eBike Tours In North Carolina (Sightseeing on Two Wheels)

There are countless reasons why North Carolina is a popular tourist destination. North Carolina has everything from attractions at the heart of its cities to nature trips.

But suppose you are starting to get bored with how you usually spend your vacation. In that case, an electric bike tour is a new way to explore North Carolina. During the tour, you can visit and enjoy the best attractions around this state. North Carolina has tour operators that allow you to rent e-bikes, so you can reach places that are otherwise unreachable by bigger vehicles.

My top 3 favorite places to take an e-bike tour in North Carolina are Downtown Asheville, Wilmington, and Outer Banks.

Are you planning to visit North Carolina but need clarification on what places you want to explore? I’ve got you covered! Below is a list of my favorite e-bike tours offered around North Carolina.

1. Downtown Asheville – City Style

Asheville is one of the best places to tour on an electric bike. It gives you a way small-town feel and beautiful views. On top of that, Downtown Asheville has unique restaurants that you can try.

When To Go

There is no better time to visit Asheville than spring and fall. These are the seasons when Downtown Asheville’s weather is cool, thus making your trip comfortable.

Check out the tours in Asheville offered by The Flying Bike with this shortcut link. 👉 The Fly Bike

What To Bring

When going on an electric bike tour, it is essential to bring the following:

• a comfortable and breathable pair of clothes
• closed-toe shoes
• snacks
• water or energy drink
• first-aid kit
• sunscreen
• a biking pack to carry your personal belongings

Costs

A three-hour tour of Downtown Asheville costs $75. This tour price includes the electric bike rental, helmet, and gloves. The tour operator will also give you a rear cargo bag that contains a rain cover. A road guide will also come to guide your tour group. (source)

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Tour Highlights

Downtown Asheville is home to countless attractions. For this reason, it makes a fantastic place to visit for people who love touring by bike.

One of the best places to visit in Downtown Asheville is South Slope. This vibrant neighborhood is home to artists, brewers, and chefs. As you ride your rental e-bike to the village, you will find colorful murals and art galleries made by the artists who live there. Fantastic restaurants also serve delicious and more than forty breweries, turning the place into a booming beer scene. (source)

Another highlight of your e-bike tour is exploring the Montford Historic District. This neighborhood brims with architectural establishments with varying designs. Some buildings have castle-like architecture, while others are Neoclassical. Montford is a great place to visit if you are looking to explore a place that is rich in history. (source)

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2. Wilmington – Beaches and Brewries

Wilmington offers the best of both worlds. Vacationers who seek historical tourist attractions will enjoy strolling around this town. Those seeking an escape from their busy city lives will also enjoy the gorgeous beaches and breweries Wilmington offers.

When To Go

If you are visiting Wilmington for its beaches, then summer is the best time to embark on an adventure. On the other hand, tourists who want to explore the streets of this town will enjoy their vacation in spring or early fall.

Check out the tours in Wilmington offered by 👉 Wilmington Bike & Brew Tours

What To Bring

Below are the things you need to pack when going on an electric bike tour:

• comfortable and moisture-wicking biking clothes
• closed-toe shoes
• protective biking equipment
• pocket money
• sunscreen
• snacks and water

Costs

A tour of the historical attractions and breweries around Wilmington costs $90. The tour will last four hours, and you can visit two craft breweries within the town. A tour guide is coming with you to bring you to some of the historical attractions in Wilmington. (source)

Tour Highlights

Wilmington is famous for two things: history and breweries. For this reason, you can expect that the highlights of your electric bike tour are historical attractions and craft beers.

Your tour guide will take you to the historic district of Wilmington while telling you all the stories you need to know about the place. Make sure you have a camera or phone to take snaps of the beautiful and historical attractions you will visit.

In addition, you get to visit two breweries and sample some of their best craft beers. Your tour group can also opt to stop by pubs and bars. (source)

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3. Outer Banks – Sand and Sights

Tourists, nature lovers, and electric bike enthusiasts will love the backroads and wooded area Outer Banks offers. Outer Banks also has a rich history, which you will learn while exploring the wooded parts of the island.

When To Go

The best times to visit the Outer Banks of North Carolina are between March and May or September to November. These are the months when the barrier island has fewer crowds, allowing you to appreciate the place without the heavy tourist traffic.

Check out the Outer Banks tours offered by 👉 Outer Banks eBike Rental

What To Bring

During your tour of the wooded areas of the Outer Banks, you will need the following:

• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• snacks
• sufficient water
• comfortable biking clothes
• closed-toe shoes
• protective biking equipment like knee and elbow pads

Costs

The backroads of the Outer Banks tour will last for four hours. Once you sign up for the tour, the tour operator will provide you with a rental electric bike, helmet, and a road captain to lead your way. However, there is no declared tour cost, so you will have to call the tour operator to arrange the cost and schedule for you. (source)

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Tour Highlights

One of the best areas you can explore during a tour of the Outer Banks is the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. This place is inaccessible by other vehicles, so there will undoubtedly be no crowd when you visit the area.

The said ecological preserve contains marshes, ponds, wetlands, and dense forests. There are sky-high hickories, oaks, and beech trees in the area, some of which have been there since hundreds of years ago. For this reason, canopies of trees will shade the trails where you will ride your electric bike.

In addition, the preserve is home to over 150 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching. However, birds are not the only wildlife you will see in the areas. Chances are you will also see reptiles and amphibians, as the place has more than 50 species of these animals. The freshwater ponds in the preserve are also home to various aquatic lives. (source)

4. Charlotte – History and Style

Bars, restaurants, and bustling city life – are the first things that come to people’s minds when they hear about Charlotte, North Carolina. But apart from these urban attractions, Charlotte is also famous for the scenic places you can only reach when driving an electric bike.

When To Go

Charlotte is not overly crowded from March to May and September to November. For this reason, visiting the town during these months is best.

Check out the Charlotte tours offered by 👉 E-TREK’N

What To Bring

Touring around Charlotte on an electric bike will require you to have the following:

• appropriate and comfortable biking clothes
• closed-toe shoes
• snacks and water
• sunscreen
• a camera
• extra cash

Costs

When joining a tour to Charlotte, you will need to pay for the rental electric bike you will use. You can also decide how long you want your tour to be.

• Two Hours – $29.99
• Four Hours – $49.99
• Eight Hours – $7.99

Your road captain and tour operator will also let you plan your itinerary. For this reason, you can choose the places you want to visit. For this reason, bring extra cash for shops, cafes, or restaurants you want to check out.

Tour Highlights

Touring around Charlotte will only be complete with visiting Lake Norman. The lake is a perfect place to see if you want a small getaway or a quick electric bike trip within Charlotte. Restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries surround the lake, so you will always have things to do.

Additionally, this lake offers fantastic by-the-water scenery and areas for hiking and biking. The lake is also open for fishing, boating, and kayaking. For this reason, you can try water activities while on your e-bike tour.

5. Winston-Salem – Modern Beauty

Winston-Salem is one of the cities named in Forbes’ Top 10 Best Downtown. This title alone tells tourists that the town is well worth a visit.

When To Go

Spring and Summer are the best options for people exploring Winston-Salem. Temperatures are not overwhelmingly hot, and there is typically a low chance of precipitation during these seasons.

Check out the Winton-Salem tours offered by 👉 Triad Eco Adventures

What To Bring

Here are the ideal things to pack when planning to visit Winston-Salem:

• a camera
• pocket money
• comfortable biking clothes
• closed-toe shoes
• protective biking equipment (tour operators will provide the helmet)
• snacks
• water or energy drink

Costs

You can explore downtown Winston-Salem on a guided electric bike tour for $69. The tour price comes with the rental e-bike, a poncho in case it rains, and storage space on the e-bike. You will explore the city for two hours.

Tour Highlights

One of the highlights of your Winston-Salem tour is a trip to the Muddy Creek Greenway. This paved, tree-lined trail in Winston-Salem provides tourists a place to get close to nature. Dense trees form canopies along the path, shading you from the sun’s heat as you pedal your way. The site also has picnic areas, a playground, and athletic fields.

You will also visit the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter. Here, you will learn about the buildings and establishments around the town that people converted into museums, restaurants, and contemporary businesses. (source)

6. Black Mountain – Appalachias Best

Black Mountain is a culturally-diverse town that showcases various cuisines, arts, and businesses. The city also gives you the best view of Southern Appalachian living, making it a perfect destination for an e-bike tour.

When To Go

Black Mountain remains a busy town all year round. For this reason, you can pick the best time to visit, depending on your schedule. Just check the weather before joining a tour to ensure no rain will hinder your adventure.

Tour the Black Mountain area on an eBike with 👉 The Fly Bike

What To Bring

Here are the things you will need when visiting Black Mountain:

• proper biking clothes
• closed toe shoes
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• snacks
• water
• a camera or your phone
• extra cash

Costs

A two-and-a-half-hour tour to Black Mountain costs $85. A tour guide will come to lead your trip. The tour cost also includes the rental electric bike and helmet that you will use throughout the journey.

Tour Highlights

While Black Mountain is famous for its diverse culture, the highlight of your trip will be a tour around the scenic Montreat College. Old buildings surround the campus, allowing you to glimpse what the old town of Black Mountain is like. Your bike tour will also pass by the scenic Lake Susan, so bring your camera and snap some photos of the lake.

You will also tour the campus. You will feel like being in a forest without leaving the city. There are pods and streams around the campus, which gives your trip a close-to-nature feel. (source)

7. Nantahala River – Touching Nature

Nantahala River is a beautiful attraction in Bryson City, North Carolina. People who want to escape their busy city life and spend some time surrounded by nature should visit this scenic river.

When To Go

April to October are the best months to visit the Nantahala River. The Nantahala Rafting season happens during these months, making the river busy and lively.

What To Bring

• a camera
• rain cover (in case it rains)
• comfortable biking clothes
• closed-toe shoes
• snacks
• water or energy drink
• sunglasses
• insect repellent
• protective biking equipment

Check out the Nantahala River with the folks at 👉 Nantahala Adventures

Costs

Exploring the Nantahala River for two hours with a tour guide costs $100. The tour price includes the rental fee for your electric bike and helmet. You may also need to spend additional money on your snacks or lunch. (source)

Tour Highlights

Traveling the dirt path along the Nantahala River provides tourists an easy yet fulfilling trip. You will be able to explore the river, wildlife, and the flora and fauna that surrounds it.

While visiting during the rafting season, numerous locals and tourists will ride along the river’s heavy currents. The rafting season is one of the best times to visit this North Carolina river, especially if you want to witness the place come alive.

In addition, the Nantahala River is a famous spot for fly fishing. It is also home to notable attractions, such as the Whitewater Falls, the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, and the Appalachian and Bartram Trails. (source)

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Frequently Asked Questions About eBike Tours

What kind of eBikes are provided?

Tour operators and electric bike rental businesses in North Carolina usually provide their clients with pedal-assist e-bikes. This type of bike consists of a motor that helps propel the bike easier. However, the motor will only work once you exert leg power into moving the pedals.

The motors of pedal-assist e-bikes make pedaling easier but will not take all the work.

How long does an eBike tour take?

E-bike tours with tour guides usually last up to three hours. Some are even shorter, lasting for only one and a half to two hours. Despite the short duration, an e-bike tour around North Carolina can take to to the best places this state has to offer.

On the other hand, self-guided tours may last longer, depending on your electric bike’s rental duration. Some self-guided e-bike tours last four hours, while others can take up to a day.

Are eBike tours safe?

There are two reasons why electric bike tours are safe:

• The electric bikes – tour operators will only let you use the e-bike you rented after inspecting it first. They will ensure that the electric bikes are in prime condition and are free from even the most minor damage.
• Safety gear – tour operators will provide you with a premium rental e-bike and a helmet to protect you from potential injuries.

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Sources

1. Flying Bike Tours. Downtown Asheville Electric Bike Tour. https://flyingbiketours.com/downtown-asheville-electric-bike-tour/ Accessed January 13, 2023.
2. Jason Tarr. Top Things to Do in Asheville’s South Slope District (blog). https://www.exploreasheville.com/stories/post/top-things-to-do-in-ashevilles-south-slope-district/ Accessed January 13, 2023.
3. Romantic Asheville: Insider’s Guide To The NC Mountains. Montford Historic District, Asheville. https://www.romanticasheville.com/montford.htm. Accessed January 13, 2023.
4. Wilmington Bike & Brew Tours. History, Haunts, and Breweries Tour. https://www.wilmingtonbikeandbrew.com/service-page/history-haunts-and-breweries-tour?referral=service_list_widget. Accessed January 13, 2023.
5. Outer Banks E-Bike Rentals. The Woods Tour. https://www.outerbanksebikes.com/new-page. Accessed January 13, 2023.
6. The Nature Conservancy. Nags Head Woods Preserve North Carolina. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/nags-head-woods-ecological-preserve/ Accessed January 13, 2023.
7. Triad Trolleys. Explore Winston-Salem On An Electric Bike. https://www.triadecoadventures.com/ebike-tours/e-bike-downtown-loop/ Accessed January 13, 2023.
8. Pisgah Day Adventures. The Black Mountain Tour. https://book.singenuity.com/175/activity/details/1333/n/start. Accessed January 13, 2023.
9. Nantahala Adventures E-Bike Tours. https://www.nantahalaadventures.com/service-page/river-side-1?referral=service_list_widget. Accessed January 13, 2023