Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Igor Karni
The North York Moors National Park is located in north-eastern Yorkshire, U.K. It is known for containing one of the largest heather moorland expanses in the U.K. and covers 554 square miles (1430 square kilometers).
The park is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and more, and is comprised of and surrounded by the settlements of Helmsley, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside, Guisborough, Stokesley, Northallerton, and Whitby.
If you are planning on visiting North York Moors National Park by electric bike, this article will answer all your questions!
Are e-bikes allowed in North York Moors National Park?
Yes! Riders are allowed to use e-bikes within North York Moors National Park but as such, must ensure their e-bike abides by the U.K.’s electric bicycle laws.
E-bikes are known as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) in the U.K. and must meet the following requirements:
- They must have pedals that can be used to propel the vehicle
- The electric motor must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and should not be able to propel the bike when traveling more than 25 km per hour (15.5 miles per hour)
- They must show the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the e-bike
- They must show the power output or the manufacturer of the motor
Read also: Electric bike & speed e-bike rules / regulations in the UK. And, Best known e-bike brands in the UK.
How is North York Moors National Park organized, is it bicycle-friendly?
North York Moors National Park is very well organized for cycling, with three types of route types available within the park: Explorer routes, which are most suitable for mountain bikes and hybrids, Road routes, most suitable for road bikes and hybrids, and Moors to Sea routes, which include varying types of terrain.
Some Explorer routes include Coast and Forest Circular, Dalby Forest Loop, and Littlebeck and Hawsker. A few Road routes include Bransdale Loop, Castle Howard & Nunnington Hall, and Leavening Brow & Kirkham Gorge. Lastly, some Moors to Sea routes include Scarborough to Ravenscar, Great Ayton to Dansby, and Pickering to Langdale End.
When planning routes to ride, cyclists should ensure they view each route’s distance and terrain type to determine the difficulty level. To learn more about the available cycling routes in North York Moors National Park, we’ll provide some important links later in the article!
Where to stay during the trip?
If you are planning to go camping while on your e-bike trip to North York Moors National Park, there are a huge number of campsite options to choose from, including traditional camping to caravan parks and glamping! Some spots include Bay Ness Farm, High Oaks Grange, Jasmine Park, Robin Hood Caravan Park, Southview Farm, The Private Hill, Wigwam Holidays Water Hall Farm, Arosa Caravan and Camping Park, and Black Bull Caravan Park. For more options, visit this Campsites UK page!
For visitors who are looking to stay in hotels during their trip, there is also a large variety of options to choose from. Here are some examples: The Inn on the Moor Hotel, The Endeavour Staithes with Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Raven House Bed & Breakfast, The Mallyan Spout Hotel, Raven Hall Hotel, Burnley House, The Feathers Hotel, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, High Dalby House, The Black Swan Inn, Victoria Hotel, and The Royal Oak Hotel. Visit Booking.com, Trip Advisor, and Expedia for more hotel options!
Where can I eat? Or should I take my food with me?
Due to North York Moors National Park including and surrounding so many settlements in the region, there are a vast number of food spots to visit!
If you’re looking for cafes for coffee, tea, and quick bites, here are some top-rated options: Middleton Post Office Tea Parlour, Graze on the Green, Willowgate Bistro, Sandgate Coffee & Delights, The Singing Kettle, Beckett’s coffee shop, Dotty’s Vintage Tearoom, Taste Tea and Coffee House – Saltburn, Sherlocks Coffee Shop, The Whitby Deli, Real Meals, and Mannion & Co.
For restaurants and fine dining, some options include: Brandysnap Bistro, Ditto Restaurant, Namaste Bengal, The Middleton Arms, The Plough Inn, The Horseshoe Inn, Al Taco, The Black Swan at Oldstead, Restaurant number 20, Seaview Restaurant, The Magpie Café, Helmsley Walled Garden and The Vine House Café, The Pheasant Hotel, Fish Box®, and The Star Inn at Harome.
What gear should I take on the trip?
Before embarking on your e-bike trip, it’s extremely important that you bring all the proper bike and safety gear with you.
The main essentials include a helmet, backpack, water, e-bike charger, waterproof clothing, extra bike-appropriate clothing and layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bike repair kit and pump, a first aid kit, and front and rear lights.
Additionally, if you are planning on camping throughout your visit, you must also be sure to bring a sleeping bag, your tent, extra clothes, food, booking information (if necessary), dishware, cutlery, and a valid ID.
Read also: What to take with you an an e-biking trip? And, Can an e-bike pull a trailer?
Where can I charge my e-bike in North York Moors National Park?
While there are currently no official lists of e-bike charging stations in North York Moors National Park, riders may be able to charge their e-bike at some campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. However, be sure to ask for permission first!
You can also check out resources like Chargemap to locate electric vehicle charging stations in the area.
What kind of e-bike do I need to ride in North York Moors National Park?
Due to the varying terrain types and corresponding cycling routes within North York Moors National Park, you must choose your e-bike accordingly.
If you are planning on only taking road cycling routes, a commuter or cruiser electric bike will be suitable for these paths. However, if you are planning to explore mountainous terrain or are interested in utilizing the Moors to Sea network, we recommend using a hybrid e-bike or electric mountain bike (eMTB)!
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
Where can I rent an e-bike in North York Moors National Park, or should I take one with me?
Yes, there are multiple companies to hire e-bikes from while visiting the North York Moors National Park, which we will feature later in the article. You may also bring your e-bike with you, but first must be sure that it adheres to the U.K.’s electric bicycle laws and requirements.
Read also: Top trusted electric bicycle brands in the UK. And, Top specialized e-bike insurance companies in the UK.
What else can I do while on an e-bike trip in North York Moors National Park?
With its diverse landscapes, geological formations, entertainment spots, and much more, there is a lot to see when visiting North York Moors National Park!
To view the park’s array of natural landscapes and historical monuments, be sure to visit Cleveland Way National Park, The Hole of Horcrum, Robin Hoods Bay Beach, Dalby Forest, Mallyan Spout Waterfall, Whitby Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey, Scarborough Castle, Helmsley Castle, Helmsley Walled Garden, and Duncombe Park.
For museums and other forms of entertainment, visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby Museum, Ryedale Folk Museum, Beck Isle Museum, Kirkleatham Museum, Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, Pannett Art Gallery, Museum of Victorian Science, Playdale Farm Park, and Monk Park Farm Visitor Attraction.
Aside from cycling and hiking, visitors can also partake in activities like whale watching, boating, swimming, horseback riding, bird watching, and stargazing!
Read also: Check out best UK travel destinations by electric bike.
What is the best time of year to visit North York Moors National Park on an e-bike?
Because North York Moors National Park experiences mild winters and warm summers, e-bike riders can visit the park at any time of the year and find additional activities to do alongside their cycling adventures.
However, summer and early autumn are considered to be the most pleasant, lush, and colorful times to visit the park. Riders will also be more likely to face ideal riding conditions if coming during the warmer months, particularly since wintertime sees high winds and snowfall, which may hinder cycling activity.
On a general note, visitors should be aware that daily weather conditions can fluctuate rapidly, as the area is influenced by westerly winds.
Resources to help plan your trip
To further help plan your trip to North York Moors National Park, visit the park’s official website here.
For more information on cycling routes, check out the full Explorer, Road, and Moor to Sea lists here.
If you are looking to rent an e-bike, there are multiple cycle hire options to choose from! Dalby Bike Barn offers e-bike rentals for 1.5 hours, 3 hours, and full-day increments, as does Dalby Forest Cycle Hub. Another company, Hutch E Bikes, offers e-bike rentals for 4 hours or 7-hour increments. Sutton Bank Bikes offer eMTBs for 3 hours or the full day. Trailways offers rental times of 3 hours, full-day, or overnight, and also offers longer-term rentals which are available upon request. Lastly, Yorkshire Bike Hire offers eMTB rentals for 4 hours or the full day.
For more information on things to do while visiting North York Moors National Park, visit Trip Advisor and Google Travel.
Lastly, there are many more food recommendations available at North York Moors National Park, so be sure to visit Trip Advisor’s list here!
Explore North York Moors National Park with this quick video:
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.
