Cycle racks on back of motorhome

thank you all for your comments and suggestions, advice, etc. this is very much appreciated. We have now bought the 2 lightest bikes available, which are also folding, and without the batteries are only about 16 kilos each. One of the bikes will fit in the hold where the battery is situated (when folded and in it's bag). We are only collecting our MH next week as its having all the checks done and MOT. so were looking forward to our new adventure.

I'm sure we'll be asking advice again in the future as everyone has been very helpful in this matter. I will look into the tow bar and rack situation. We won't be taking the bikes on all our trips as we have 2 small dogs, who will come with us on many outings when we won't be taking the bikes, other wise they stay with our friends.

Hope we meet some of you on our travels, as I'm sure you'll recognise us as we will be the ones looking very puzzled !!! thanks again to you all.

Baz and Viv 

Puzzled - there’s lots like that, B&V. 

Enjoy your van.

Can I ask what make bikes you got? Most of those I've looked at are around the 20Kg mark.

Hi CY,, the only problem with going lighter and keeping the "E" spec', is that these bikes usually have smaller wheels.   That might suit you if all you need a bike for is poodling around, but if you want to do some serious distance cycling, like a full day out, you need bigger wheels.

Our Swiss Flyers have 28" wheels and we can get at least 70 miles out of the battery, so we tend to go out for the day and take a picnic.   When we tried to do that with our folding bikes it was very knackering, mainly because of the smaller wheels.    So beware of downsizing too much!

BillC

Space is also an issue. My garage isn't as big as yours.

Hi, the bikes we eventually got were Carrera Crosscity folding from Halfords, yes they only have 20" wheels and a distance of 30 miles, but as I said before my wife has very bad arthritis and these are adequate for what we need, too old to go cycling all day!!! just for pottering about.

They weight 18 kilos with battery and fold up very small, ours has a very small hold where the battery is, wouldn't call it a garage, and purchased a carry bag for them which will keep the van hold clean, . We had a trial on them at Halfords Lancaster who were extremely helpful as we tried various ebikes, they don't charge to try them and we were out for over 40 minutes on each of them, and we found Carerra were brilliant for us. I do agree they aren't for long distance cycling. They were £650 each and for buying 2 they gave us a 10% discount.

Baz

Hi Baz

Hope you both enjoy your bikes. I did look at something similar in Halfords but in the end went for a couple of Pro Riders at a similar cost. I have arthritis in both knees so can't really go on any long rides but we find them useful for exploring near to the campsite and for popping to the supermarket.

David

Hi Baz, glad you got a good outcome, enjoy your biking and of course camping with your van, happy days....

BillC

I can see your next problem.   Much the same as ours, because we now are keepers of my sons dog.

Will an electric assisted bike pull a dog trailer ?  I say, assisted, because I reckon I will be doing most of the peddling !

rgds

Hi Tony, I would think it would be ideal to pull a dog trailer along.   You might have to choose a lower gear but thats no problem.     We often see dogs in baskets on the front of bikes as well.      Dog trailers are quite common in France, we see then on the canal tow paths often.

These e-bikes are known as pedal-assist bikes, because you do have to pedal.     Some people think e-bikes have a motor so you dont have to pedal.    That type are called mopeds and they need a licence.   Early model e-bikes used to have a throttle and no pedalling, but these are now illegal throughout Europe.

BillC