This is exactly why we’re seeing more and more e-bikes and e-scooters zipped onto the back of caravans across Australia. They aren’t just gadgets for the grandkids anymore; they’re becoming a game-changer for making life on the road a whole lot more mobile (and a lot more fun).
- The E-Bike: The All-Terrain Legend If you’re the type who loves to explore bit further afield or you often find yourself on mixed terrain, an e-bike is your best bet. We love them because they handle hills and rougher bush tracks without you breaking a sweat. If you grab a model with a basket or panniers, it basically becomes your “grocery getter”—perfect for zipping into town for supplies or heading to the beach with your gear. Most models we see out there offer a 40 to 60km range, which is plenty for a full day of exploring.
- The E-Scooter: The Holiday Park Specialist On the other hand, if you’re mostly staying at big holiday parks with sealed paths, or you just want something lightweight to zip to the camp kitchen or the amenities block, an e-scooter is brilliant. They’re lighter, usually more affordable, and they take up almost no space in the “tunnel boot” or the back of the car.
What We Look for Before Buying
Before you hit “add to cart,” there are a few things we’ve learned to check so your new ride actually fits your camping lifestyle:
- The Terrain: If you’re heading to places with gravel or sandy tracks, look for “fat tyres” and decent suspension. A scooter with tiny wheels will struggle the moment you hit a bit of loose dirt.
- Battery & Charging: Think about your power setup. E-rides need juice, so you’ll want to make sure your inverter or solar setup can handle the charging load, especially if you’re free camping away from the grid.
- Portability: Can you actually lift it? We always check if a model is foldable. Being able to tuck it away easily means it’s more likely to get used and less likely to be a trip hazard in the van.
- The Rules of the Road: This is a big one. E-scooter laws vary wildly between states in Australia. Some national parks are also a bit strict on where you can ride, so it’s always worth a quick check of the local regs before you head out.
A Few Picks We Like
We often see the Leitner Folding Step-Through or the NCM Aspen Fat Bike around the campsites—they’re comfortable and handle Aussie conditions well. For scooters, the Segway Ninebot MAX is a reliable “set and forget” option, while something like a Kaabo has a bit more “grunt” for those rougher sites.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, adding an electric ride to your kit is about one thing: freedom. It saves you fuel, stops the “unhitching headache,” and gives you the chance to see more of the local area without always jumping in the car. Whether you’re cruising a beachfront boardwalk or a dusty trail in the hinterland, it’s an upgrade the whole family (and probably the dog!) will want a piece of.
Catch you on the trail—or maybe at the camp kitchen for that forgotten litre of milk!
