Ready to Start Your Bikepacking Trip? Most detailed tips and best e-bike recommendations are here

Electric bike have firmly established themselves in the cycling market, attracting a wave of new riders. They have also become a popular choice for bikepacking trips, offering a convenient and efficient mode of transportation.

Tesway also offers a range of other electric bikes tailored for different purposes, whether it's commuting, off-roading, or casual rides around the city.

Explore their lineup to find the perfect e-bike that fits your lifestyle and adventure needs.

Electric Bike Class

Electric bikes come in three main types.

Class 1 e-bikes provide assistance only when you pedal, cutting off at 20 mph.

They’re great for those who want a bit of help on tough climbs while still getting a good workout.

These bikes are ideal for city commuting and light trail riding.

Class 2 e-bikes come with a throttle that can propel the bike without pedaling, also up to 20 mph.

This feature makes them perfect for those moments when you need a quick break from pedaling, or for getting through difficult spots without dismounting.

They are well-suited for urban environments and flat terrains.

Class 3 e-bikes are designed for speed, providing pedal assistance up to 28 mph.

These bikes are favored by riders who want to go faster and cover more ground, making them excellent for longer commutes and open road adventures.

They are generally not allowed on bike paths or multi-use trails due to their higher speed capabilities.

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Which Type of Bike is Best for Bikepacking

The right e-bike is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

Suspension

Full suspension electric bikes are highly recommended for bikepacking, especially if your route includes muddy paths and gravel roads.

Full suspension provides better handling and comfort on rough terrains by absorbing shocks, which reduces fatigue and improves control.

Battery Capacity

A high-capacity battery is essential for long-distance bikepacking.

Look for electric bicycles with high-voltage batteries to ensure you have enough power to cover significant distances between charging stops.

A battery with at least 500Wh is advisable, but larger capacities, such as 625Wh or more, are preferable for extended trips​.

Durability and Weight

Consider the bike’s frame and overall weight. A durable frame made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber is ideal for handling the rigors of off-road riding.

While a lightweight e-bike can make handling easier, ensure it is robust enough to carry all your gear.

The balance between weight and durability is essential for an optimal bikepacking experience​.

Tire Size and Type

Fat tire electric bikes are the best choice for bikepacking trips involving uneven terrain.

Fat tires offer better traction and stability on muddy paths and gravel roads. They can handle various surfaces, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Tubeless tires can prevent flats and reduce the overall weight of the bike.

Gearing System

A bike with a wide range of gears allows for easy adjustments when climbing hills or descending slopes.

A 7-speed or higher gearing system is recommended for bikepacking, enabling you to tackle varied landscapes efficiently​.

Brakes

Reliable braking is critical for safety, especially when carrying a heavy load.

Disc brakes, either hydraulic or mechanical, offer better stopping power and are less affected by weather conditions compared to rim brakes.

Ensure your e-bike’s brakes are well-maintained and responsive.

Additional Features

A sturdy rear rack, modular options for accessories, and IP6 water resistance.

These features make it easier to carry your gear and protect your bike from the elements.

Recommended Models

Tesway S7

The Tesway S7 is a step-in wide tire e-bike with a 960Wh 48V20A battery, allowing it to travel up to 70 miles on a single charge.

It features a robust frame, hydraulic suspension, and a high-capacity battery, making it ideal for long and challenging trips.

The 7-speed shift system makes it effortless to adjust for inclines, downhill descents, or stop-and-go outdoor rides.

The sturdy rear rack and modular options for front and rear accessories enable customization to fit your lifestyle.

Tesway X5

The Tesway X5 is a folding electric bike with a 1200Wh 48V25A battery, capable of traveling up to 80 miles on a single charge.

It offers unmatched smoothness with full suspension, absorbing shocks for comfortable, controlled rides in any scenario.

Mechanical wire brakes provide excellent stopping power and are easy to control in all weather conditions.

Planning Your Bikepacking Trip

Planning a bikepacking trip with an electric bike? 

Choosing the right route is super important. I always use Google Maps in the walking setting.

Why? Because the bicycle route setting tends to favor bike trails that are often longer and less practical for e-bikes.

Also, don’t forget to use Google Street View to check out the road conditions, like pavement width and those annoying rumble strips.

And make sure to find spots along your route where you can recharge your batteries, like cafes, restaurants, or inns. Trust me, nothing’s worse than being stuck with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere.

Bring versatile, multi-functional items to keep your load light. I usually pack compact cooking gear, a reliable tent, and a first aid kit.

Dressing in layers is key because you never know when the weather might change. Efficient packing doesn’t just make your load lighter—it ensures you have everything you need for a comfortable and safe trip.

When planning your route, tools like OpenCycleMap and Trailforks are your friends.

They offer detailed maps and user-generated content, which is super helpful.

These resources can give you insights into trail conditions, elevation changes, and points of interest.

Make sure to research the terrain and weather conditions thoroughly, paying close attention to the climbing scale and the difficulty of the trails.

Always plan your campsites around areas with electricity and have a backup plan for stealth camping if needed.

And don’t forget to get familiar with local land-use rules to avoid any legal hassles.

Efficient packing also means carrying enough spare batteries and chargers.

Plan to use only 50% of each battery’s charge to leave room for unexpected conditions like headwinds or hills.

This way, you won’t get caught off guard.

Tesway S7: John Miller's Bikepacking Experience

Tesway s7 e-bike, equipped with a 960Wh battery, can travel up to 70 miles on a single charge.

On one trip, I covered 135 miles without pulling a trailer, using 1,700 watt-hours of power at an average speed of 17.5 mph.

On another trip, pulling a trailer with extra gear, I used over 2,700 watt-hours at 16.6 mph.

These trips underscored the importance of accounting for extra weight and wind resistance, which can significantly impact battery usage and charging times.

The Tesway S7 boasts a maximum speed of 28 mph, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of speed on empty roads while maintaining safety.

However, it's essential to be cautious of excessive power consumption, as higher speeds can drain the battery more quickly.

Navigating flooded roads requires caution.

The Tesway S7's brakes are very sensitive in these conditions, so it's crucial to approach slowly and reduce speed to maintain control.

The brakes' sensitivity can be both a benefit and a challenge, allowing for quick stops but necessitating careful handling to avoid abrupt halts that could lead to falls.

Riding in the rain is not an issue with the Tesway S7, thanks to its IPX6 waterproof rating.

This ensures the bike can handle heavy rain without damaging its electrical components.

While riding in wet conditions is manageable, the increased sensitivity of the brakes means you should adjust your riding style accordingly.

When the battery runs out, I use charging stations at roadside restaurants. Planning these charging stops for each trip is essential.

Estimating the time needed for charging and incorporating these stops into your travel schedule ensures you always have enough power to continue your journey without unnecessary delays.

This strategy keeps your trip smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the adventure rather than worrying about battery life.

Wrap Up

If you're looking for a reliable, high-performance e-bike for your adventures, the Tesway S7 and Tesway X5 might just be perfect choices.

With its impressive battery life, robust build, and thoughtful features, it's designed to make your bikepacking trips as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

FAQs

How do I ensure safety while bikepacking with an e-bike?
Wear a helmet, use lights, carry a first aid kit, and regularly check your bike for any issues. Plan your route carefully and avoid dangerous areas.

How do I manage battery usage on a long bikepacking trip?
Plan charging stops at cafes or inns, use only 50% of each battery’s charge to allow for unexpected conditions, and carry spare batteries and chargers.

How do I plan my bikepacking route with an e-bike?
Use Google Maps in walking mode, and tools like OpenCycleMap and Trailforks. Plan routes with charging stations in mind and research terrain and weather conditions.