If Thomas Edison were around today to witness an electric bike in action, he’d likely be very pleased, and perhaps even inspired to make his very own version.

The inventor—whose name is practically synonymous with electricity—was also a bicycle enthusiast. In fact, Edison filmed the world’s first bike trick video in 1899 titled Bicycle Trick Riding, No. 2. Of course, being a man incredibly ahead of his time, he made the video short with a motion picture camera he had also invented. How convenient!

 

So, it’s not difficult to imagine that he would fully approve of the growing popularity of e-bikes, which are regular bicycles tricked out with electrical components to enhance your bike-riding experience. With an electric bike, you can enjoy the same splendors of riding a bike with the added benefit of being able to let an electric motor do the work you’re not able to, or would rather not do!

E-bikes are regular bikes, but bionic:

Riding an e-bike on a cycling tour, for example, you can go faster if you need to make up time or you can fly up a steep hill if you don’t have the energy to pedal your way up.

One common misconception about electric bikes is that they are (or are similar to) a moped, scooter or even an electric motorcycle. In fact, they are a completely different species. An e-bike is actually a regular bicycle that you pedal just as you would any bicycle. So in this way, electric bikes handle just like regular bicycles and offer travelers the same simple pleasure of rhythmic movement and exercise.

The difference, of course is, is that electrical components such as a battery and a motor are integrated impeccably into the design of the bikes. And these extra features are meant to be an addition to your own natural muscle power, instead of replacing it entirely. So when you need a boost, electric bikes help you, to literally, move on.

Electric bikes are perfect for cycling vacations:

E-bikes offer great news for those trying to decide which bike itinerary to take. Suddenly, those self-guided cycling trips in France marked Moderate (such as Languedoc Countryside & Heritage, Loire Valley Classic 7N and Provence Multisport) and Challenging (such as Carcassonne to the Coast, Loire Chambord to Atlantic and Mont Ventoux to French Riviera) don’t seem as daunting.

Unlike mopeds or motorcycles, e-bikes are completely safe to ride and easy to use, making them the perfect alternative for young riders, older riders, injured riders and those who are not quite confident with their fitness levels. Plus, they are environmentally friendly.

Discover France offers elite SCOTT’s E-Venture 30 series for self-guided bike trips:

Dear Edison would no doubt applaud SCOTT’s E-Venture 30 series, which is Discover France’s choice of e-bikes for cycling trips in the Loire Valley, Provence and Languedoc regions of France. These elite, cutting edge electric bikes are both ultra classic and ultra modern. The perfect combination. And as Edison once said, “There’s a way to do it better – find it.” So, you don’t have to sweat it; consider your better way to take a cycling trip… found.

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