Why Electric Bikes are Perfect for RVing with Kids

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Jul 8, 2024

Discovering the Joy of Electric Bikes for RV Life

As full-time RVers for over 6 years, my family and I have been relying on a basic Walmart-style bike for all our cycling needs. But after years of contemplation, we've finally made the leap and invested in a pair of electric bikes - and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer for our RV adventures with the kids!

In this in-depth blog post, I'll share our journey of discovering the joys and benefits of electric bikes for RV life, and why we believe they are the perfect solution for families like ours who love to explore the great outdoors.

The Tipping Point: Adding a Second Child to the Mix

The decision to upgrade to electric bikes didn't come lightly. As much as I (the husband) had been eager to make the switch, my wife was a bit more hesitant. She wanted to wait and see if the technology and pricing would continue to improve before taking the plunge.

But the tipping point came when we had our second child. With two little ones in tow, the prospect of going on long bike rides as a family became increasingly daunting with our standard bikes. That's when we knew it was time to seriously consider electric bikes as a solution.

The extra weight and size of electric bikes, combined with the added challenge of transporting two children, made it clear that our old setup just wasn't going to cut it anymore. We needed a way to extend the range and ease the physical burden of our family bike rides.

Researching the Electric Bike Options

As we began researching electric bike options, Rattan Pinus quickly rose to the top of our list.

Rattan Pinus offered the features and capabilities we were looking for, including:

- Powerful electric motors and long-lasting batteries to assist with pedaling

- Sturdy frames and components to handle the extra weight of passengers and cargo

- Versatile designs that could accommodate child seats and trailers

- Affordable price points compared to many other electric bike brands

After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each option, we ultimately decided to go with the Rattan Pinus for both of our bikes. The ability to fold the frames for easy storage and transport, combined with the slightly lower price tag, made the Rattan bikes the winning choice for our RV lifestyle.

Unboxing and Assembling Our New Electric Bikes

When our new Rattan Pinus electric bikes arrived, we were both excited and a bit apprehensive about the assembly process. As someone who typically avoids reading instructions (much to my wife's chagrin), I was determined to put these bikes together without any help.

Fortunately, the assembly process turned out to be relatively straightforward. After removing the protective packaging, it was simply a matter of unfolding the frames, attaching the handlebars, and securing the seats. The included instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for a self-proclaimed DIY novice like myself.

One of the standout features we immediately noticed was the upgraded suspension seat post on the "Comfort Edition" models we chose. This added a whole new level of plush cushioning and shock absorption, which would prove to be a game-changer for our longer rides.

Taking Our First Electric Bike Ride

With the bikes assembled and the batteries charged, it was time to take them out for a test spin. We headed to a nearby park that holds special significance for us - it's where my wife and I had our first date all those years ago.

As we set off on the paved trails, I could immediately feel the power and responsiveness of the electric motors. The pedal-assist feature made it effortless to maintain a steady pace, even when tackling hills or navigating uneven terrain.

What surprised me the most, though, was how much I still felt engaged in the actual act of cycling. I had assumed that electric bikes would simply do all the work for you, but I found that I could still get a decent workout by adjusting the pedal-assist level and using the gears to control the effort.

And of course, the real test came when we loaded up our two kids - one in a rear-mounted child seat and the other on a specialized "burley" attachment. Despite the added weight, the bikes handled beautifully, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for the whole family.

Discovering the Benefits of Electric Bikes for RV Life

As we continued to explore our local trails and roads on our new electric bikes, we quickly realized just how transformative they would be for our RV lifestyle. Here are some of the key benefits we've experienced:

Expanded Exploration Capabilities

With the extra power and range provided by the electric motors, we can now venture out on longer, more ambitious bike rides without worrying about our physical limitations or the kids getting tired. This opens up a whole new world of exploration, allowing us to access remote trails, scenic vistas, and hidden gems that would have been off-limits with our standard bikes.

Easier Mobility Around the RV Park

Getting around the RV park or campground is a breeze with our electric bikes. We can quickly zip to the laundry facilities, the pool, or the camp store without having to load up the car or deal with the hassle of parking. And with the folding frames, we can easily store the bikes in our RV when not in use.

Accommodating Different Fitness Levels

One of the most surprising benefits has been the way our electric bikes allow us to cater to different fitness levels within our family. If one of us is feeling more energetic and wants to put in a harder effort, they can simply reduce the pedal-assist level. Meanwhile, the other can cruise along at a more leisurely pace, using the electric motors to their full advantage.

This has been especially helpful with our kids, who have varying levels of endurance and enthusiasm for cycling. The electric bikes ensure that we can all enjoy the ride together, without anyone feeling left behind or overly fatigued.

Reduced Strain on the Body

As much as I enjoy the physical challenge of cycling, the reality is that long rides can be tough on the body, especially when you factor in the extra weight of passengers and cargo. The electric motors on our bikes have significantly reduced the strain on our muscles and joints, allowing us to ride for longer distances without the same level of discomfort or fatigue.

This is a game-changer for our RV adventures, as it means we can explore more of the great outdoors without having to worry about the physical toll on our bodies.

Customizing and Upgrading Our Electric Bikes

One of the things we've really enjoyed about our electric bikes is the ability to customize and upgrade them to suit our specific needs. Beyond the standard features, we've added a few key accessories to enhance the functionality and comfort of our rides.

For example, we've installed specialized child seats on the back of each bike, allowing us to safely transport our little ones while still having full control of the bike. We've also added a "burley" attachment to one of the bikes, which provides an extra-secure and comfortable seating option for our youngest child.

Additionally, we've taken advantage of the various mounting points on the bikes to add things like baskets, lights, and even a phone mount for easy navigation. These customizations have really helped us tailor our electric bikes to the unique demands of RV life and family adventures.

Embracing the Electric Bike Lifestyle

As we continue to explore the world in our RV, our electric bikes have become an integral part of our journey. They've opened up new possibilities for adventure, allowed us to spend more quality time together as a family, and provided a fun and eco-friendly way to get around.

If you're an RV enthusiast like us, I highly recommend considering the addition of electric bikes to your travel setup. The benefits are numerous, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors on two wheels is truly unparalleled.