Cuba journal · 5 min read
Touring Cuba by Electric Bike: Who It Suits and What the Riding Is Like
If you've been wondering whether you can tour Cuba on an electric bike, you can. On our Eastern Cuba Culture & Cycling Tour, every rider chooses a hybrid, a gravel bike or an e-bike, and the choice is included in the price. Here's what riding Cuba with a little help from a motor is like, and who it suits.
Who chooses an e-bike?
- Riders who haven't been on a bike in a while and want to enjoy the day rather than survive it.
- Couples with different fitness levels. An e-bike lets the less-trained partner ride side by side without either one waiting.
- Anyone managing knees, hips or a heart they'd rather not push (check with your doctor first).
- Strong riders who want energy left for the afternoon: snorkeling, dancing, or walking Santiago.
Nobody on tour cares what you ride. The point of the trip is the places and the people, and the bike is how you get there.
What the riding looks like, day by day
These are the planned riding distances. All of them are manageable on a regular bike for a generally fit rider; on an e-bike they're easy.
| Day | Route | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation ride in Holguín | 5 |
| 2 | Holguín to Gibara, via the organic farm | 22 |
| 3 | Gibara to Guardalavaca, by ferry and country roads | 24 |
| 4 | Beach day at Guardalavaca | No riding |
| 5 | To the Taíno open-air museum and back | 10 |
| 6 | Guardalavaca toward Santiago, then bus | 25 |
| 7 | Santiago de Cuba, to the pirate fortress | 14, optional |
| 8 | Santiago to Playa Siboney | 15 |
| 9 | Fly home to Miami | No riding |
Riding is done by noon, with a stop about every hour, and the support van is always close. See the full itinerary for everything else each day holds.
What about charging, with the blackouts?
It's a fair question, and the answer is simple: it has never been an issue. Our homestays charge from generators, solar and other backup sources, so batteries get charged whether or not the grid is on. We also carry plenty of spare batteries on every tour. If yours runs low mid-ride, we swap it and you keep going.
E-bike, hybrid or gravel: how to choose
| Bike | Best for |
|---|---|
| E-bike | Getting back into cycling, mixed-fitness couples, saving energy for afternoons |
| Hybrid | Comfortable, upright riding for anyone who rides now and then at home |
| Gravel | Regular riders who like a lighter, faster bike on mixed surfaces |
You tell us your choice and your height when you book, and we fit the bike to you on day one. Our bikes have flat pedals, so comfortable sneakers are all you need, though you're welcome to bring your own saddle, pedals or helmet.
