How e-bikes and e-scooters enhance RV travel

The open road. Connection with the land. Multi-destination travel.

Road-tripping in an RV – a “Recreational Vehicle” with living quarters, like a camper or motorhome – is the kind of travel we’re on board with. Like riding an electric bike or scooter, it’s often just as much about the journey as the destination.

Over 11 million households own an RV, and according to a recent industry study, its appeal is expanding: Younger demographics are taking to the road, and prospective purchasers are planning to spend more days out there – in part thanks to today’s remote working environs, which allows them to log-in from anywhere they wish.

Spend time in any RV park these days, and you won’t just see young adventurers and laptops: you’ll also see more electric bikes and scooters than ever before. A recent poll of RV users showed lots of enthusiasm for electric rides.

It’s no wonder: An e-bike or e-scooter is the supreme road-trip partner to an RV. Here’s why:

How 2-wheel riding elevates the RV experience

An RV takes care of the long-haul, tackling miles upon miles of cross-country travel. When you pull off into a new destination or overnight stopping point, the RV is not only “home” — but also “home base.” An RV is not often the best get-around vehicle when it comes to local exploration, though. Finding a place to park it outside the hottest pancake house on Main Street isn’t easy, nor is zig-zagging it through crowded city streets.

A car, either one you’ve hitched in tow or are using to pull a non-motorized camper, can certainly step in. But exploring on 2 wheels has its advantages, too. Here, three reasons why electric bikes or scooters are a great alternative to sitting behind a steering wheel:

1. They make for more immersive and engaging destination exploration.
   
   E-bikes and e-scooters are a great way to get up close and personal with where you’ve chosen to stop – whether it’s Small Town U.S.A. or one of America’s National Parks. (Yes, you can e-bike through those!)
   
   Two-wheel exploration really engages the senses and lets you feel the vibe of your surroundings. You can take in the sea breeze while you cycle along the shoreline... stop whenever and wherever you want to snap a pic... circle back to the street vendor for that sweet-smelling treat... get up close with sculptures you pass next to the park... catch the tunes of sidewalk musicians.
   
   
2. They’re an easy “grab-and-go" way of getting around.  
   
   Within an RV park or to shopping areas just outside of it, an electric bike or electric scooter can be the most efficient way to get around.
   
   Have to swing by the campsite office or get to the picnic pavilion for a group gathering? Make a quick run to the store for a few necessities? An e-bike or e-scooter can get you there quickly.
   
   
3. They contribute to a healthier on-the-road lifestyle. 
   
   Anyone who RVs know it takes a concerted effort to keep healthy habits up when you’re on the road. Having a 2-wheel ride makes it easier.
   
   Whether you just hop on it for leisure or as a way to get from point A to point B, riding an e-scooter or e-bike delivers a dose of fresh air and, if the sun’s out, some Vitamin D. A ride can combat that “cooped up” feeling that can come after a long day of highway travel by energizing, refreshing -- and bringing joy. (They’re super fun to ride!)
   
   Pedaling your legs on an e-bike can deliver even more benefits to mind, mood, and body. The movement and exertion get the heart pumping and the blood moving. In fact, studies show that even when pedal assistance is on and the motor is assisting with movement, riding an electric bike has notable health benefits.

Why electric is the way to go

A traditional bike can accomplish all of the above, too – and many RV users travel with them for those reasons. But there are many benefits to going electric. Here, our top three:

1. Electric riding is active but “accessible.”
   
   For some people, traditional biking can be hard on the joints and muscles. The help of a motor can alleviate that.
   
   Electric biking caters to a wide range of ages and abilities thanks to pedal assistance – boosts from the motor that lessen the amount of effort you need to put into your pedaling. Many e-bikes have multiple levels of assistance. Depending on your mood, the route you take, and your ability level, you can choose how hard you want to work and let the motor pick up the slack. When you’re not wanting a full-on “workout,” you can still hop on and enjoy the benefits of biking without arriving at your destination sweaty and exhausted.
   
   E-scootering requires balance and standing (on most models) for some period of time – but if neither of those is problematic, it is also a great way to get out in the fresh air without overexerting yourself.
   
   
2. You can take routes you might otherwise avoid.
   
   Thanks to the motor, electric riding allows you to tackle terrain and distances that might otherwise have been “too much.” That includes riding to an attraction that’s a little further away, or exploring interesting – but hilly – neighborhoods.
   
   
3. Speed, baby.
   
   If you aren’t riding for leisure’s sake (or even if you are), e-bikes and e-scooters can get you to your destination quickly. Many models can achieve 15 or 20 mph on flat, smooth pathways or roads – so you can spend more time at the lake than getting to it. 

Key considerations

Efficiency is essential to successful and happy RV living. If you're going to bring an electric ride along, make sure it’s the right one: That means one that your RV can accommodate, and one that you’ll be excited to use. Take the following into account:

1. Where you’ll keep it
   
   If your RV has a large exterior cargo bay, check the measurements to see if it can hold a foldable e-bike or e-scooter. (Bonus points if it also has an electrical outlet. Then you can charge your product there, too.)
   
   A bike rack mounted to the rear of your RV is another option. They don’t all accommodate electric bikes, which can sometimes be bulkier than traditional bicycles, so make sure to get one specific to your bike’s proportions. If going this route, you’ll also want to get a cover to protect your e-bike from the elements.
   
   
   
   
2. Which ride is right for you
   
   If you’re looking for swift, low impact riding, and storage space on your vehicle is tight, an electric scooter may be the way to go. There are also scooters with seats, such as the Jetson Ryder Pro; they’re bulkier, but if you’ve got the space for one, are favored by some RVers for their comfort.
   
   If cardio exercise is part of the goal, or you just like biking as an activity, go with an electric bike. Compact electric bikes take up less space – the frame is more petite and the wheels are on the smaller size – but they deliver a zippier ride. Full-size electric bikes more closely resemble the feeling of traditional bikes in that they mimic the size, shape, and pedal circumference of traditional cruiser, road, and mountain bikes.
   
   
3. Features to look for
   
   It’s important to choose the right electric ride for you – that is, one you feel comfortable on and will feel psyched to use. With that in mind, always look for an e-bike or e-scooter that has features that are important for you, be it a display screen to show riding stats... cruise control... or even a frame that’s in your favorite color. If you like riding a traditional bike with mechanical gears, look for an e-bike that has them, too.
   
   However, when shopping to bring an electric ride on an RV, some features are worth paying special attention to. They include:

• Product weight – You and your traveling companions will have to lift your electric rides up to wherever you store them, be it an exterior bike rack or cargo bay. Make sure the product you choose is manageable.
  
  
  
  
• Foldability – Considering an RV’s space limitations, you may want an electric ride that can be condensed in size – especially if you won’t be carrying it on an exterior rack. Many electric bikes and electric scooters fold completely in half, which means they can more easily be stashed in a car trunk or pick-up truck bed, (if you’re towing) or an RV cargo bay.
  
  
• Range – “Range” is the maximum number or miles that can be achieved before the battery needs recharging. If you plan to use your electric ride for full-day outings, you’ll want one with a long range so you don’t get stranded while seeing the sites. E-bikes can sometimes have longer ranges than e-scooters because your pedaling helps preserve some battery power so that it can be distributed over a longer distance.
  
  
• Wheel type - If you plan to use your bike on dirt paths, like those in wooded camp sites, or if you just like off-the-beaten path adventuring, look for models with rugged wheels that can handle that terrain. The Atlas Fat Tire Electric Bike and Copperhead Extreme Terrain Electric Scooter, as two examples, have substantial tires that can grip the dirt.

These things are also nice to have:

• A removable battery – A removable battery in an e-bike or e-scooter, like our Knight Electric Scooter, is a great feature for RVing for 3 key reasons.
  
  First, they serve as an added security feature: when the battery’s been taken out, the product can’t be used. Second, removable batteries can be charged when they’re outside of the product, so you can charge it up in places where an entire e-bike can’t fit (like inside your RV). And third, you can purchase an extra and bring it along on your outing so that you can swap it in when the first depletes and thus double your riding power.
  
  
• Integrated security features – You’ll need to secure your ride when you want to pop into a local cafe or grocery store. Some, like the Jetson Shield Ultra-Lock Electric Scooter, have security integrated into its functionality; this one has both a built-in cable lock and an electronic locking system. (If your model does not have a lock, invest in a good one!)
  
  
• Space for your stuff – A rear cargo rack or basket is helpful to have for both errand runs and long outings. They give you a place for such things as a snack, water bottle, binoculars, or small day pack. Many bike models can be retrofitted with one, so check if there are compatible storage accessories at the time of purchase.

Remember that you’ll need to allocate space on your RV for a helmet, too. Happy road tripping!