Florian Heiberger

A journey of freedom and rediscovery

On the quiet paths around Iceland and the Faroe Islands – a journey full of energy and breathtaking nature, to people who have touched my heart.

Riding a motorbike has always been a feeling of boundless freedom for me, a passion since my youth. I spent weekends on the road, first on a scooter, then on motorbikes, exploring Europe and learning to repair the machines myself. However, this passion was halted abruptly in 1992 when a close friend tragically lost his life in a race in Sicily.

Two years later, I ended my motorized adventures, staying off motorbikes for over 30 years. But two years ago, the desire to ride returned – this time with a twist: I wanted to ride an electric motorbike.

Choosing the right electric motorbike

Finding the right electric motorbike was a challenge. My first choice was a model from the US brand Zero Motorcycles, but technical issues and a lengthy charging cycle of five to six hours proved inconvenient.

Eventually, I discovered the Energica Eva SS9 from the Italian manufacturer Energica, sold by eBike-Store Dreiland. Its DC fast charging technology was the deciding factor, enabling full charges in just 40 minutes. With the right bike secured, I was ready for my first travel routes.

Mapping the journey

In 2023, I ventured across the Baltic States and Scandinavia. In 2024, I planned an adventure around Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Planning the route for an electric motorbike was no small task. Using Google Maps, electric charging point apps like "Chargefinder," and a reprogrammed hiking app, I pinpointed CCS charging points for faster recharges. On the Faroe Islands, elbil.fo was invaluable.

The ferry adventure to Iceland

I booked the ferry and cabin with Smyril Line months in advance. The journey to the ferry harbor in Hirtshals, Denmark, took me five days. Upon arrival, I joined at least 100 motorcyclists from around the world, all eager for adventure. Smyril Line offered every comfort – delicious food, entertainment, and relaxation – making the journey itself feel like a cruise.

The challenges of riding in Iceland

Landing in Seyðisfjörður, I quickly appreciated my motorbike’s 300-kilogram weight, plus the added load of charging cables, luggage, and a tent. I traveled clockwise around Iceland, starting with the south coast, notorious for its strong winds.

Each morning, I checked weather updates at umferdin.is. Headwinds consumed up to 20% of the battery capacity, so I calculated a range of about 100 kilometers per charge. The charging breaks became opportunities to explore, meet locals, and immerse myself in Icelandic hospitality.

People and places that left a mark

During a stop in Húsavík, an elderly couple invited me for coffee and treats, charging my motorbike four times in total. Iceland’s clean energy sources – 75% hydropower and 25% geothermal – added to the experience, with a visit to Hellisheiði, the world’s largest geothermal power plant, becoming a highlight.

A sustainable adventure to remember

In four weeks, I traveled 6,000 kilometers, stopped at 59 charging points, and documented every station with photos and videos. The breathtaking landscapes often brought me to tears, and the journey rekindled my enthusiasm for motorcycling.

This adventure proved to me that sustainable mobility and a thirst for exploration can go hand in hand. I hope my experiences inspire others to embrace electromobility and explore the world responsibly.

For more impressions and films, visit my website: acdc.bike