Venturing into Oregon’s natural beauty on an electric bike has become increasingly convenient due to the rise in e-bike popularity. These bikes, which resemble traditional bicycles but include an electric motor, are perfect for enhancing endurance on long trips and conquering hilly landscapes. Oregon offers numerous e-bike rental companies and bike-share programs, inviting everyone to discover the state’s prime locations on two wheels.

Urban Routes in Portland
Portland’s reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S. is well-deserved, boasting 385 miles of bikeways that traverse bridges, skirt the waterfront, and ascend into the hills. The city provides maps to facilitate cycling exploration in every district.

BIKETOWN features over 1,500 e-bikes across more than 220 stations, making it a straightforward option for city exploration. They also offer adaptive rentals, including hand-pedaled trikes and surreys. To use the service, one must download the BIKETOWN app and create an account. Starting at the South Waterfront and pedaling towards Tilikum Crossing, cyclists can enjoy the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade and possibly catch sight of dragon boaters and great blue herons.

For those interested in Portland’s bridges or breweries, Pedal Bike Tours provides guided tours tailored to various interests. The Intro to Portland e-bike tour is an ideal choice for those new to e-bikes or the city itself.

Waterfalls and Trail Rides in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a haven for waterfalls and hiking, is perfect for car-free adventures, supported by an extensive public transit system and a selection of e-bike rental and tour companies. Bike the Gorge, located in Cascade Locks, offers e-bike rentals for cruising past waterfalls, swimming holes, car-free paths, and the Bridge of the Gods.

In Hood River, Oregon E-Bikes is the go-to for rentals, with scenic routes like the Historic Columbia River Highway and the Mark O. Hatfield West Trail, featuring panoramic views and tunnels. Stops at local roasters, U-pick farms, and wineries like Analemma Wines enrich the experience. Oregon E-Bikes also provides e-mountain bike rentals and guided tours through the Post Canyon trail system. For wine enthusiasts, mountNbarrel offers guided e-bike wine-tasting tours, while Sol Rides presents tours that sample the local culinary delights.

Pedaling Along the River or Hitting the Gravel in Bend
Bend, located near the Deschutes River and Mt. Bachelor, offers a plethora of outdoor activities. E-bike rentals in Bend are available from Let It Ride, Bend Electric Bikes, or Hutch’s Bicycles. For those seeking a cardio workout, the area’s gravel routes, documented on DirtyFreeHub.org, provide breathtaking views of the local landscape.

Begin your day with a breakfast from Great Harvest Bread Co. before embarking on the Deschutes River Trail and Old Mill District. Combine your ride with the Bend Ale Trail map for a post-ride refreshment. Let It Ride E-bike Tours offers tours that showcase Bend’s scenic and culinary offerings, which can be customized to include visits to breweries, pubs, kombucha taprooms, or wineries.

Birding and Bridges in Eugene
Eugene, home to the University of Oregon, is a cyclist’s paradise with extensive paths. The bike-share program and local shops like Eugene Electric Bicycles provide e-bike rentals. The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path system offers picturesque rides along the Willamette River, while the Fern Ridge Path takes nature enthusiasts through the West Eugene Wetlands.

If You Go:
Be prepared for varying weather conditions and carry water. Children under 16 cannot legally ride an e-bike but may be passengers. Sidewalk e-biking is prohibited in Oregon. Cyclists under 16 must wear helmets. Courtesy towards pedestrians is essential, as they have right of way; use bells to signal when passing. E-bikes are not permitted on U.S. Forest Service trails in Oregon but may be allowed on certain county and private lands—check with local shops before departing. Mountain e-bikers should yield to hikers, horses, and uphill traffic, and avoid riding on wet trails.