Texas is one of the best places to explore in the US. This state is geographically and culturally diverse, offering you the best of both worlds. If you want t experience Texas’ city life, there are vibrant towns that you can explore. There are also parks and trails for people who wish to escape the buzz of city life.
Even better, most tourist destinations in Texas are accessible by electric bike.
My top 3 favorite places to take an eBike tour in Texas are Austin, Galveston Island, and Fort Worth.
An electric bike tour is an excellent option if you want a new way to spend your vacation in Texas. Let me share some of my favorite places in Texas where there are available e-bike tours.
1. Austin
Delicious food, great beer, and live music performances – are the things that make Austin a popular destination for tourists who want to explore Texas. Exploring Austin is experiencing a balance of city and small-town life, making it a unique adventure.
When To Go
March to May and September to October are the best times to visit Austin. These months are not too hot and humid, making your electric bike tour comfortable. Loads of events are also happening in Austin during these months.
What To Bring
During an e-bike tour to Austin, you need the following:
- comfortable and breathable biking attire
- closed-toe sports shoes
- snacks and water
- protective biking equipment (optional, tour operators will provide the helmet)
- first-aid kit
- pocket money
- your phone or a camera
Costs
A tour around Austin, Texas, costs $83. At this tour cost, you will have your e-bike tour itinerary, a rental e-bike, and a helmet you must wear throughout the trip. A tour guide will also join you throughout the tour. (source)
Ride eMTB Recommendation in Austin: BikeTexas Tours 👉 BikeTexas Tours
Tour Highlights
When joining an e-bike tour of Austin, the city’s most popular places will be your tour’s highlight. These attractions include the Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue, Barton Springs, and the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.
The Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue sits at Lady Bird Lake’s Auditorium Shores. This place witnessed many of the late musician’s performances. Erected in 1993, the statue is both a beacon and a tribute to the late Austin musician. (source)
You will also explore Barton Springs, a natural treasure worth visiting. This attraction consists of four underground springs that serve as a great place for swimming. Dense trees surround the clear waters of Barton Springs, making it a place of overwhelming beauty. The place is also popular for its historical and cultural riches. (source)
Ride eMTB Hot Tip: Don’t have an ebike? I’ve got a guide for renting in Texas. Read it here 👉 Where to Rent an eBike in Texas
2. Galveston Island
Known as one of the most beautiful beach towns in Texas, Galveston Island offers tourists miles of sandy shores, clear waters, fascinating history, and delicious food.
When To Go
There is no better time to visit Galveston Island than in the summer. During this season, there is a low chance of rain, allowing you to embark on an adventure by the beach.
What To Bring
During your tour of Galveston Island, you will need the following:
- sunscreen
- a camera or your phone
- comfortable and moisture-wicking biking clothes
- closed-toe shoes
- snacks and water
- extra cash
Costs
For $75, you can explore Galveston Island on an electric bike for two hours. The tour is self-guided so that you can control the pace of your adventure. You will also e able to take as many stops as you want. (source)
Ride eMTB Recommendation in Galveston Island: Zipp e-Bikes 👉 Zipp E-Bikes
Tour Highlights
A self-guided tour of Galveston Island will offer you 32 miles of sandy shores. The tour’s highlight will be your trip by the island’s crystal clear waters while you are under the sun. During the tour, you will discover shops and cafes by the beach, all of which you can visit.
Galveston Island also offers that if you like knowing the history of the places you visit. The Island has a rich history of its changing European settlement. First, pirates took over this barrier island. Then, refugees from Germany, Italy, and Greece made the island their home until wealthy merchants rooted their businesses there. These historical events shaped the Galveston Island that everyone knows today. (source)
RIDE eMTB Tour Tip: Grab this FREE PDF Checklist containing a list of items to consider before an eBike Tour. 👉 eBike Tour Accessories Checklist
3. Fort Worth
Fort Worth is famous for its mouth-watering food, lively cocktail lounges, and magnificent architecture. The place is well worth a visit if you like exploring metropolitan areas.
When To Go
If you plan to visit Fort Worth, it is ideal to do it in early spring or fall, particularly in March or October. These months have the best temperatures in Dallas, making your tour comfortable and exciting.
What To Bring
It is ideal to bring the following items when visiting Fort Worth:
- proper biking clothes and shoes
- some cash
- a flashlight
- a biking pack where you can place your personal belongings
- first-aid kit
- protective biking equipment (optional)
Costs
The tour costs $125, including the rental electric bike and helmet you will use throughout the trip. Lunch is also included in the tour price. (source)
Ride eMTB Recommendation in Fort Worth: 👉 Pedegon Electric Bikes Fort Worth
Tour Highlights
The e-bike tour will take you on a sightseeing trip to Fort Worth’s downtown. Your first stop will be at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. This spot is a majestic attraction that offers sights of architectural wonders. There are pools in the area, which are especially beautiful at night, thanks to the lights illuminating them.
You will also visit the JFK Tribute in Fort Worth. President John F. Kennedy gave a speech in front of thousands of spectators on the steps of Hotel Texas on November 22, 1963. Today, Hotel Texas is popular as the Hilton Fort Worth, and a tribute marks the place of President JFK’s historic visit. A bronze statue of the late president stands in the area. There are also several quotes from his historic speeches featured throughout the place. (source)
4. Dallas
Apart from Fort Worth, many other attractions in Dallas are worth visiting. You can go around Dallas to check out the murals around the town or go shopping spree.
When To Go
Temperatures are not overwhelmingly hot from September to November, making them the best times to explore Dallas. There are fewer crowds in the town during these months, so you can freely go around on an electric bike.
What To Bring
Here’s what you need to bring when having an e-bike tour of Dallas:
- a camera
- proper biking clothes
- closed-toe shoes
- extra cash
- first-aid kit
Costs
A two-hour tour of Dallas costs $69.99. It has a rental electric bike, helmet, and a tour guide to help you explore the town. You may also need extra cash for lunch or if your group decides to check out some of the best shops in downtown Dallas. (source)
Ride eMTB Recommendation in Dallas: 👉 In-City Wheels Dallas
Tour Highlights
As mentioned, one of the best places to explore when visiting Dallas is Fort Worth. But if you are into exploring the city, the murals around Dallas are a must-see.
The murals painted around Dallas serve as a haven for people who love the arts. This city is home to various kinds of art that express different messages. The paintings made by local artists are all over the neighborhood, making the place look like an outdoor gallery.
Moreover, Dallas’ graffiti scene showcases a bit of everything. Dallas offers everything, from Instagram-worthy wall art pieces to cool, colorful abstracts. Dallas even boasts portraits dedicated to artists, musicians, and President John F. Kennedy. That said, make sure that you have your camera when you visit the town. (source)
5. San Antonio
San Antonio is the oldest city in Texas. It is a hotspot for tourists who love history and places rich in heritage sites. But even if you are not into history, you will love the fantastic food, museums, and other attractions San Antonio can offer.
When To Go
San Antonio has the best weather during November and December and between January and April. For this reason, these are the best months to take a stroll around the town.
What To Bring
When visiting San Antonio, you will need the following:
- a camera
- comfortable, moisture-wicking biking clothes
- closed-toe shoes
- a backpack where you can put your personal belongings
- snacks
- water or energy drink
Costs
A tour of San Antonio lasts approximately two hours and costs $69. It comes with a road guide to tour you around, a rental electric bike, and a helmet. I recommend bringing extra cash for shops or restaurants your tour group wants to check out. (source)
Ride eMTB Recommendation in San Antonio: 👉 Self Guided Tour of San Antonio
Tour Highlights
A San Antonio electric bike tour will allow you to explore some of the iconic destinations around the city. These attractions include Burgerteca, Southtown, King William Historic District, Steves Homestead, and many more. But out of all these destinations, one of the best places to visit is King William Historic District.
The place brims with the most historical and magnificent homes in San Antonio. Locals revived many historic homes, while people converted the others into museums that locals and tourists can visit. One of the best homes you can see is the Villa Finale. This gorgeous home showcases antiques, which are all available for public viewing.
Russel Norton owns Villa Finale and built it himself in 1876. Local preservationist Walter Mathis bought the house in the 1960s. He also collected fine and decorative art. Many of these pieces are now displayed in Villa Finale. (source)
6. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a Texas town with famous attractions, such as the Texas Wine County, the National Museum Of The Pacific War, and the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. These attractions make the town a great place to visit throughout the year.
When To Go
Spring is the best time to visit Fredericksburg, particularly from March to May. During this season, you can witness the Texas Hill Country as it blooms with Bluebonnets. There are also thousands of wildflowers covering Fredericksburg’s hillside in Spring.
What To Bring
Visiting Fredericksburg means exploring tree-lined trails. For this reason, you need to bring the following:
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
- proper and comfortable biking attire
- closed-toe sports shoes
- snacks and water
- additional protective biking equipment (tour operators will provide you with a helmet)
Costs
A tour of Fredericksburg costs $55 and will last for four hours. You may also opt for an all-day tour that lasts eight hours and costs $95. The tour is self-guided, so the tour operator will only provide you with the rental e-bike and itinerary. You can also have as many stops as you want. (source)
Ride eMTB Recommendation in Fredericksburg: 👉 Ranch Road One
Tour Highlights
One of the best trails you can visit when on a Fredericksburg tour is the LBJ Ranch Loop. This location is ideal for tourists and e-bike enthusiasts, as it will tell you about the life of the late President Lyndon Bain Johnson and his wife, Ladybird.
You will see the Junction Schoolhouse around the ranch, where the late president studied when he was a young boy. You can also visit President Johnson’s family cemetery, his grandparents’ home, and his reconstructed childhood home.
If you have not had enough after the tour to the late president’s home, you can take a tour of the aircraft used during his presidency. Finally, you can bike along the Pedernales River for a close-to-nature adventure. (source)
7. South Austin
As mentioned, Austin is an excellent place for people seeking the perfect balance between city life and the small-town vibe. But if you specifically came to this town for its delicious food, an electric bike tour to South Austin is a must.
When To Go
South Austin is a busy town all year round. For this reason, you can pick the best time to take a tour. The restaurants all over the city serve delicious food day in and day out.
What To Bring
When doing an electric bike/food-tasting tour to Austin, it is ideal to bring the following:
- a camera or your phone
- extra cash
- proper biking clothes (pick a pair of stretchable and comfortable sports clothes)
- closed-toe sports shoes
- water
Costs
For $128, you can tour some of the best restaurants and cafes in South Austin while riding an electric bike. The tour price includes the rental e-bike, a tour guide, and the food you will try at the restaurants you visit. This way, you will witness the town’s ever-changing food scene.
You may also want to bring extra cash if you tasted a dish so good that you want to order another. (source)
Ride eMTB Recommendation in Austin : 👉 Austin e-Bike Foodie Tour
Tour Highlights
While food is the main reason you will join an electric bike and food tour to South Austin, you will also pass by the town’s most fantastic attractions. One of these places is the Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching.
On this site, you will have a chance to see bats as they fly on top of the bridge. So, make sure you have your phone or camera to take photos of this fascinating scenery.
You will also pass by South Congress Avenue. Here, you can witness what the southern part of Austin is. This tour will show you what makes Austin a great place to visit, other than the great food you will be tasting.
Another attraction you will check out before visiting restaurants is the Austin Mural. You will see various artworks made by local artists in the town as a form of self-expression. The place is a perfect area to take cool and Instagrammable photos. (source)
Frequently Asked Questions About eBike Tours
What kind of eBikes are provided?
E-bike tour operators in Texas provide tourists with pedal-assist e-bikes. Such bikes have motors that make the pedaling work a lot easier.
How long does an eBike tour take?
When joining an e-bike tour, at minimum, expect to spend about one and a half hours. Some tours last two to four hours, while others take an entire day.
Are eBike tours safe?
Electric bike tours are one of the safest options for exploring a place. Tour operators ensure that their rental e-bikes are in perfect condition before letting tour-goers use them. They will also provide you with a helmet and require you to wear it for safety.
Hi David Humphries here the guy doing all the pedaling behind the scenes with this blog. I’ve been in the MTB world for a while and recently started getting into eMTBs. You can check out more about me HERE and on my other passion project – DIYMountainBike.com
Sources
- Bike Texas Tours. Guided e-Bike Tours for Austin & Beyond. https://www.biketexas.org/tours/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb_austin&utm_content=website. Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan. Memorial. https://srvofficial.com/memorial/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Barton Springs Conservancy. Welcome to Barton Springs Conservancy! https://bartonspringsconservancy.org/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Zipp E-Bikes. E-Bike Tours. https://zippebikes.com/tours/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- It’s Island Time: Galveston, TX. 10 Reasons To Visit Galveston In 2023. https://www.visitgalveston.com/blog/10-reasons-to-visit-galveston/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Visit Fort Worth. Bike And BBQ Guided Electric Bike Tour. https://www.fortworth.com/event/bike-and-bbq-guided-electric-bike-tour/32977/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Visit Fort Worth. Things To Do. https://www.fortworth.com/things-to-do/historic-sites/jfk-tribute/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- In City Wheels. Electric Bike Tours & Rentals. https://incitywheels.com/electric-bike-rental-tour/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Visit Dallas. Explore Deep Ellum’s Most Instaworthy Murals. https://www.visitdallas.com/blog/deep-ellums-most-instaworthy-murals/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Viator: A Tripadvisor Company. Beautiful Downtown San Antonio E-Bike Tour. https://www.viator.com/en-PH/tours/San-Antonio/San-Antonio-E-BIKE-Tour/d910-343872P1. Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Vivian Phillips. Fun Things to Do in the King William Historic District (blog). August 7, 2021. https://www.sanantoniomag.com/fun-things-to-do-in-the-king-william-historic-district/ Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Ranch Road One Bike Rentals & Tours. LBJ Ranch Loop. https://www.bikerr1.com/tours. Accessed January 12, 2023.
- Viator: A Tripadvisor Company. Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour. https://www.viator.com/tours/Austin/Explore-Austins-Foodie-scene-on-an-e-bike/d5021-134057P2. Accessed January 12, 2023.