Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? You're in the right place.
Whether you're wondering about eBike options, where to ride, or how delivery works, we've covered the most common things people ask before booking with SAeBikes.
If you don’t see your question here, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
Yes – our fleet includes a variety of frame sizes to suit a range of riders. We want everyone to feel confident and comfortable on their ride. We have found 150cm is the lower limit for our Ebike riders. Whether you’re petite or tall, we’ll do our best to match you with the right bike. Just let us know any sizing concerns when you book, and we’ll ensure your eBike is ready and suitable for you on the day.
Yes – our eBikes use pedal-assist technology, which means the assistance only kicks in when you’re pedalling. This makes hills and longer rides much easier, while still keeping you active. It’s a fun and empowering way to ride, especially through McLaren Vale’s rolling terrain. In line with Australian laws, our eBikes rely on pedalling as the main source of movement on public roads and shared-use trails
We’re lucky to be based in a region full of scenic cycling routes. <insert link>Check our Blog page. The Shiraz Trail and Flat to Vale Trail are two popular options that are mostly flat, family-friendly, and take you through vineyards and beautiful countryside. We also recommend quiet back roads that connect local cellar doors and attractions. If you have an itinerary in mind, we’ll help you navigate it – or you can choose one of our self-guided routes, which are updated regularly to reflect trail upgrades and venue opening hours. We have ridden most of the roads and trails in the region and have posted a few ideas for you here
We offer a fair and flexible cancellation policy. If you cancel more than 48 hours before your scheduled hire time, we’ll provide a full refund – no questions asked. If you cancel within 48 hours, we’ll offer a 50% credit that you can use to book another ride in the future. We understand that travel plans change, so just get in touch as early as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Because of the logistics involved, we cannot offer large groups (10 or more) any refunds/credits unless notified 24 hours prior to the booking
Absolutely – SA eBikes is a family-friendly experience! At our McLaren Vale Visitor Centre hub, we offer eCargo bikes that can carry 1–2 children behind the rider. We also have a range of child accessories, including trailers, tag-alongs, and rear-mounted child seats. All riders, including children, must wear an approved helmet, which we provide. If you’d prefer, you’re welcome to bring your own helmet for your child as long as it meets Australian standards.
Possibly – if bikes are booked for a full day hire, they need to be returned 15 minutes before closing. We can accomodate late returns, home pickup, or overnight hire with prior notice (fees apply). If bikes are returned late without prior arrangement, a fee of $1.00 per minute per bike applies after closing time.
We provide full support while you’re out exploring. If you experience a mechanical issue or flat tyre, just call our support number (listed on the bike) and we’ll send someone to assist you quickly – usually within minutes. We’ll repair or swap your bike so you can get back to enjoying your ride without too much delay. Your safety and experience are our top priority, and we’ve built our reputation on friendly, responsive service.
Our eBikes comply with Australia law, with pedal-assist support cutting out at 25 km/h. This speed is ideal for enjoying the region safely and is more than enough for most riders. Like any bike, you might go faster when coasting downhill but the motor won’t assist beyond 25 km/h. This keeps the ride enjoyable, energy-efficient, and within the limits for riding on public roads and shared trails.
Yes! We sell both new eBikes and we regularly offer second hand bikes as part of our fleet refurbishment. We have incorporated many different eBikes into our fleet over the years and can give you an unbiased view on the pros and cons of the many options and help you find a suitable eBike for your style of riding.
Most of our eBikes can comfortably travel 80 km on a single charge, depending on factors like rider weight, wind conditions, terrain, and what level of pedal assist you use. This range is more than enough for a full-day adventure around McLaren Vale and the surrounding trails. If you have the ebikes for a multi-day hire, we provide a charger and instructions on how to use it. We’ll always send you out with a fully charged battery and help you plan a route that suits your confidence and distance goals.
Our eTukTuks are designed for shorter journeys on the flat trails with plenty of breaks along the way. We recommend planning a 15 km route – see our Itinerary Inspirations for lots of ideas
Like all tour operators, our tours are structured in a way to maximise your enjoyment. We can make minor changes to an itinerary but need to balance that with time and distance. Custom or self guided tours are sometimes a better option – talk with us and we can suggest an itinerary to suit your taste
Yes we do. On groups of over 10 riders, the eleventh rider is free.
Yes – we have previously created bespoke outings for groups. We can work with you to ensure the ride has most elements you may also wish to incorporate into “Team Bonding” exercises… or we can design it for fun.