Electric Bike FAQ
- Are e-bikes welcome on the Carolina Hills Classic (CHC) Bike Tour?
Absolutely! We embrace all riders, but there are some things you should consider when bringing an e-bike on Tour. There are several types of e-bikes. Since our routes do take us on many bike paths, we only allow for Type/Class 1 Pedal Assist E-Bikes. For clarification on additional e-bike type, click here.
- Can I ride the CHC with one battery/charge?
More likely than not, you cannot ride most of our day’s routes on only one battery/charge. We’ve found that riders need two or three batteries on longer days.
- If I bring a second battery, do I have to carry it with me during the ride?
We have found that it is best for you to carry your own battery. With every battery being different and every rider relying on the batteries at different rates, it is very difficult for us to plan for where you will need to change your battery. To have better control over when and where you can change your own battery, it is recommended that you have a plan to ride with an extra battery on your bike.
- My e-bike is not easy to fix a flat tire. Will there be help available to fix it?
We have a great SAG crew and mechanics team that can help you fix most flat tires. That said, our vehicles generally only carry tools, tubes, and tires to fix flats on typical road bikes. If your bike requires specific tools or an atypical tube size (i.e., fat bikes, mountain bikes, etc.), please plan to carry these with you while you ride. Our crews will still be happy to help you fix the flat if you can provide the tools necessary to do so.
- What options do I have to get it to the ride and back home?
Even if your e-bike isn’t heavy, it still may be restricted to fly on a plane. Since most e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, e-bikes are usually limited to ground shipping. Also, take into consideration that the weight, size, and wiring for e-bikes mean that you will need it to be packed into a sturdier and larger box with more dense padding to withstand the normal rigors of shipping. Most bike shipping companies can help you transport your e-bike, but you will need to plan further in advance since it will have to go via ground shipping. Please check with your airline carrier for exact requirements.
- If my bike breaks down, will there be mechanics and parts available to fix it?
Mechanics, yes! Parts…. That’s a different subject. Our mechanics try to bring as many parts as possible with them to fix most problems we see on tour. However, every bike is unique, and sometimes we need to utilize the help of bike shops on the route. If you need a rare or hard-to-find component, it may be difficult for us to fix it while on route, but we will do our best to find what you need or provide a loaner bike so you can keep pedaling!
- If I need to use the sag van are the support vehicles able to carry e-bikes?
Yes, most of our vans will have racks that can support e-bikes.
- My bike doesn’t have a removable battery pack. Will there be a place I can charge it?
As mentioned previously, it is very unlikely that you will be able to get through most days on our tour with just one battery and one charge. For that reason, we do not recommend e-bikes without removable battery packs.