Last Updated on July 7, 2023 by Igor Karni
Tandem bikes are a great way to get around the city and the countryside. You’ll be able to enjoy the experience of riding with a partner.
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You might want an electric tandem bike to make riding even more effortless. These come with a battery, so you can take a break from intense pedaling to enjoy the scenery. But are there any decent electric tandem bikes available?
What electric tandem bikes are available?
At the time of writing, a handful of tandem electric bikes are available. However, they aren’t as common as regular tandem bikes. Creating an electric battery system for a tandem bike is more complex than for a single-person bike. But increasingly, manufacturers are learning to get around these problems and build excellent electric tandem bikes.
Here are a few of our picks available at the moment:
| Tandem e-bike manufacturer | Tandem e-bike model |
| Pedego | Pedego Electric Tandem Bike |
| Moustache | Moustache Samedi 27 X2 |
| Micargi | Micargi Raiatea Electric Tandem Bike |
| Ecosmo | Ecosmo Folding Electric Tandem Bike |
| Flyer | Flyer Electric Tandem Bike |
| Van Raam | Twinny, Twinny Plus, Kivo, Kivo Plus, Fun2Go |
| Gepida | Gepida Thoris Tandem Electric Bike |
As this technology improves, several improvements have been made. Batteries are starting to get more powerful. They will last longer and will become more efficient. Plus, the range and speed are improving.
This is likely to continue as more people start to embrace electric bikes. Because of this, you can usually rest assured that you will get an electric tandem bike built to last.
Finding a good tandem electric bike
While there are plenty of tandem bikes to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some factors you can use to narrow down the list.
An essential element to consider is the people riding the e-tandem. Sometimes, it will be designed for an adult to accompany a child (Van Raam Kivo, from the table above, is an excellent example of this). In this case, you will need a model with smaller wheels, so your child will find it easy to climb in and out of the bike. Pair the bike with the height of the person riding it most often. You can use this guide to learn how tall the wheels should be.
It’s also a good idea to consider the terrain in which you will use the e-bike. If you plan on frequently going uphill or downhill, you will need something that can travel at higher speeds and more power. It’s also good to look at the number of gears the e-tandem bike has. This will determine how easy it will be to maintain speed and how hard pedaling will be.
The price is an essential element. Often, you will be working within a set budget range. While getting an e-bike you can afford is necessary, you don’t want to choose the cheapest option. These electric tandem bikes often have weaker frames and chains, so you’ll need to spend more time and money repairing them.
Read also: Why are e-bikes so expensive? And, What is the difference between cheap and expensive e-bikes? And, Will e-bikes become cheaper?
Lastly, you want to get something that can last for a long time. Look for a solid yet light frame. Getting a machine with an extended warranty period from the manufacturer is also a good idea. Ideally, you should be able to get something that will last for between three to five years.
If you prefer a traditional non-electric tandem bicycle and want more advice, check out the list of tandem bikes here.
Converting a traditional tandem bicycle to electric
If you have a regular tandem bike, you don’t need to worry. There is a way to turn it into an electric bike. To do this, you only need to get the battery, motor, and a way of controlling the speed. Often, you’ll need a speed controller on the motor and throttle at the front of the bike. You should be able to find these in a kit online. Bikeberry.com is a good choice and has a wide selection of e-bike conversion kits.
The only tricky part about making this conversion on a tandem bike is finding the right place to mount the battery. You’ll need to put it on the wheel hub, as it won’t be able to fit the battery on the frame. This video will explain the process of converting a regular tandem bike into an electric one.
The good news is that the kit should have clear instructions, and you won’t need any tools. The conversion should only take a few minutes. This can be cheaper than purchasing a retail electric bike.
Read also: E-bike conversion kit vs e-bike? Pros and cons. 11 best bike locks tested: e-bike antitheft lock comparison.
Tips for riding an electric tandem bike
Once you have a good electric tandem bike, it’s time to take it out onto the road. It can be challenging if this is your first time riding an e-tandem bike. You might find it harder to keep stable than you thought. You can use a few simple tips to look like a pro on a tandem bike.
The first thing to know is the position you will be riding and what role you will have to play. The person at the front of the bike will be the captain. They will be responsible for steering the bike. They will need to get onto the bike first. They will then need to hold it in place for the rear rider, the stoker, to get onto the bike.
Once you are on, the stoker must start pedaling to get the bike moving while the captain holds it steady. To stop the bike, the captain must tell the stoker so they stop pedaling. Then the captain can apply the brakes and bring the bike to a stop, using their legs to stabilize it.
If you want more advice, this article will guide you through the process of riding a tandem bike. Though the first few rides will always be a little rough, they will get easier over time. You just need to learn how to ride together as a team.
Read also: How to use gears on an electric bike (mechanic and electric)? And, How to switch electric assistance levels on an e-bike?
A few words in conclusion
Tandem biking is one of the fun ways to see the world. You’ll be able to ride with your friends, chat and enjoy the scenery. Riding together is a great way to practice teamwork. On a shorter ride, you can often use a regular tandem bike. But an electric tandem bike is an excellent option if you prefer riding over longer distances or just don’t feel like pedaling.
Read also: Ever considered offering e-bike as a gift? Or gifting one to yourself? Check out our suggestions – in this e-bike gift guide.
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
