The Best Bike Routes for Exploring York + Shops

by Ruaan Nel 

November 7, 2023

The electric biking frenzy has taken over the globe and the city of York, England hasn’t been left behind! Thanks to their overall practicality and convenience, more people are ditching cars for a more environmentally-friendly alternative to getting out and about.

It comes as no surprise that more retail stores are cropping up in urban centers to take advantage of the growing demand for ebikes. This is also true for York, and if ever you were to visit the city, rest assured that you’ll have ample opportunities for an electric biking adventure.

This guide sheds light on the various ebike shops across the city, and the cycle routes you can ride on when the e-bike craving strikes!

Best Ebike Shops in York

Cheap e-bikes provide the best option of getting around in towns. There is too much traffic to deal with when driving a car and walking can only get you so far. So, while in the city of York, be sure to hop into the following bike stores for the best deal:

York Electric Bikes

 

Cycle Heaven

Cycle Heaven is one of the many ebike shops in York and can be located at 31 Hospital Fields Road, Fulford. The retailer has been in the business for more than two decades and its range of electric bikes only features pedal-assist models. This enables you to extend your range without robbing you of the health benefits of pedaling.

The shop offers ebikes from the major brands in the industry, such as Gazelle and Cannondale. These include electric beach cruisers that you can get on for a laid-back tour on the tarmac streets, as well as cargo bikes that can carry a child or two. The ebike brands stocked keeps on increasing every year so you can trust that they have what you’re looking for.

You’ll also benefit from a range of workshop services whenever you need your bike to be tuned up, set up, or even fitted.

Moonglu Cycle Shop

Moonglu is a privately-owned bike store based in Ripon, North Yorkshire. With a prime location in 57 Bloomsgate, Knaresborough, the store is well placed to serve the residents of North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales. There is an extensive range of ebike types and cycle accessories to choose from, such as powerful electric mountain bikes from Giant.

The shop also doubles as a showroom for Volt Electric ebikes and there is a demo center for whenever you want to get a feel of what your chosen bike has to offer. All the attendants you find at the Moonglu Cycle Shop are experienced ebike users, and can expect all the queries you have to be answered accordingly.

Don’t forget to make use of the wide range of repair services at the workshop and spare part replacement if your bike is not performing efficiently.

Giant Bike Shop

Giant is a brand that needs no introduction in the world of electric biking, and the York store ensures that you get the perfect two-wheeler to ride on when exploring this historical city. The store is located on 13 Lord Mayor Walks and offers a wide range of high-quality electric road bikes and MTBs for men, women, as well as kids.

The Giant York store is open from Tuesday to Saturday and provides clients with maintenance services to all brands of bikes. From accessory fitting to puncture repair and overhaul service, you can hop in whenever to get your ebike back in shape!

Diane riding her e-bike in York

North Yorkshire Electric Bikes Ltd

If you are just looking to hire a practical ebike for the few days you’ll be in York, you can visit North Yorkshire Electric Bikes Ltd. This family-owned store can be found in Knaresborough, near Harrogate. For just 40 pounds a day, you’ll have access to a powerful Bosch-powered ebike that should offer around 50Nm of torque.

Helmets and high-visibility jackets are also included in the package to ensure that you remain safe while riding through the streets of York.

Read more:

Best Ebike Cycle Routes in York

Best Ebike Cycle Routes in York

A Cycle to the Balloon Tree

This interesting route passes through some unique landmarks in the city that should be a treat to any outgoing adventurer. Starting at Rowntree Park, the route takes you past the new and old sections of York University before joining Route 66 from Dunnington and towards Stamford Bridge.

Once you leave Route 66, there’s an opportunity for a well-deserved cup of tea and cake when you get to The Balloon Tree. From here, the cycle path heads back through a variety of scenic villages, including Murton, Warthill, Upper Helmsley, etc., where you get to marvel at the amazing architecture of the houses before finding yourself on Route 66 and back at the University.

Knavesmire Canter

This simple-to-conquer route loops around the Knavesmire track and runs along the Knavesmire road. You’ll come across unique and scenic “horse” eye sightings of the racecourse on the way as you explore the 3.2-mile route. A better part of the route is composed of off-road terrain, so you might want to bring your fat tire ebike for a more comfortable experience. Nevertheless, the second half of the trip is mostly quiet side roads. 

Goddards to Beningbrough and Back

Get to enjoy this exquisite 24-mile ride on flat terrain with little to no traffic. The route starts at Goddards (former home to the family of Noel Terry) and heads past the York Racecourse before taking you to the futuristically designed Millennium Bridge and the lush green Rowntree Park.

Upon crossing the River Ouse, it won’t be long before you leave the busy city behind and start enjoying a relatively flat and peaceful trail that winds past Bootham towards the countryside of Clifton Ings. The route also passes through some woodland and the charming village of Overton, highlighted by calm and peaceful country lanes.

You also get the rare opportunity to discover the Beningborough Hall, Garden, and Gallery, which houses a rich display of portraits from the National Portrait Gallery. There are magnificent gardens on the way where you can relax for a while and enjoy some tea and snacks before heading back to the starting point. 

York University City Centre Sights

This fun 6.8-mile route features a 33-meter climb that will be a walk in the park when you’re on your motor-assisted cruiser. The path leads you from the York University Sports Centre into the City of York's centre, giving you a chance to witness interesting sights, such as the York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, as well as the grave of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin.

Overall, it is an easy-going biking ride that will be suitable for all types of ebikes.

York Sky Ride

If you like to get out in your free time and mingle with the locals, the York Sky Ride offers you the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded e-bike enthusiasts. This cycling festival brings together the entire biking community in York in a fun-filled social affair on two wheels. Introduced by British Cycling in 2013, this public campaign to get more people on their bikes has proven to be a hit with the locals.

The last edition saw a mass of biking fans cruise around York in traffic-free streets while enjoying striking views of the famous city monuments. Other fun-filled activities like bike stunts by experts were incorporated into the event to make for a family-friendly festival. The next version of York Sky Ride promises to be even more fun than the last!

Final Thought

Now that you know where to buy or hire an ebike in York, you should feel right home if you get the chance to visit the beautiful city. Apart from the ones mentioned in the guide above, there are numerous cycling routes you can try out whenever you want to get out and explore the town on two wheels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ruaan is an electrical engineer born in South Africa and currently working in Oslo, Norway. He loves tech and gadgets and owns an electric car (Tesla) as well a front-wheel-drive electric bike. He rides his bike all year, even through snow and ice covered roads in the cold winter.

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