MTB E-bike Rental

FAQ E-BIKE RENTAL

• How can I book an e-bike rental?

  You can reserve your e-bike directly through our website. You can use the forms shown to send us an inquiry. We will try to respond to your request within 1 hour.

  If you don’t get a response or don’t want to wait, don’t hesitate to call or message us on WhatsApp! Our phone number is: +39 379 185 2778 or email us: info@ecoetna.it

• Where can I rent an e-bike?

  The office is located in Linguaglossa. You can then rent your e-bike here. Our tours depart either from our office or from Rifugio Ragabo on Mount Etna volcano (Etna Nord). It is also possible to rent a bike from the Ragabo Shelter, but only upon request and reservation.

  It is also possible to rent bikes at other locations upon request. For example, we can bring your bike to the accommodation where you are staying! For this we ask a small extra charge.

• When can I rent an e-bike?

  We rent our e-bikes every day, all year round. Here are the opening hours of our office in Linguaglossa, but you can email us any day of the week, send us a message via WhatsApp, or use our website to submit an inquiry!

  If you want to rent an e-bike for a weekend, you can pick it up on Friday evening at 7 pm. The e-bike can be returned on Monday morning at 9 a.m.

• What happens in case of rain or bad weather?

  Rain poses no problem for e-bikes because these vehicles are designed to optimally resist water splashes. Riding off-road in the rain usually leads to an unpleasant result: the bike and the biker get dirty and wet as hell. So in a preventive way and for safety the tour is moved or cancelled.

• Is it possible to request a pick-up at my accommodation?

  If you have no way to get to the departure point independently, we can offer pick-up and drop-off, at your facility, ask for a quote when booking.

• Is it possible to bring the e-bike to my accommodation?

  Of course! If you have no way to get to our starting point independently, we can offer e-bike delivery to your accommodation for a small fee depending on where you are from.

• Is it possible to leave the e-bike in a different location?

  Yes if you choose a route that does not take you back to your starting point we are able to offer e-bike drop-off at another location for a small fee to be agreed upon based on distance from our location.

• What equipment should I wear on the day of the tour?

  It is important that on the day of the tour, you have the right clothing according to the seasonality and the altitude point you will set to reach according to the tour description.

  The ‘minimum equipment needed to be admitted to the tour is this:

  • Sportswear
  • Hiking shoes or similar closed or cycling shoes if you have (we will provide for attachments – (extra charge)).
  • ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN sandals or flip-flops.
  • Sunglasses to protect eyes from insects and vegetation.
  • Sun protection cream

  You can bring a change of clothes, accessory or backpack to leave in the car if not needed during the tour.

• What is the difference between a full suspension e-bike and a hard trail e-bike?

  E-bike Full Suspension

  Full suspension e-bikes are designed to provide maximum comfort and control over rough terrain. These e-bikes have both front and rear suspension, which means they effectively absorb shocks from both the front and rear wheels. This feature makes full suspension e-bikes ideal for challenging trails, technical descents and uneven terrain, offering a smoother ride and greater stability.

  If you are an aggressive trail or downhill enthusiast, a full suspension e-bike could be your ideal companion for conquering any type of terrain.

  E-bike Hard trail

  On the other hand, hard trail e-bikes feature suspension only on the front fork, maintaining stiffness on the rear. This design makes them lighter and more efficient for less rough terrain, such as paved roads or smoother trails. Hard trail e-bikes are ideal for those seeking more efficient pedaling on compact terrain while offering a more energetic and responsive ride. If your adventure is mainly on smoother trails, dirt roads or challenging climbs, a hard trail e-bike might be the right choice for you.

  In conclusion, the choice between a full suspension and a hard trail e-bike depends on your personal preferences and the type of terrain you plan to tackle. Both offer unique riding experiences, but now you have the information you need to make the choice that best suits your riding style and biking adventures.

• Is it possible to request the transfer of me and the e-bike to my starting point?

  Yes, we are able to provide this service. Thanks to our 8-seater minivan with a trolley used to transport bikes, we can transport you (request quote when booking).

• Is there insurance that covers damage caused to the e-bike?

  It is not possible to insure damage caused to bicycles during rental; therefore, you will be 100 percent responsible for damage caused or theft–even of ancillary equipment–of what is delivered to you when you sign the contract.

• How to recharge the battery while hiking?

  When we go on a hike, you always receive a charged e-bike. Therefore, there is no need to recharge the e-bike during the tour.

  If you rent the e-bike for multiple days, you will also receive the charger. You can then recharge the e-bike in your accommodation.

• How many kilometers can you go with a charged battery?

  It is difficult to say exactly how long your e-bike battery will last because it depends on several things, the way you pedal, your weight, and the type of route you are taking. However, Bosch has an online tool that can give you a rough idea of how many miles you can travel: Bosch eBike Autonomy Assistant.

• What happens if my bike is stolen?

  With e-bike rental, we also provide you with a secure lock that we recommend you use whenever you park your bike. Be sure to lock the frame to a fixed object and follow the instructions of our staff. If you rent the bike for several days, find a safe place to keep it overnight. In case of theft, you will be responsible for paying the value of the bike. If the bike is stolen, contact the police and/or police immediately to make a report.

• What happens if the bike gets damaged during the rental or tour?

  Although it is not necessarily your fault, you are responsible for damage to the e-bike, except for damage due to normal wear and tear. Therefore, treat the rental bike as if it were your own.

• Do I have to leave a security deposit?

  Yes, it is necessary to leave a security deposit, which can be provided in the form of ID along with €250.00 for each e-bike or through authorization on a credit card. It is important to note that the deposit does not constitute payment for the rental: it will be returned when the bike is returned.

• Can I carry a passenger on the e-bike?

  No, a maximum of one person is always allowed on a bicycle. E-bikes are not suitable for two people or a child seat, for example.

• How much do your e-bikes weigh?

  E-bikes weigh more than traditional mountain bikes (MTBs): depending on the model, including chain and lock, they can weigh between 23 and 25 kg. However, you will be surprised by the ease of driving and assistance provided by the electric motor!

• Do you also provide a GPS with routes?

  No, we do not currently have a GPS system with routes. In addition, we do not recommend tackling “challenging” routes without guidance. The terrain around Etna volcano is unpredictable and challenging. It is important to know where you can and cannot ride. This is for your safety and to avoid unnecessary damage to the e-bike.

• How does an electric bike work?

  So, to begin with: electric bikes (or e-bikes) are not like mopeds; they are regular bikes that provide an “extra” to your pedaling. When they feel you are pushing on the pedals, the motor kicks in. You can adjust the motor assistance according to your needs, adding 25% (Power 1), 50% (Power 2), 100% (Power 3) or 150% (Power 4) Of your strength. The more you get help, the more you consume the battery. Usually you set the assistance to maximum when you are in a hurry or when the climb is very steep. Otherwise, a balance is sought between effort, speed and battery life.

  The great thing about e-bikes is that you can enjoy the pleasure of pedaling (silence, freedom to stop when you want, mobility) without having to be an athlete. Thanks to the motor, you can get help when you need it (if you have traveled a long distance or if the climb is too steep), but still continue to exercise. You can get to work in a distant office without arriving sweaty, you can cover long distances at a reasonable speed (maintaining an average of 20-25 km/h), you can explore hills or mountains even if you are not an experienced cyclist.

• Does the battery charge as I pedal?

  Our electric bikes do not recharge while pedaling. To recharge the batteries, a standard charger connected to an electrical outlet, similar to that used to charge a cell phone, must be used.

  If we expect the route to be particularly long or if there is a risk of running out of battery during the trip, we will provide you with an additional charger. In this way, you will have a chance to recharge your battery during a break to eat or have a drink at our tourist attractions.

• Is the electric bike the lazy man's bike?

  Absolutely not, the electric bike is not for the lazy!

  This idea may be common among those who prefer cars, motorcycles, or even cyclists who are very involved in sports. In fact, e-bikes offer the possibility for anyone, even those who are not particularly trained, to enjoy a cycling experience even in mountainous or hilly areas. Opting for an electric bike is not a sign of laziness, but rather a conscious choice of more affordable and rewarding exercise. With e-bikes, you are actively pedaling, exercising in a pleasant and satisfying way, without excessive fatigue.

  In addition, e-bikes are ideal for couples where one partner is an avid cyclist and the other is not. While one can tackle the route under his own power, the other can rely on the assistance of the electric motor, making it possible to share a passion for cycling and spend time outdoors together.

• How much maximum weight can an e-bike carry?

  An e-bike with a steel/aluminum frame is designed to carry one person, and to tolerate a total weight of 125 kg