Have you really seen London if you haven’t explored it by e-bike?
You might know the landmarks, the Tube map, and where to find the best late-night kebab in Soho—but there’s a version of London most people never see. It’s quiet. It’s leafy. It’s full of hidden alleyways, waterside paths, historic nooks, and wild deer. And the best way to explore it? On an electric bike.
Forget sitting in traffic, dodging tourists on Oxford Street, or squeezing into someone’s armpit on the Central Line. With an e-bike, the city unfolds at your pace. Gentle hills become casual climbs, longer routes feel like a breeze, and suddenly a 15-mile day out sounds like fun—not a punishment.
Whether you’re new to e-bikes, returning to cycling after years off, or just fancy a new way to experience the capital, we’ve rounded up five of the best electric bike rides in London. They range from flat and easy to full-blown royal rambles. Charge up your battery, grab a bottle of water (and maybe a sausage roll for morale), and let’s ride.
1. Thames Path: Battersea to Greenwich
Distance: ~13 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Best For: Urban scenery, riverside history, and cultural pit stops
Riding alongside the River Thames is like time-travelling through London’s layered past—Roman remnants, Victorian docks, modern glass towers, and everything in between. Starting in leafy Battersea Park, this route glides past Chelsea Embankment, the London Eye, the Tate Modern, and into the historic docklands of Greenwich.
Cycle lanes here are mostly flat and well-maintained, making it perfect for new riders or anyone recovering from a love affair with the couch. Cobbled detours through Shad Thames add character (and a good excuse to slow down).
Local tip: Stop at Borough Market for street food—chorizo rolls from Brindisa or a vegan dosa from Horn OK Please. You’re earning it.
Highlight Stops:
- Tower Bridge (photo op, obviously)
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- The Cutty Sark
- Greenwich Park viewpoint (steep, but your e-bike’s got this)
2. Richmond Park Loop (with Kew Detour)
Distance: ~7 miles in the park, up to 14 with Kew and towpath
Difficulty: Moderate – expect a few hills
Best For: Wildlife, epic vistas, and that open-space buzz
Think you’re still in London? Think again. Richmond Park is 2,500 acres of undulating grassland, ancient oaks, and herds of red and fallow deer. It’s also got some sneaky climbs—but that’s what pedal assist is for.
The main loop is a tarmac circuit with spectacular views over the Thames Valley. Extend your ride by heading down to the Thames Towpath and following it east to Kew Gardens.
Local tip: Bring binoculars. Not for spying on people (although no judgement), but for birdwatching. Richmond is teeming with green parakeets, kestrels, and buzzards.
Highlight Stops:
- Isabella Plantation (a spring explosion of colour)
- Pembroke Lodge café
- King Henry’s Mound viewpoint
3. Regent’s Canal: Paddington to Victoria Park
Distance: ~9 miles
Difficulty: Flat and accessible
Best For: Bohemian London, waterside cafés, and market mooches
This canal ride is pure London whimsy. Starting in Little Venice, a quiet sanctuary near Paddington, the route takes you through Maida Vale, past London Zoo (you might even hear the lions roar), and into the madness of Camden Market.
Push on to leafy Victoria Park for a laid-back finale under chestnut trees. The surface is mostly towpath—firm but narrow in places—so slow and steady is key.
Local tip: Grab coffee from Towpath Café in Haggerston or a halloumi wrap from Broadway Market if you time it for a Saturday.
Highlight Stops:
- Camden Lock (great for people-watching)
- London Zoo’s Snowdon Aviary (visible from the path)
- Broadway Market
- Victoria Park’s Chinese Pagoda
4. The Royal Parks Grand Tour
Distance: ~10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Royal landmarks, posh pigeons, and symmetrical flower beds
Start at Hyde Park Corner and weave through London’s four central Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. This route is a treasure trove of regal history and manicured perfection.
Glide past horse guards, spy the back of Buckingham Palace, and stop to watch swans float under weeping willows. With well-marked cycle paths, it’s a polished route with enough straightaways to really enjoy the e-bike’s acceleration.
Local tip: Time your ride with the Changing of the Guard (11am-ish). Even if you’ve seen it before, it’s oddly charming.
Highlight Stops:
- Serpentine Lake
- Diana Memorial Fountain
- Buckingham Palace
- Kensington Palace and Sunken Garden
5. Lee Valley VeloPark to Waltham Abbey
Distance: ~15 miles
Difficulty: Moderate, some gravel and woodland paths
Best For: Escaping the city, birdwatching, Olympic buzz
This one’s for the adventurers. Start at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and follow the River Lee north through Hackney Marshes, Walthamstow Wetlands, and into the peaceful Lee Valley Park.
It’s wild, it’s wonderful, and you’ll barely believe you’re still in Greater London. Perfect for fat-tyre e-bikes and off-grid explorers.
Local tip: Bring a flask and perch at one of the bird hides in Walthamstow Wetlands. You might spot herons, kingfishers, or the elusive bittern.
Highlight Stops:
- The Velodrome (pop inside and watch a race if it’s open)
- Hackney Marshes
- Walthamstow Wetlands
- Gunpowder Park and Waltham Abbey Gardens
⚡ Which E-Bike is Best for These Routes?
You don’t need a Tour de France racer’s thighs to enjoy these. All routes:
- ✅ Suit pedal-assist electric bikes
- 🔋 Are under 30 miles round-trip – no range anxiety
- 🛣️ Feature a mix of smooth tarmac and compact trail – hybrid or fat-tyre e-bikes thrive
At Electric Bicycle Company, we’ve got the perfect wheels for every route. Want comfort, power, and style? Come in for a test ride, or explore our collection online.
“I discovered more of London in one Sunday on an e-bike than 10 years of commuting.”
— Chloe, London cyclist
Try Before You Buy
Ready to see London from a new angle? Pop by the Electric Bicycle Company showroom in London and test ride the bikes built for city exploration. Or browse our full range online today – because the best views don’t come from inside a car.