Jeremy and Cori, our fearless adventurers, wanted to see Southern California’s Catalina Island, but in a different sort of way. Their plan didn’t include a day of glass-bottom boats and beachside cocktails. Normal tourist fair. Instead, the pair took on a single-day challenge to ride across the entire island by e-bike. Their planned route took them through the island’s rugged interior. The agenda:
✅ More than 4,000 feet of elevation gain
✅ 360-degree ocean views and wildlife sightings
✅ Pit stop for ice cream
✅ 7:45 p.m. deadline to catch the ferry home
❌ Not getting stranded on Catalina
Luckily, their Segway Xafaris were totally up to the task. With a 750W motor and 80Nm torque, these powerful e-bikes easily tackled the steep climbs. The 1,500-foot climb out of Avalon is no joke, but the payoff is panoramic views, remote trails, and the chance to see Catalina wildlife.
Thanks to the Xafari’s 936Wh battery and intelligent Battery Management System that provides an 88-mile maximum range, Jeremy and Cori could afford to take a couple of side quests along the way. The day’s route lead them past the island’s old cattle ranch, to a hidden beach, and to the Airport in the Sky for a bison burger.
Equipped with 26 by three-inch Kenda all-terrain tires and dual suspension — 80mm up front and 70mm in the rear — the Xafari performed on dirt roads, even at speeds up to 28 mph. Hydraulic brakes helped tame that power and kept speeds in check on the descent. Although Jeremy and Cori couldn’t afford to slow down too much if they wanted to catch the last boat home.
Part type-one fun, part logistical puzzle, this e-bike challenge is your reminder that sometimes the biggest adventures do come in small, one-day packages. Watch the edit to learn more about e-biking on Catalina and see everything Jeremy and Cori packed into their ride on a single battery.
