The magic word for you is e-bike – or, more specifically, pedelec. Pedelecs are bikes with a small motor installed to help you pedal. The motor is operated by a battery which, depending on use, has a range of 30 to 80 kilometres.
Since legally pedelecs are still bikes, you can do everything on a pedelec that you are able to do on a standard bike. For example, use cycle trails or decide if you wish to wear a helmet or not. A pedelec turns any tour into a relaxing cycle event.
Services available in the region
Electric bicycle rental is now pretty standard in any area that welcomes cycle tourists, and e-bikes are available for hire from bike hire operators throughout Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony). At the Volksbankarena Harz Mountains (Volksbank Arena Harz Mountains), there are also electric mountain bikes available to try.
Public e-bike charging units in the Weserbergland (Weser Uplands)
To prevent guests getting left behind, there is an electric bicycle charging infrastructure in the Weserbergland (Weser Uplands). A total of 10 charging units have been installed at tourist information centres, restaurants and accommodation providers in the Weserbergland region. The unit consists of 4 individual lockable compartments, each housing a standard socket. Cyclists bringing their own pedelec on holiday always bring along their own charger. Electricity is provided free of charge at the charging unit meaning guests have no need to worry about having the right change. Guests simply plug their charger in the socket as normal, charge the battery and lock the compartment. The battery needs to be charged for at least 1 hour to ensure a good range. You can while away the time by strolling around the town, eating at a local restaurant or simply popping in to the tourist information centre.
Grafschaft cycle service stations
In the Grafschaft Bentheim (County of Bentheim), 15 cycle service stations offer e-bike battery charging facilities free of charge. The cycle service stations have lockable compartments with a power socket so guests can charge their own e-bikes or, of course, e-bikes hired from the white Grafschaft Bentheim fleet.
Cyclists travelling without electrical assistance can also enjoy the district-wide service offering, as all stations also offer bicycle pumps, tools, repair kits and first aid kits for those minor emergencies.
The service stations are located in Bad Bentheim, Emlichheim, Neuenhaus, Nordhorn, Schüttorf, Uelsen and Wietmarschen. You can find the exact locations of the cycle service stations on the Grafschaft Bentheim Tourismus e.V website.
Leisurely cycling trips in Cuxland
While cyclists take a break over lunch or coffee and cake, their e-bike battery recharges. A simple socket makes this possible. Companies offering the free power service are dotted along the region’s best cycle routes. They also provide tourist tips and information and can be identified by the corresponding logo at their entrance.
You can find the exact locations of the charging stations on the Cuxland Tourism website.