Southern eBike Rentals

eBike hire in the South Downs and Chichester

Southern eBike Rentals is an electric bike rental centre with two locations in southern England: one at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP), on Gravel Hill, near Petersfield (Hampshire), right on the South Downs Way and next to dedicated mountain bike trails; and another at Ashling Park Vineyard, in West Ashling (Chichester). The company presents itself as an eMTB rental centre located at the foot of the trails and on the South Downs Way.

Bikes available

The rental fleet includes electric mountain bikes (eMTB), electric touring bikes, gravel bikes and kids' electric mountain bikes. The company states that its bikes are up to date and well maintained, and offers the chance to try them before you buy, as well as a Cycle to Work Scheme plan.

Self-guided routes and tours

The main activity is self-guided routes, with prices from £40. Options include the QECP mountain bike trails, routes along the lanes and tracks of Meon Valley and Butser Hill, a full-day gravel tour through Queen Elizabeth Country Park and the South Downs, a tour of Kingley Vale, the Trundle and Ashling Park Vineyard, and a coastal route along Salterns Way and West Wittering. A full-day eMTB tour and routes along the South Downs Way are also offered. The company provides route suggestions based on its local knowledge of trails, lanes and highlights of southern England, and the minimum age stated to take part is 14.

Group and corporate services

As well as individual hire, the company organises corporate cycling days, both at QECP and West Ashling, as well as multi-day rides, South Downs Way routes, cycling breaks and birthday celebrations and gatherings. It also offers bike delivery to you and station pick-up and drop-off services, as reflected in customer testimonials.

Recognition and reviews

The company announces that it has been recognised in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice awards for 2024, which places it, according to its own communication, among the top 10% of things to do worldwide. The testimonials on its website highlight the service from Olly and Paul, the flexibility in organising group rides, the condition of the bikes and the usefulness of the routes provided, with suggested stops for lunch, coffee or a rest.

Two rental bases

The company operates from two clearly distinct centres: Queen Elizabeth Country Park, on Gravel Hill, near Petersfield (Hampshire), and Ashling Park Vineyard, in West Ashling (Chichester). Both share the same phone number, although each has its own team email.

Locations and premises

Queen Elizabeth Country Park location: Gravel Hill, Nr Petersfield, Hampshire PO8 0QE

West Ashling, Chichester location: Ashling Park Vineyard, West Ashling, Chichester PO18 9DJ