentioned rent ebikes, but my guess is that more of them do now, than when the article was written, as they have certainly become more popular in France in recent years.

Thanks, I will check out that site. Agree, would love to see sales figures for ebikes in Europe!