Electric mobility is the norm when it comes to sustainable travel practices, and The SunPedalRide project's Sushil Reddy has been on a mission to spread awareness on the subject. In another inspiring e-mobility expedition, joined by co-riders Luis Fourzan and Elaine Ford, Reddy takes us through France and Spain, where he cycled through vineyards and historical landmarks to spread the word about sustainable travel.
On their 35-day journey, the three connected with communities, fostering dialogues on preserving local resources, culture and engaging tourists in interactions that align with the regenerative tourism model.
Cycling from Paris to Madrid, the trio completed the eco-tour in November-December 2024, covering 2000 kilometres on Tenways AGO X e-bikes. Speaking to OT, they shared how sustainable travel is redefining tourism dynamics.
Excerpts from the interview:
What inspired you to embark on this e-bike journey from Paris to Madrid, and how do you hope it will impact public awareness about electric mobility?
The idea of cycling from Paris to Madrid came from The SunPedal Ride project, which I (Sushil Reddy) started back in 2016 as a way to raise awareness about clean energy and sustainable mobility. Later, Luis Fourzan joined me on some of these adventures. In 2021, we rode across the United States, covering over 7,000 miles, and broke the Guinness World Record for the longest e-bike journey. This bike ride from Paris to Madrid extends our shared passion for promoting electric mobility and sustainability through cycling.
We wanted to create a route that wasn’t just scenic but also meaningful. France and Spain stood out because they offer a rich mix of culture, landscapes, and opportunities to connect with communities. Cycling through vineyards, small towns, and historic landmarks was the perfect way to bring attention to sustainability and tourism. Plus, it’s a route that naturally lends itself to conversations about regenerative tourism. This is where Elaine Ford came into the picture. Her startup, Electrek Explorer, specialises in mapping out outdoor and travel experiences that are accessible with e-vehicles, including e-bikes.
Can you elaborate on how the data from this trip is being used to influence public policy on sustainable tourism? Have you seen results from previous projects?
We have seen results through our work supporting EV and e-bike tourism and green travel initiatives. For example, via Electrek Explorer, during a pilot project in Scotland, Elaine and her team worked with Destination Management Organisations to survey local hospitality businesses—cafes, restaurants, hotels, and more—to curate EV and e-bike-friendly routes, charging stations, and eco-conscious accommodation options. They also piloted navigation routing algorithms optimising for low emissions and scenic routing. This not only makes e-bike tourism more accessible but also helps grow local economies while promoting sustainable travel.
Another example is the route data we took in this journey. We have the GPS map of the route via Strava, which we took for this endurance e-bike journey from Paris to Madrid. The data such as the route elevation, distance covered, and charging spots are collected and shared with the larger public so that anyone who would like to use the more sustainable option of e-bikes to travel longer distances can use this data as a starting point to plan their route.
Via the Warmshowers.org community, we met a lot of touring cyclists and shared our journey experiences with them, which will, in turn, help the community. In this journey, we also met a few representatives from the bike advocacy organisations in Madrid, such as Jesus Friere (Secretario General en AMBE, Asociación de Marcas y Bicicletas de España), who directly influence policy decisions on bike/e-bike infrastructure in cities.
What key challenges have you faced during this expedition, whether technical, logistical, or related to public perception of e-bikes?
During the first few days, we had a few tyre punctures to deal with while adjusting to the riding schedule. We carried extra tubes and puncture kits to fix them on the go. Regarding carrying luggage, it is essential to note that packing for long-distance bike journeys is also quite challenging since weight is one factor that can reduce the e-bike range.
Battery management of the e-bikes has been a key part of planning this trip, but it hasn’t been as tricky as you might think. The Tenways AGO X e-bikes are straightforward to charge, and the batteries are compatible with standard electrical supply outlets, so we’ve found places to plug in without too much hassle.
We usually plan our charging stops around our breaks — like at cafés, restaurants, or local shops. It’s a nice excuse to take a breather, grab a coffee, and chat with locals while the bikes charge. In more rural areas, we’re extra careful to start the day with fully charged batteries since charging options can be a bit scarcer. At night, we always ensure the bikes are plugged in wherever we stay so we’re ready to go the following day.
How does Europe’s biking infrastructure compare to other regions, such as the U.S., where you’ve previously undertaken similar projects? What lessons can developing countries learn from this, especially in tourism?
On our journey from Paris to Madrid, we rode on the dedicated European bike-only highways called “EuroVelos” for quite some time. These routes are well-marked and pass through nature away from vehicular traffic. We rode on the EuroVelo 1 and EuroVelo 3 on our path, and these particular stretches of the ride were the most enjoyable and stress-free.
The European Cycling Federation is a key organisation that works closely with the European Union and European countries to ensure this dedicated bike infrastructure is constantly maintained and improved. Such dedicated bike infrastructure helps encourage cycling and fosters a sense of community building while boosting the local economy and tourism.
The USA also has been building the Great American Rail Trail, a cross-country bike-&-hike cross-country trail. Some major cities in the USA, such as NYC, Portland, and San Francisco, have dedicated bike lanes with shared e-bike systems to encourage people to do their daily commutes within the cities. There are ongoing efforts to have better bike lanes and shared bike systems in some cities in India, but there is a long way to go to develop the biking culture at the level of Europe.
Your integration of VR and immersive technology into regenerative tourism is fascinating. Could you share more about how this aspect of your work is helping people connect with nature and sustainability?
Regenerative tourism is about participation and giving back—to the land, wildlife, and people of a place. Immersive technology helps us foster these deeper connections by inspiring exploration, education, and action. We want people to witness and truly feel part of the natural world, empowering them to contribute to its protection.
My co-rider in this e-bike journey, Ford, has been involved in projects using VR technology for nature conservation and awareness work via Planet ReWild. She believes that immersive technology, particularly VR, offers people the chance to teleport to remote places and experience wildlife up close—seeing the world from the animals' perspective. One of the key aspects of this work is accessibility. Such immersive experiences allow people to explore wild places they might never reach in person, from the biodiverse Okavango Delta to underwater snorkel trails and the Himalayan landscapes of Ladakh.
What do you envision as the future of long-distance travel using e-bikes? How can everyday individuals incorporate e-mobility into their lifestyles?
Using an e-bike as an alternative to a car for short, intracity commutes has multiple advantages. Individuals can also use shared electric mobility options in many major cities worldwide, such as the e-bike-sharing system. Long-distance e-bike travel is possible with some planning for charging the battery and route planning.
One should have an idea of the approximate range of the e-bike to plan the route better, considering the route elevation and distance calculations. Coupled with a good bike infrastructure like the “EuroVelos”, long-distance e-bike travel is a breeze.
Using e-bikes lets us cover more ground, handle challenging terrains, and maintain a manageable pace, especially on long trips like this one. The motor support to cycles helps on challenging uphill climbs or when riding into a headwind. It’s not just about making the trip more straightforward — it’s about showing that e-bikes are a viable option for anyone, whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the world.