THE Electric bikes are now becoming an environmentally friendly, reliable, and economical means of transportation, allowing you to travel with complete peace of mind. Also, to travel with even more peace of mind and to plan beautiful rides on an electric bike that are tailored to your needs, having a GPS app is practical.

How to create an e-bike friendly route with Google Maps?

So that's what we're going to look at in more detail in this article. There are, of course, other apps that might be more suited to your use of your electric bike, but Google Maps remains popular and very honorable for this guidance and/or navigation function, including on a bike!

What do you think of the Google Maps application in general?

Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps, it is also recommended for a first approach to e-bike navigation and for making an e-bike route

The interface is intuitive, the coverage is global and, in addition to directions, Google Maps can also provide real-time information on traffic, estimated arrival times and different public transport options.

However, some cyclists will probably need other, more powerful applications, because Google Maps has limitations.

Indeed, some cyclist-specific features may be missing. But for a first experience with bicycle navigation, the app remains respectable. How to create a route adapted for electric bikes with Google Maps? Step by step, we will see below how to create and plan bicycle routes.

With Google Maps electric bikes, don't forget to consider your fitness level before you set off. Are you going for a short, leisurely ride or do you want to embark on a truly athletic journey? Are you going on a road trip?

Depending on this, it is important to consider the number of kilometers you want to do, the type of flat or hilly terrain, your type of bike, and see if there are any centers of interest along your way.

How do I create a bike route with Google Maps?

Google Maps is a well-known navigation app, and it also offers a specific guidance feature for cyclists.

With Google Maps Bike, first of all, you will need to activate bike mode by clicking on the bike icon located at the top right of the application screen.

Next, you need to enter your starting point and destination. With this information, Google Maps will suggest one or more bike-friendly routes, which generally favor cycle paths.

Google Maps Bike Mode Features

Cycling route planning :

The tool takes into account cycle paths, adapted roads and elevation differences.

Real-time GPS guidance :

With voice guidance, listen and follow your route safely.

Visualization of elevation and distances :

The feature allows you to anticipate the effort required during the journey. 

Create your itinerary step by step

After indicating the starting point:

Click on the direction icon.

Then choose cycling mode.

Click the button to display the starting point at the top, which then allows you to add your destination location and any options you want for this route.

For more detailed information, you can also click the menu button and then the bike button. This allows you to change the map and view roads and cycle paths more precisely.

You can thus adjust your route, select a suitable route if you are riding accompanied by a child in a rear seat of your bike. The duration, number of kilometers and elevation gain will be indicated. 

Using Google Maps in more detail

To create a Google Maps bike route, follow these steps:

Download and/or open the application on your browser :

If you don't have Google Maps installed on your phone, you'll need to go to the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices) to download the app. Once installed, open the app.

Select bike mode :

On the home screen you will distinguish the different modes of transport: car, public transport, walking, and you will need to press the bicycle icon for the navigation mode adapted to cyclists.

Enter your destination:

In the search bar at the top, enter your destination, including the exact address if you have one, or you can let Google Maps guide you to a popular or well-known location.

Check the proposed route :

Once you've entered your destination, Google Maps suggests the most suitable route for cyclists, always prioritizing cycle paths. It takes into account cycle lanes, shared roads, roads with traffic restrictions for motorized vehicles, and other factors such as altitude and traffic.

Follow the screen and/or voice prompts:

On the screen you will see the route plotted in blue, with precise indications of turns, intersections and landmarks.

You can choose voice prompts to be guided throughout the route by listening to the instructions given.

Customize your preferences :

Some preferences can be customized in Google Maps settings. These include avoiding steep hills, enabling or disabling unpaved bike lanes, and preferring the fastest or safest roads.

Use the additional features :

In addition to directions, Google Maps offers other useful features for cyclists. View information on bike-sharing stations, bike shops, points of interest for cyclists, and real-time traffic data. All of this allows you to adjust your route.

Phone on the handlebar with a good holder:

For easy and safe navigation, it is essential to have a phone holder that is well-suited to the handlebars of your electric bike; choose quality.

Google Maps bike, offers you reliable navigation, well prepared, well equipped , you will reach your destination with confidence.

Other bike navigation system options?

As we've said, some cyclists will find Google Maps a little too light on the specific features that a cyclist may require. Also, other navigation system options exist, but before looking at which ones, take a look at the two main types of bicycle GPS, namely

GPS guidance :

A type designed for on- and off-road navigation. These GPS devices offer detailed maps, voice navigation, and advanced features such as calculating routes specifically for cyclists, avoiding main roads, and favoring cycle paths.

GPS tracking and performance :

These types of GPS devices are ideal for cyclists interested in detailed performance tracking. They record data such as speed, distance, altitude, heart rate, and power.

Then for the models that can be offered, you have:

Geovelo: A well-designed GPS bike for cyclists

This is an app designed specifically for cyclists. It's particularly useful for providing optimized cycling routes, taking into account safety and convenience.

Among the features of this GPS we find: 

Safe Route Planning :

Geovelo prioritizes cycle paths and safe roads, avoiding dangerous or heavily congested areas.

Personalization of the courses :

Depending on the type of bike, Geovelo allows you to adjust the route and the general route.

Suggestions for walks :

The application offers themed rides, ideal for cycle touring and discovery.

Trip statistics :

It tracks distance, time spent and ecological impact for each user.

Garmin Edge 530

This is an advanced cycling GPS. This type of GPS offers navigation and performance tracking features. It has preloaded detailed maps, navigation based on ride popularity, and the ability to create and follow routes. It also records performance data such as cadence, power, and VO2 max for serious cyclists who care about their training.

Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt

Another popular GPS device for cyclists, it offers a very user-friendly interface and advanced wireless connectivity. It allows you to plan routes via the accompanying mobile app, track detailed performance, and easily sync data with training platforms like Strava.

The Bolt GPS is renowned for its long battery life and bright, clear display, ideal for extended outings.

FAQs

How to enable bike mode on Google Maps?

Click the "Directions" icon. When the interface has changed, you can then click on "Cyclist" mode. Click the button to return the starting point to the top.

Does Google Maps support cycle paths?

Use layers to display locations, traffic, terrain, bike lanes, and public transit. With Google Maps, you can find the following information: Traffic conditions on your commute.

How to avoid steep hills on an e-bike route?

Google Maps isn't the best GPS for navigating difficult routes; other options are better for this, such as OptimoRoute, Routific, Workwave Route Manager, and Circuit. Each of these programs offers advanced features to better plan your route without constraints, but Maps remains very respectable for starting out with a GPS.

Can you save a bike route on Google Maps?

You can save a trip from a route search or from suggestions on the Saved Trips screen. Tip: You can only save car, public transport, and two-wheeled trips.

How to calculate the range required for an electric bike journey?

The range of an electric bike is mainly determined by the battery capacity, expressed in Wh (watt-hours). A simple formula to estimate the range is: Range (km) = battery capacity (Wh) / average consumption (Wh/km).

Conclusion

Google Maps remains a decent app for planning an e-bike route. For serious cyclists who want more features, they'll have to look at more sophisticated and advanced systems. However, for a first approach, as we've mentioned in this article, Google Maps Bike remains very good. The app is easy to use, reliable, and very suitable for providing the key elements for a safe route.