Travelling with an electric bike

They say that travel broadens the mind, whether that’s visiting far-flung countries or just exploring a new city in your home country. Of course, there are uncertainties when you go to new places – like how you will get to the hotel from the airport, or how much is appropriate to tip. 

And then of course there’s the question of the best way to see a place… should you hop on an open-top bus, take a walking tour or – as we would recommend – take an electric bike and ride around your destination to really drink it in.

E-bikes give you the ability to move around without having to exert yourself too heavily, meaning you can enjoy your visit while still feeling fresh. If that e-bike happens to be a folding one, all the better. It will mean far greater freedom and the option to bring your bike in and out of places, or jump on a tram, train or bus when it’s time to go back to the hotel. 

Being at street level, moving around with complete freedom – there’s really no better way to experience a place. Feel like stopping into that cool looking store? Fold up your bike and head on in. Can’t figure out the local transit network? Get there at your own pace with a little electric assist! 

Read on for tips, info and advice to help you plan your next trip with your electric bike in-tow.

Can I fly with my e-bike? Navigating the skies

Why is flying with an e-bike battery so difficult?

The rules around electric bike batteries (and lithium-ion batteries more generally) are there because of safety. There’s a non-zero risk of fires associated with lithium-ion batteries, and while the likelihood is very small, airlines have to make rules based on the safety of their entire fleet, with millions of passengers taking thousands of flights a year. 

That being said, e-bike airline regulations are not consistent with each other, which can be unnecessarily confusing. 

• British Airways ban all electric bikes, whether carried in the cabin or checked into the hold. 
• Aer Lingus will let you check in an e-bike without its battery, and you can bring the battery in your cabin bag, although the company stipulates “Loose Batteries must be protected against contact with other metal items (e.g. by being in their original packaging or own protective case)”.
• Air France says ‘non!’ to electric bicycles of any kind, in either the cabin or the hold.
• Delta Air Lines will let you take the battery out and check in your bike, but places a limit of 100 watt-hours on the capacity of the battery you wish to carry in the cabin. Which effectively rules out the vast majority of the batteries used in e-bikes. 

The best thing to do is check directly with the airline you plan to fly with what its policy is. It’s also wise to try and get pre-authorisation or confirmation that you are able to bring your electric bike on board, rather than just show up at the airport check-in desk with a big smile and loads of optimism.

Solving the airline e-bike issue

These rules may change in the future and it could get markedly easier to travel by plane with your electric bike. For now, here’s a couple of workarounds.

• Remove the battery and ship it: While this comes with its own complications, posting your battery to your destination may help avoid airline policies. You will still need to seek out a specialist courier, and can expect to pay extra. 
• Rent, buy or borrow a battery at your destination: It may be possible to source an electric bike battery once you arrive at your destination. By doing this, you circumvent the need to move a battery across international borders. 
• Rent an electric bike at your destination: Sometimes the path of least resistance is the most appealing. There are hundreds of specialist electric bike rental companies around the world, and they’re particularly common in tourism hotspots. If you are travelling in the UK, you can make use of Brompton Bike Hire docks.

Hitting the rails and roads: seamless land travel with your e-bike

International e-bike train travel

If you want to cross borders with your bike on a train, that’s easy too. Eurostar’s policy for trips in and out of London is that folding bikes (including electric ones) are allowed as luggage, provided they’re inside a bag and not longer than 85cm. A folded G Line, the largest Brompton, measures just 72cm, well inside the limit.  Eurostar does stipulate that you must not charge your bike’s battery while on board.

When travelling with Eurostar between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, the rules are a tiny bit different – “we treat folding bicycles as standard luggage items as long as the maximum dimensions when folded do not exceed 75 x 53 x 30 cm.” Luckily that’s still comfortably larger than a Brompton’s folded dimensions, so you’re good to go!

If you want to combine riding your e-bike with travelling on the bus, there’s more good news. The majority of bus companies allow folded e-bikes on their services, provided there is room on board and the bike fits in the luggage racks provided (when folded). 

Perhaps easiest of all is car travel. No need to check the official policy, just fold up your electric bike and put it in the boot of your car. This can be a really nice way to connect up with other modes of transport – or of taking your e-bike somewhere further afield to ride around, explore and have fun. 

With all three of these modes of transport, you’re going to benefit from having a lightweight design for easy lifting. The compact fold of a Brompton is also a major advantage, allowing you to make use of small luggage racks and storage areas. 

Packing smart & staying safe: tips for your e-bike journey

Travelling with your e-bike is easier than you might think. With thoughtful packing and careful battery management, you can enjoy every mile of your journey with confidence. Whether you’re heading across town or across borders, a little preparation will make sure your Brompton arrives ready to ride.

E-bike battery safety

When we’re talking about e-bikes, battery care is key to a safe and smooth trip. Always remove the battery when transporting your e-bike unless you are actively riding. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and never expose it to extreme temperatures. Physical damage, such as drops or dents, can compromise performance and safety – so be extra careful not to jar it when carrying your battery in a bag.

In the UK there is a suite of new guidelines for e-bike batteries, which focuses primarily on higher manufacturing standards. What that means for the customer is that you can be even more confident in reputable brands who are following the new recognised safety certifications. 

If you are charging on the move, pack a reliable portable charger and, if travelling abroad, an appropriate international adapter. Look out for designated charging points at stations, cafés or hotels, and avoid makeshift power sources. We’d also strongly suggest using only the Brompton-approved charger that came with your bike, and not an aftermarket option.

Keeping your electric bike secure is just as important as keeping it charged. Use a high-quality lock and, where possible, store your bike indoors or in supervised areas overnight. Many riders also remove the battery when leaving the bike to deter theft and add an extra layer of protection.

Ready for adventure: exploring new places with electric power

Once you’re at your destination, we have a few tips to help you get the most of your e-bike-enabled adventures. 

Planning your route: Whether you plan to ride five kilometres or 50, it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance. Google Maps usually has reasonable cycling-specific route suggestions, but there are also services like Strava or Komoot which offer something a bit more bike-specific. You can even set Strava to search out routes taken by other electric bike users.

Local rules: If you are travelling abroad with your electric bike, it can be a good idea to familiarise yourself with local rules and regulations before you go. In some countries, it’s mandatory to wear a helmet while cycling – and there may be country or even city-specific provisions that apply specifically to electric bikes. 

Renting an e-bike on your travels: There’s an obvious trade-off to be made when renting an e-bike instead of bringing your own along with you. In the plus column, it’s more convenient and doesn’t require you to do battle with airline baggage policies. In the minus column, the rental bike may be unfamiliar or of lesser quality than your bike at home – and, yes, it costs a bit more to rent. 

You should weigh up the pros and cons against the holiday you want to have. Will you be using your e-bike every day and travelling long distances? Or are you more interested in a couple of days zipping about town in between stints at the beach?

Benefits of Brompton: If you own a folding electric bike, you have a lot more freedom and flexibility in how you travel. As we discussed above, it’s far easier to travel with a folding e-bike than a conventional e-bike – thanks to the easy portability and small folded size. 

The world is your oyster, electrified!

Travelling with an e-bike opens up a new way of seeing the world – one that blends freedom, flexibility and fun. From navigating airline restrictions to breezing onto trains, trams or buses with a neatly folded Brompton, the possibilities are wide open. 

The key is a little preparation: pack smart, care for your battery, and plan ahead for charging and security. Do that, and your e-bike is more than transport – it’s your ticket to adventure. So unfold, power up, and ride out. Wherever you’re heading, your next great journey starts on two wheels.