My Electric Biking Adventures: Discovering London’s Scenic Routes
London is beautiful and there’s no better way to fully appreciate that than by bike: specifically, an electric bike so you are relaxed enough to enjoy the scenery. Let me take you along my favourite cycling routes that showcase our capital at its best – with tips on the best kind of electric bike to ride on for each.
My Top Pick for Central London Commuting
If you train into London, the first problem is getting across the city. The answer is the east-west Cycle Superhighway CS3, which is perfect for e-bikers. The 1.5 mile Embankment section, between Westminster Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge, is ostensibly just a practical, direct, and safe commuting path – but it’s also a stunning cycle worth riding for its own sake.
You’ll take in iconic landmarks like the London eye, Cleopatra’s Needle and Somerset house. Yes, there are minor issues like pesky traffic lights and vehicle fumes, but there are also trees! And the overall experience is a joy. If you’re commuting, you’ll want one of our best folding ebikes, such as the ADO Air20 or Estarli E20.8 Play. Handy for the office but also, you never know when you might want to hop on a riverboat (and yes, they are allowed).
This route is straightforward once you’re on the CS3 Superhighway. You start at Westminster bridge heading East on the north side of the Thames – if you’re coming from Parliament Square this junction is the trickiest bit of the journey so pay close attention to the signs. Once you’re on the segregated cycle route and directly opposite London Eye you’re likely to see buses parked up. Pay close attention as tourists often walk into the cycle paths without looking. Ring your bell freely.
As you approach Blackfriars Junction, there will be a crossing leading the cycle path across the main road. Here you have the option to either continue down the CS3 or take a left turn up the CS6 route towards Farringdon and Kings Cross. To the east you’ll make out the Shard and if you stay south of the river you can visit Tate Modern or The Globe.
Off-Road Adventure Trail Thrills
There are a surprising number of exciting options for off-road and trail cycling in London – especially for electric mountain bikes. My go-to bike for these adventures is the Cyrusher Ranger, which can handle pretty challenging terrain.
One of my personal favourite routes is the Tamsin Trail in Richmond Park. It’s a picturesque path with a mix of gravel and tarmac (ideal for all skill levels). The trail spans about 7.5 miles and is a blissful route through nature, past historical landmarks, and the occasional deer. It’s mostly flat but an electric boost is particularly nice for the odd uphill section.
If that’s too far west or too tame for you, the off-road trails in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are a highlight if you’d like a more exhilarating cycling experience. These trails are properly hilly and challenging. Expect steep inclines and sudden drops, plus jumps and a rougher, rockier terrain that tests the mettle of both rider and bike. I’ve tested a variety of electric mountain bikes on these trails. It pushes the limits of what even advanced bikes can handle – which I love.
My Favourite Gentle Scenic Rides Milage
Commuting and/or thrill-seeking are all very well but some of us like to simply pootle around London. For that, there are some routes so thoroughly gorgeous that you’ll want to stop and tell passers-by how lucky we are to live here. I can’t decide which of this pair is my favourite – so here are the details of both. And any of our favourite electric bikes.
St James’ Park to Kyoto Garden (4.2 Miles)
The tranquil route from St James’ Park to Kyoto Garden along Hyde Park is a journey through the heart of London’s cherished green spaces. Starting in the serene St James’s Park, known for its pretty lake and painterly flowerbeds, the path leads to Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, a hidden gem with Japanese-style landscaping. The entire route is relatively flat and super-peaceful and most of it is on car-free paths.
Battersea Park to Wandsworth Bridge (2 Miles)
Cycling from Battersea Park to Wandsworth Bridge, you are blissfully removed from the main roads, sharing a wide, pedestrianised area by the river. Before setting off, I often explore the cycling paths within Battersea Park itself – perfect for warming up. (Though I find it personally quite hard not to get distracted by ice cream and mini golf.)
The route really begins as you cross Albert Bridge from Battersea Park, following the path that runs snugly against the riverbank wall, with views of good old Chelsea Harbour and the modern Imperial Wharf. From there you can continue your journey towards Putney, including a brief cycle down Smugglers way, a public road, before slipping into Wandsworth Park and heading towards Putney embankment.
So you see, London’s cycling routes have something for every e-biker. You can’t beat the joy and freedom that comes with electric biking in a fantastic city like ours.
