Do You Need an Electric Bike for the Camel Trail?

Honestly, Probably Not — But Here's Who Should Consider One

Kelly with one of our electric bikes on the Camel Trial

It's one of the questions we get asked most often at Bridge Bike Hire, and it's a completely fair one. Electric bikes are everywhere these days, and if you're planning a day on the Camel Trail, you might be wondering whether hiring one will make your day easier, more enjoyable or simply better.

The short answer? The Camel Trail is one of the few places in the country where you genuinely don't need an electric bike. But there are some very good reasons why you might still want one — and we have them available if you do.

Let us explain.

The Camel Trail Itself: Built for Everyone

The Camel Trail runs for 18 miles from Padstow through Wadebridge Town and on towards Bodmin and Wenfordbridge, following the Camel Estuary through some of Cornwall's most beautiful countryside. It's completely traffic-free between Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge and Padstow, with spectacularly scenic — and almost entirely flat.

Comfort bike for one - electric bike for the other

That last point matters more than anything else when it comes to the electric bike question. Unlike much of Cornwall, where roads and paths involve steep climbs and lung-busting hills, the Camel Trail follows the old railway line along the valley floor. There are no significant gradients to worry about. A standard bike, ridden at a comfortable pace, will get you to Padstow and back without breaking a sweat — and that's true for most ages and fitness levels.

So if you're an averagely fit adult, a family with children or someone who hasn't been on a bike for a while, you almost certainly don't need electric assistance. A standard bike will do everything you need it to do, and the ride itself is genuinely manageable and enjoyable.

So Who Should Consider an Electric Bike?

That said, there are some very good reasons to consider going electric, and if any of the following sounds like you, it might be worth it.

You're used to riding an electric bike at home — If you've made the switch to an e-bike in your day-to-day life and it's simply what you're comfortable on now, there's no reason to change that on holiday. Hire an electric bike, enjoy the familiar feeling and focus on the scenery rather than the cycling.

Ten miles feels like too far under your own steam — The return trip from Bridge Bike Hire in Wadebridge to Padstow and back is around ten miles. For most people that's very manageable, but if you haven't cycled in a while, have a health condition that affects your stamina, or simply want to arrive in Padstow feeling fresh rather than ready for a sit down, an electric bike takes the effort out completely.

You want to explore the whole trail — The full Camel Trail stretches 18 miles from end to end. If you're ambitious and want to cover the whole route — or a significant portion of it — an electric bike makes that a genuinely comfortable prospect rather than a challenge. You can go further, stay out longer and still have the energy to enjoy wherever you end up.

You're cycling with a mixed group — If your group includes a mix of fitness levels or ages, electric bikes can be a great leveller. Everyone moves at a similar pace, nobody gets left behind and the day stays relaxed and enjoyable for all.

You want to try an electric bike away from traffic for the first time - The Camel Trail is a great place to try riding an electric bike for the first time. With no traffic, flat and a nice distance you can really get a feel of what it is to ride an electric bike and it might inspire you to get out cycling more.

Electric Bikes at Bridge Bike Hire

We have electric bikes available for hire at Bridge Bike Hire, available every day of the year alongside our full range of standard bikes, tandems, children's bikes and accessibility options.

As the only Camel Trail bike hire with direct, traffic-free access to the trail, you can pick up your electric bike and head straight out onto the trail to Padstow without navigating any roads — which makes the whole experience smooth and stress-free from the very first pedal stroke.

If you're unsure whether an electric bike is right for you, just give us a call. We're always happy to talk it through and help you choose the right bike for your day.

The Honest Verdict

The Camel Trail is flat, beautiful and completely manageable on a standard bike. An electric bike is fun and a great way to enjoy the trail, especially if you’re having a busy week.

But if an electric bike means you go further, stay out longer, feel more confident or simply enjoy the day more — then it's worth every penny. The trail is the thing. The bike is just how you get there.

📞 01208 813050 📧 info@bridgebikehire.co.uk 🌐 www.bridgebikehire.co.uk

Bridge Bike Hire, Wadebridge — the original Camel Trail bike hire since 1983.