We are looking forward to almost 2 weeks staying in the Cotswolds ( Blockley) and planning to do lots of walking, but some visitors that will be with us part of the the time have wondered about renting e-bikes since they aren’t quite as big on walking as we are. I’ve done a little research, but just wondering if anyone on this forum has had recent experience and or suggestions. Thanks in advance! Everyone is SO Helpful on this forum!
Hi Liz.
There are no e-bikes available for rental as far as I know in the the Cotswolds. If some of your group are joining you and they have mobility issues I suggest that you join a day tour with one of the tour operators in the Cotswolds. There are a few to choose from including Cotswolds Exporing and Rabbies Tours. The Cotswolds Tour Bus by Shakespeare Coaches departs from Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh, is another good option. They recently took my 86 year old aunt on a day tour and she highly recommended it. If you find anyone who offers e-bikes I'll be very interested to learn about them.
I yield to the local - more local than I, and with more current knowledge... I can't imagine e-bikes being compatible with the narrow winding lanes. Or on footpaths. I don't know of any either.
You can rent e-bikes in Bath and there some mainly traffic free routes you can cycle from there. That might be the nearest option.
We did an e-bike tour starting in Kingham with Peter at Cotswold Electric Bike Tours. I believe he also does rentals/hires. The tour itself was fantastic and he was a wonderful guide with tons of local knowledge. He does tours out of different areas, though I'm not sure what his radius is for hires. Certainly worth an email - if he can't help you he may be able to point out other options.
https://www.cotswoldelectricbiketours.co.uk/
Edited to add: We cycled on a mix of paths (the Monarch's Way for a portion) and roads. Having the local guide who knew what he was doing and where we were going made it much more enjoyable/easier. We only hit a few spots of traffic, as we came through Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.