New technology is making bike touring accessible to travelers who are not expert cyclists. Ciclismo Classico, a 30-year-old Italian bike tour company, has introduced electric bikes on several of its itineraries to help more guests enjoy longer and more challenging rides.
“Some of our guests have long admired the Epic series itineraries. Adding e-bikes allows intermediate riders and even beginners to experience these grand adventures,” said Lauren Hefferon, founder and director of Ciclismo Classico.
One featured option with electric-bike availability is the Ciclismo Classico Epic Tour, a 12-day route across southern Italy that departs on Aug. 27 and Sept. 24. The trip starts along the Adriatic coast and crosses the distinctive “heel” of Italy, with stops at several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient village of Matera, named a European Capital of Culture in 2019.
Riders continue through the scenic region of Basilicata, visiting the Tyrrhenian Sea and riding to higher points such as Cima Coppi. For travelers seeking shorter options, Ciclismo Classico also offers tours like the 11-day Cinque Terre & Tuscany tour and the 11-day Bike Across Italy tour, both available with e-bike support on select departures.
By incorporating electric bikes, Ciclismo Classico aims to broaden participation without compromising the quality of the experience. E-bikes provide pedal-assist power that makes hills and longer daily distances more manageable while still allowing travelers to enjoy the landscapes, culture, and camaraderie that define guided cycling tours. This shift opens the door for riders who want to take on iconic Italian routes but may have been deterred by demanding terrain or longer stages.
Guests interested in riding with electric assistance can expect professionally maintained bikes and guidance from experienced staff, ensuring safety and comfort on varied terrain. With multiple tour lengths and styles that traverse Italy’s coastlines, hill towns, and cultural highlights, the addition of e-bikes helps match each traveler’s fitness and experience level to the right itinerary.
Whether aiming for a multiweek Epic route or a shorter regional tour, travelers now have more options to explore Italy by bike. The move to include electric bikes reflects a broader trend in cycle touring: making memorable, well-supported rides available to a wider range of participants while preserving the authentic, immersive travel experience that companies like Ciclismo Classico have offered for decades.