Electric bikes have rapidly gained popularity over the past few years, and it turns out they are a great way to explore Edinburgh. Edinburgh was built on an extinct volcano, so it has many hills, and it can require some effort to get around on a bike. This is why e-bikes have become increasingly popular in Edinburgh as they take the effort out of cycling, especially up those hills. This, along with all the many miles of e-bike paths and disused railway lines around the city centre and the surrounding area, makes e-biking a great choice to enjoy Edinburgh, with many incredible sights to see and places to visit.
Many citizens are choosing electric bikes for commuting and travelling around the city, as often it is quicker to cycle across the city rather than drive or take public transport. When you add the assistance an electric bike gives, you also get to work or your destination fresher and less sweaty.
Edinburgh would be a great choice for your next e-biking adventure due to the stunning views of the historic city and all the green spaces throughout the city centre and beyond. Because of all of these cycling routes around the city, Edinburgh is very cycling-friendly, so it is an amazing place to cycle around, have lunch, and enjoy the city and the views.
If you are looking for longer rides, there are beautiful areas outside Edinburgh, including the iconic Forth Bridges and Queensferry Crossing to the West or into the majestic Pentland Hills.
Before you set out on your e-bike journey around Edinburgh, there are certain actions you can take to maximize your enjoyment of the city. Firstly, make sure your route will take in all the sights you wish to see on your day out. Sites such as Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, the Scottish Parliament building, The Meadows, and many more. Once you have the sights you wish to see, you can set about planning your perfect route, whether on cycling routes or quiet roads.
Then, plan what you are going to do for food. Edinburgh has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, but it is also perfect for a picnic. Simply pack your lunch and stop your electric bike in one of the many idyllic green spaces dotted around the city.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, for an e-bike, make sure your battery has enough charge for the length of the ride.
With electric bike technology improving at a furious pace, there is far more choice in the style and capabilities of modern electric bikes. For example, you can opt for an electric bike with a very upright position for maximum comfort or a hybrid style for a sportier feel. There are a range of battery sizes available depending on how far you need your rides to last and different powers of motors available depending on how steep the hills are and how much luggage you intend to carry. There is also a wide selection of electric bikes for ladies available.
Available now are also the superlight electric bikes that weigh about 16 kg for a responsive and manoeuvrable ride quality and a bike that is easier to carry. Specialized electric bikes make some of the lightest electric bikes on the market.
For most of the routes in Edinburgh, a hybrid or gravel bike would suffice, but if you want the extra comfort and the ability to go off-road, then an electric mountain bike might suit you better.
There are a few electric bike regulations worth noting when riding in Edinburgh (and the United Kingdom in general). The first is that electric bikes in the UK are capped at 25 kph or 15.5 mph assisted speed, so it will be all you when the assistance stops. You can go faster than this, but this is the speed at which the motor will stop giving you any more assistance.
General cycling regulations are also worth remembering when planning an Edinburgh city cycle regarding helmets and lights. Bicycle helmets are not a legal requirement in the UK but are highly recommended, while front and rear lights are a legal requirement if you are cycling in the dark along with front and rear reflectors.
As we have mentioned above, Edinburgh has some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world, so we have compiled our favourite electric bike routes around Edinburgh that provide incredible views, quiet segregated cycle paths, Forth views, or a mixture of all three.
Arthur’s seat
The iconic Arthur’s Seat, which was built on a now-extinct volcano, stands in the centre of Edinburgh and is great for both walking and cycling, offering incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. To cycle to the top of the paved section requires some effort, so an electric bike is perfect for this cycle, where you can take it easy to the top and then enjoy the views when you get there.
Follow Queens Drive towards Edinburgh East and then cut off the road before Duke’s walk. Here is the start of the climbing. Follow the winding road to the top for beautiful views of Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh Castle, and many more iconic sights. On the way, there is ample space for a stop and a picnic, especially around St. Margaret’s Loch at the base or Dunsapie Loch at the top.
If you don’t fancy the climb, you can enjoy Holyrood Park at the base of Arthur’s Seat for plenty of greenery and views of Scotland’s capital, and you are a stone’s throw from Dynamic Earth, or the Innocent railway path starts just below Arthur’s Seat, taking you towards East Lothian.
Meadows
Another area of natural beauty right in the centre of Edinburgh is the Meadows. Great for a walk, picnic, or a cycle with acres of space for picnics, sunbathing, and other activities. Great for the kids too, with many playparks, so a great place to cycle with the whole family. All are within easy walking or cycling distance of some excellent cafes and restaurants.
Union Canal
For completely segregated, sedate cycling is the Union Canal that starts right in Edinburgh city centre by the Lochrin basin and continues to Falkirk, where you can cross onto the Forth and Clyde Canal to continue to Glasgow. Starting in Edinburgh, the canal takes you through Edinburgh’s West End over aqueducts and viaducts, past parks and play areas. An incredible cycle for you and the kids with plenty of options for stops for lunch or a picnic.
Cramond Beach
Another of the traffic-free routes around Edinburgh is the Cramond Promenade, which runs from Cramond to Edinburgh city centre. From Cramond Road south, head north towards Cramond Kirk and follow the road to the Firth of Forth. From there, enjoy a leisurely cycle alongside the water, enjoying views of Fife, Edinburgh, and West Lothian. The wide promenade facilitates walkers, runners, cyclists, and roller skaters. Cramond promenade makes up part of the national cycle network.
Roseburn Path
Roseburn Path is included as a beautiful traffic-free cycle path on its own and also a route to other famous Scottish landmarks and towns. Roseburn Path starts near Murrayfield rugby stadium and continues down to Cramond if you fancy a longer cycle. Where the path ends, you have the option of continuing your cycle down to South Queensferry and even over the Forth Road Bridge for stunning views of the Bridges, Fife, Edinburgh, and West Lothian. Enjoy the local cafes, restaurants, or ice cream parlours that South Queensferry has to offer before heading back to Edinburgh.
For a bonus cycle from South Queensferry, head through Dalmeny Estate through the woodland and join up with the Cramond promenade or back on the Roseburn Path.