FunnyBike Rent: E-bike excursions and bicycle rental
- E-bike excursions on the Etruscan Coast
- Custom bicycle tours
- Rental of mountain bikes, e-bikes, and touring bicycles
- Strategic location to discover medieval villages and the sea
Discover more
Discover more
We meet Stefano Barbieri from FunnyBike Rent on a beautiful and warm early March day that seems to herald spring. Approaching San Vincenzo, we already notice several tourists cycling and others enjoying the warmth of the sun on the beach. The sea is calm, and some of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago are distinctly visible.
Those who opt for an active holiday in Tuscany during the quieter off-season find the perfect opportunity to explore the Val di Cornia and the entire area of the Tyrrhenian Coast, one of the most beautiful regions for cycling tourism.
Meeting Stefano is in itself an unforgettable experience, thanks to his contagious energy and passion that encourage you to hop on one of his e-bikes and be guided through the woods and trails he knows better than anyone else.
His is a story worth telling: a visionary man who believed, before anyone else, in the potential of cycling holidays and e-bike rentals to discover the beauties of Tuscany and, especially, the territory he loves, the Etruscan Coast.
FunnyBike, Stefano Barbieri, and Cycling Tourism
Hello Stefano, could you briefly tell us your story and how FunnyBike Rent came about? We know it won’t be easy, given the richness of your experiences, but we’re curious to learn how you started this bicycle rental service in San Vincenzo, which today is a reference point for bike excursions along the entire coast and its hinterland.
“Hello Patrizia and Gianni, indeed, my story begins well before FunnyBike Rent, exactly in 1987 with Automar, an electrical mechanic workshop, authorized dealer and technical trainer for Opel Italy and I’ve never stopped since. This period equipped me with significant technical skills and innovation, shaping my approach to challenges and opportunities. Moreover, my experience as a teacher at the Ipsia of Piombino and the founding of the Etruria Bikers motoclub further enriched me, both personally and professionally.
My entry into the world of cycling as a Technical Escort marked a decisive turning point. Participating in the time trials at the cycling world championships in Florence in 2013 and in Imola in 2020, as well as serving as one of the three safety managers of the Italian Cycling Federation in 2019, allowed me to experience cycling from a unique perspective, that of technical support, filling me with a deep passion for this sport.
Collaborating with the Mtb Academy of Milan and organizing Mtb driving courses in San Vincenzo were the pinnacle of this growth path, attracting 120 enthusiasts per season, eager to explore the wonders of the Tyrrhenian coast with us. Completing the courses for tour guide and Mtb instructor then cemented my passion and expertise in this field. Lastly, the founding of E-Motions Tour marked the natural evolution of my career, bringing together certified guides in Mtb, trekking, and other outdoor sports, with the aim of offering a complete and engaging hiking and cycling tourism experience.
Every experience, interaction, and collaboration along this path has contributed to forming the vision behind FunnyBike Rent: more than just a bike rental service, but the synthesis of a journey of passion and personal and professional growth. FunnyBike represents an invitation to all those who wish to discover the beauty of our territory on two wheels, offering unique and unforgettable cycling tourism experiences.“
Tell us more about the origins and features of your bike rental service and the excursions. How does FunnyBike Rent stand out in the cycling tourism sector?
“The vision of FunnyBike Rent has been clear from the beginning: to become a reference point for those who love cycling and nature. Our journey began in 2020, a period marked by global uncertainty. Despite the challenges, we decided to invest in this project, aware of its potential not yet fully recognized. The turning point came through the collaboration with the Mtb Academy of Milan, which enriched our journey with technical growth and deep industry knowledge, solidifying our position as leaders in cycling tourism on the Etruscan Coast.
Our service goes beyond traditional bicycle rental, offering a wide selection of bikes: from e-bikes for trekking, to Full Allmountain and Junior bikes, through to Mountain Bikes and touring bicycles, including accessories for children and pets. Here you will also find a ‘trailer bike’ and everything needed for a bicycle adventure, including helmets and technical clothing.
We organize guided tours, both individual and group, and offer courses for technical improvement, basic training for mountain bike newcomers, advanced downhill courses, mechanics, and specific maintenance for e-bikes.
Our network of guides ensures a comprehensive personalized service, ideal for customized excursions, team building, and much more. We collaborate with local hotels, wineries, and restaurants to offer unique gastronomic experiences, introducing our clients to the wonders of the Val di Cornia and the Etruscan Coast.
Strategically located in San Vincenzo, we are the ideal starting point for exploring the trails of Baratti and Populonia, the Monte Calvi trail, the Archaeological Park of Temperino, Donoratico, Castagneto Carducci, and Bolgheri. Thanks to our vehicles, we can organize excursions throughout the Etruscan Coast, with a transport service that accommodates up to 16 bikers.
Currently, I am refining my skills to become a guide specialized in making cycling accessible to people with disabilities, following my dream of making cycling tourism accessible to everyone.”
Guided E-bike Tours for everyone
Can you give us an example of some guided e-bike tours that you and your team of guides offer to those vacationing in Tuscany and wanting to explore the Etruscan Coast by bicycle?
“With our team of guides, we offer a wide selection of guided e-bike excursions, designed for those who, while on holiday in Tuscany, wish to explore the wonders of the Tyrrhenian Coast and its hinterland.
We have crafted thematic packages that embrace three fundamental aspects of the Tuscan experience: Sea, Land, and Tastings.
Excursions that celebrate the incomparable beauty of the Tuscan sea, accessible even in the summer months.
Among the proposed destinations::
- The Gulf of Baratti and Populonia: a small corner of paradise reachable through the pine forest of Rimigliano Park and a stretch of cliff overlooking the sea.
- Calamoresca and Punta Falcone: the small gulf of Piombino which hides one of the most enchanting beaches of the Val di Cornia, and the park of natural and historical interest of Falcone.
- The East Coast: a route that winds through the Sterpaia Coastal Park to Follonica.
- From Puntone to Punta Ala: starting from the port of Scarlino, this tour guides you through the beautiful beaches of the Maremma, like Cala Violina.
Created for those who want to immerse themselves in the inland landscapes, these tours cross medieval villages and breathtaking views:
- From Stone to the Middle Ages: a tour discovering Campiglia Marittima, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, a continuous intertwining of streets and alleys, and Suvereto, a town included in the national circuits of Wine Cities, Oil Cities, and Slow Cities.
- The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia: a simple path immersed in the Mediterranean pine forest, an unforgettable experience up to the ancient Etruscan city overlooking the sea.
- San Vincenzo by Night: a unique night excursion, to experience nature under a starry sky and end with a stop at a local nightlife spot.
Unforgettable sensory experiences, celebrating the local gastronomic excellences, away from the beaten paths.
- Podere Grattamacco: located in an exceptional wine-growing area, on the top of a hill overlooking the sea of Castagneto Carducci and Bolgheri, offers the opportunity to taste great red wines.
- Cantina di Montesolaio and Catello Bonaria: a journey through streets, alleys, and stone arches that still exude the scent and charm of the Middle Ages.
- Tenuta Poggiorosso: you will discover how the unique position of its vineyards, on a hill of galestro and red sands, influences the flavor and characteristics of the wines produced.
- Tenuta Casadei in Suvereto: a virtuous example of integrated organic farming, where you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature and a hike within the property.
- Terrecotte Bitossi: a visit to the historic furnace, through the Tomboli Natural Reserve, among the pine forests of Marina di Bibbona and Marina di Cecina, to admire artworks entirely handmade since 1930.
Each tour is designed to offer a unique experience deeply connected to the land we explore, demonstrating our commitment to making Tuscany known through cycling tourism and its traditions.”
“Could you elaborate on your training efforts to become a specialized guide for guests with disabilities and explain how FunnyBike Rent is committed to making cycling tourism experiences accessible to everyone?
“At FunnyBike Rent, accessibility for people with disabilities is a top priority; we are able to customize experiences to suit almost all needs. Currently, we are working to ensure 100% accessibility, offering tailored solutions that overcome every barrier, both physical and mental.
My current training path, in addition to being a personal enrichment, aims to realize an important dream: helping people with disabilities overcome the uncertainties related to architectural limitations. In collaboration with an exceptional person from Piombino and the Handy Superabile Association, we are developing an innovative project.
This project focuses on accompanying people with disabilities through our territory, in areas that traditionally might seem inaccessible. Our goal is to provide guidance and support tailored to each type of disability, encouraging confidence and independence, and making it possible to explore places that until now were considered unreachable.”
Unique Bicycle Excursions all year round
Why should tourists looking for bicycle adventures choose the Etruscan Coast as their destination and rely on the experience of the FunnyBike Rent team?
“The Etruscan Coast is an ideal destination for cycling tourism enthusiasts, thanks to the mildness of its climate which allows exploring its beauties almost all year round. Except for the brief period between late December and early January, our guided tours start as early as February and March, offering unique experiences especially in September and October, when the area comes alive with a wide range of food and wine and cultural offerings.
Our team stands out for its deep knowledge of the area and for its high-level technical skills, capable of ensuring a worry-free experience for our guests. We are experts in creating customized excursions, adapting to the abilities and requests of each participant, from families with children to groups of up to 30 people, to make each journey as engaging and personalized as possible.
The excursions are guided by the principles of customization, engagement, and sharing. Our goal is to establish a lasting bond with those who choose to venture with us, often turning participants into friends who stay in touch throughout the year. This philosophy is reflected in the way we treat every guest, not as a customer but as part of our community, ensuring they feel comfortable and have full trust in us.
It is this approach, based on respect and attention to people, that makes a difference and exceeds every expectation, consolidating us as the best choice for exploring the Etruscan Coast by bicycle.
Cycling tourism, like hiking and walking tours, perfectly embodies the philosophy of slow tourism that promotes a respectful and aware approach to discovering territories. We believe Tuscany is the ideal place for a holiday that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of traditional crowded destinations, where securing a spot on the beach can often be challenging. Do you agree with us? Moreover, are there specific initiatives that your activity adopts for environmental sustainability?
“Promoting cycling tourism and trekking is at the heart of our mission, being among the most environmentally respectful practices available to travelers. Tourists who choose Tuscany for their active holidays already demonstrate a predisposition to respect the places they explore, contributing to the conservation of the environment with conscious choices.
Opting for bicycles or engaging in trekking minimizes the use of cars, aligning with the philosophy of a slow holiday that benefits the territory. In our rental service, we adopt a strict recycling policy for every aspect of the activity, from consumables to bicycle parts. Moreover, we prioritize the use of bicycles produced and assembled in Italy and we exclusively source from electricity suppliers committed to sustainability and the use of renewable sources. We do much more, all in respect of nature and human beings.“
We part with a firm handshake, thrilled to have had the chance to meet him. It truly is a fortune for our region to have personalities like Stefano, so passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences. and with the dream of creating unique experiences for those who choose our territory as a holiday spot for their psycho-physical well-being, and keeping this stretch of coast vibrant and accessible throughout the year.
Looking for an unforgettable bicycle excursion? Contact the FunnyBike team, you won’t regret it!
Services at a glance
Sport: Escursioni in e-bike
Servizi: Escursioni al mare, tour nei borghi medievali, visite guidate enogastronomiche, noleggio e-bike, bici da passeggio e mtb, vendita attrezzatura per cicloturismo
FAQ: FunnyBike at a glance
FunnyBike Rent organizes e-bike excursions on the Etruscan Coast, with customized tours ideal for families, individuals, couples, and large groups.
The experience at FunnyBike Rent stands out for its professionalism, deep knowledge of the area, and personalized attention to guests. The tours are guided by principles of customization, emotion, and sharing, creating a lasting bond between the participants and the guide team.
FunnyBike Rent offers a wide selection of bikes, including e-bikes for trekking, Full Allmountain, mountain bikes, and touring bicycles, as well as specific accessories for children and animals, helmets, and technical clothing.
To book an excursion or rent a bicycle, you can use the contact form found below, or through their contact channels on the website and social media.
Yes, FunnyBike Rent is committed to making cycling tourism experiences accessible to everyone, customizing excursions to fit almost all needs and working to ensure 100% accessibility.
Excursions with FunnyBike Rent are possible almost all year round, with unique experiences especially available in September and October, when the Etruscan Coast comes alive with a wide range of gastronomic and cultural offerings.
Yes, FunnyBike Rent offers thematic packages “Sea”, “Land”, and “Tastings”, which celebrate the beauty of the Tuscan sea, explore medieval villages and internal landscapes, and offer unforgettable sensory experiences through local gastronomic excellences.
