North Carolina has biking spots ranging from flat to hilly, offering different difficulty levels. That said, there is no better way to explore this state than an electric bike.
My top three favorite places to rent an e-bike in North Carolina are Asheville, Outer Banks, and Wilmington.
If you are looking for a biking spot to explore in North Carolina, I recommend the best places.
My Top 5 Favorite Places Where You Can Rent An eBike In North Carolina
Asheville
Asheville is a small town popular for its natural wonders and magnificent views. Even better, this picturesque town’s wonders are accessible by e-bike.
Where To Go
This city in western Carolina is famous for its historic architecture. It is home to the Basilica Of Saint Lawrence, a dome-topped architectural treasure built in the early 90s. This basilica is popular among tourists and locals alike for being North America’s largest freestanding elliptical dome.
Asheville is also reputable for its vibrant arts scene. People know this town as one of the hottest destinations for contemporary art. If you are visiting this town for its art scenes, the best area to explore is the River Arts District. This area is a colorful neighborhood that boasts visually pleasing murals and is home to many local artists.
Asheville is a mix of vibrant art and a rich architectural legacy. But apart from this, the town also has distinctive restaurants offering excellent food. (source)
What You Need To Know
Rental e-bikes in Asheville costs:
- Two Hours – $45
- Four Hours – $59
- One Day – $79
- Multi-Day Rental – $138 – $433 (ranges from two to seven days)
The best thing to do to secure an e-bike in Asheville is to book a reservation in advance. You can visit your chosen rental place’s website and fill out its booking page. After paying either the downpayment or full payment, the rental place will prepare your e-bike once you arrive. (source)
What To Bring To Rent An eBike
- credit card
- valid government-issued ID
- snacks and water
- stretchable and breathable biking clothes
- closed-toe sports shoes
- knee and elbow pads (optional)
- biking gloves (optional)
Highlights of Asheville
Asheville is home to many biking spots, and one of the best ones is Richmond Hill Park. This park features well-maintained trails, making it easy to ride an electric bike. Some minor trails branch out the main trail, which can make your way a bit confusing. However, having to figure out which way you need to go adds up to your entire adventure.
The park also has a picnic ground with tables where you can take a quick break to fill your stomach or rehydrate. So, make sure that you have some snacks with you when you explore this trail.
During your adventure, you will also pass by a disc golf course. If you are interested in golf, you can try playing on the course with other park visitors. (source)
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Outer Banks
Brimming with sandy beaches, barrier islands, and crystal clear waters, Outer Banks is undoubtedly worth visiting.
Where To Go
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is home to the first colony of America. Today, it serves as one of the state’s best attractions. Despite its beauty, Outer Banks rarely sees a huge crowd, so you will find it an excellent form of relaxation.
There are towns along the island, which you can explore while riding your rental electric bike. You may find shops, restaurants, and various activities to try here. The towns are also filled with great people, so chances are you will meet locals and fellow tourists while taking a stroll.
Moreover, there are countless sights to appreciate in Outer Banks. You can explore lighthouses, adventure parks, museums, and boardwalks. So, ensure you have a camera to capture these majestic sights. (source)
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What You Need To Know About Outer Banks
It would be best if you were at least 18 years old to rent an e-bike in Outer Banks. Minors aged 16 and 17 can also rent e-bikes, provided that they have a parent or legal guardian to accompany their trip. The e-bikes are available for advanced reservation through your chosen rental location’s website.
The rental e-bikes in Outer Banks costs:
- Two Hours – $59
- Full Day – $99
- One Week – $300
Your rental electric bike comes with a helmet, bike light, and tour map. (source)
What To Bring To Rent An eBike
You will need the following items when renting an e-bike in Outer Banks:
- sunscreen
- shades
- proper biking clothes
- closed-toe shoes
Highlights of Outer Banks
Pisgah National Forest sits near Outer Banks and is a fantastic place to visit if you want to explore North Carolina while riding an electric bike. The forest has stunning sights, including waterfalls, whitewater rivers, and areas with dense trees. Pisgah National Forest is also famous as one of the best places for outdoor recreation in North Carolina.
In addition, this place is rich in wildlife. For this reason, you will have loads of sights to see while exploring the forest with your e-bike. The trails within the forest have varying difficulties, giving you a bit of a challenge as you enjoy your ride.
The forest is also open for fishing, hiking, hunting, and horse-riding. For this reason, you can bring a fishing rod, stop by one of the rivers in the forest, and catch fish while taking a break from pedaling. (source)
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Wilmington
Wilmington is a port city known for its beaches. Even better, it has attractions that relieve its rich history, allowing you to learn while exploring the place.
Where To Go
Home to interesting historical attractions and gorgeous views, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a fantastic place to visit. In 2020, this town became one of the first cities appointed as an “American World War II Heritage City.” The reason is that Wilmington successfully preserved and restored WWII heritage and recognized veterans.
Besides its contribution to American history, Wilmington is famous for its gorgeous beaches. The town has miles of shores with fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and various water activities. Even restaurants serve freshly-caught seafood, in case you get hungry after pedaling your electric bike.
Moreover, Wilmington possesses both the big-city living feels and the warm small-town charm. For this reason, it makes a perfect tourist location for people who want to experience a fantastic vacation. The place is also ideal for e-bike enthusiasts. (source)
What You Need To Know About Wilmington
Rental e-bikes in Wilmington are available for online reservations. You can visit your chosen rental place’s website and fill in the booking page to ensure your e-bike even before getting to Wilmington.
Renting an e-bike costs:
- One Hour (sample ride) – $27
- Three And A Half Hours – $52
- Seven Hours – $92
- Multi-Day Rental – $69/day
Moreover, the rental electric bikes are available for pickup if you are staying near the rental location. If not, you can have the e-bike delivered to your preferred location. (source)
What To Bring To Rent An eBike
- sunscreen
- pocket money
- suitable biking shoes and clothes
- biking pack to carry your personal belongings
- a camera
- snacks and water
- additional biking protective equipment (optional)
Highlights of Wilmington
True enough, Wilmington is full of historical attractions and beaches. However, these attractions are only some places you can explore with your rental electric bike. Cape Fear River Trail Park is the best attraction to visit if you want to explore an area closer to nature.
Apart from biking, fishing on the Cape Fear River is one of the best things to do in this trail park. A breathtaking scenery surrounds the river, so you can feast your eyes on its beauty while waiting for a fish to fall on your bait.
Different forms of wildlife are also in the area. You will see various species of wildflowers while e-biking on the trail. Chances are you will also pass by animals like deer as they munch on the greenery surrounding the trailside. (source)
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Raleigh
Known as the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is home to various universities, technology, and scholarly institutions. This town is a perfect destination for people who seek to tour places that offers city life.
Where To Go
Raleigh is a city booming with a big-city feel. It boasts a mix of modern and historic destinations, offering tourists various paths to visit. Almost all of these tourist destinations are accessible by electric bikes.
The town is home to the first public park in North Carolina. Built-in 1887, Pullen Park sits in downtown Raleigh and is now one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. To this day, this famed park still brings festive activities to locals and tourists. Among its popular parks are the carousel and a miniature train that takes you throughout the park.
Raleigh also has museums that display magnificent works of art. Even galleries feature paintings made by renowned painters, Egyptian artifacts, and contemporary art pieces.
You will also find the most extensive collection of sculptures made by Auguste Rodin at the North Carolina Museum Of Art. (source)
What You Need To Know About Raleigh
The cost of renting an e-bike in Raleigh depends on the model and rental duration.
Comfort Cruiser E-Bikes
- $20/hour
- Three Hours – $55
- Eight Hours – $80
Interceptor E-Bikes
- $30/hour
- Three Hours – $80
- Eight Hours – $95
Tandem E-Bikes
- $35/hour
- Three Hours – $90
- Eight Hours – $115
The e-bikes are available for online booking. (source)
What To Bring To Rent An eBike
- credit card
- valid ID or driver’s license
- pocket money
- proper biking clothes and shoes
- a biking pack to carry your personal belongings
Highlights of Raleigh
Neuse River Trail is one of the best places to explore when visiting Raleigh. This trail features a flat biking spot, making riding an electric bike easy. Some parts of the trail are paved, while others are gravel, so while the trail is flat, it will still add a bit of a challenge to your adventure.
Riding on this trail will make you feel closer to nature. The reason is that large trees and shrubs surround the trail, making it look like a forest. There are also vast greeneries that make an excellent spot for picnics.
Moreover, there are benches where you can sit while taking a quick break from pedaling. It is best to visit the trail in the morning when the sun is not too hot. But even when you explore the trail by noon, canopies of large trees will shade you from the sun. (source)
Topsail Island
Easy to reach and offers an excellent vacation experience – these are the things that describe Topsail Island.
Where To Go
Topsail Island is a 26-mile-long barrier island with a sea turtle sanctuary and maritime forests. This island has a great view of the horizon. For this reason, visit the island in the afternoon and wait for the sunset. This way, you will witness the sky as it changes colors.
Beaches also surround the island. After your e-biking trip, you can do water activities, like swimming, kayaking, and boating. You can even sit on the fine sand and busk under the sun for relaxation.
Despite its beauty, Topsail Island and its beaches are far from crowded. So, it remains quiet. So, this island is the perfect place for people looking for a peaceful and fun getaway. (source)
What You Need To Know About Topsail Island
Rental e-bikes in Topsail Island costs:
- Two Hours – $30
- Four Hours – $45
- 24 Hours – $60
- Seven Days $260
You can rent the electric bike in advance by visiting your preferred rental place’s website. You will find a booking page, which you must fill in with the required information. Booking a rental in advance ensures that you will have an e-bike once you reach Topsail Island. (source)
What To Bring To Rent An eBike
When renting an e-bike, you will need the following:
- proper biking clothes and shoes
- snacks and water
- biking pack
- pocket money
- a camera
Highlights of Topsail Island
North Topsail Beach Town Park is one of the magnificent biking spots on Topsail Island. You can ride your rental e-bike by the sea and be in awe of how the clear waters reflect the blue skies. The park is not overcrowded, so you do not have to be too cautious while riding your electric bike.
There is also a playground within the park. If you are on an e-bike trip with kids, this park is a perfect destination where they will find loads of outdoor activities. There are also basketball and tennis courts available for public use.
More You Need To Know About eBike Rentals
What To Wear For An eBike Rental
You need to consider two things when choosing what to wear when riding an e-bike – comfort, and protection.
In terms of comfort, you need to choose stretchable clothes. This way, you can move freely once you start pedaling your e-bike. Your clothes should also be breathable so that you will feel cool throughout your ride. For the shoes, choose the closed-toe type with soft soles.
You also need to dress for protection in case an injury occurs. That said, ensure you wear a biking helmet, elbow and knee pads, and gloves.
What You Need To Look For When Renting An Ebike
When renting an electric bike, you must ensure you get what you paid for. For this reason, choose an e-bike that has a long battery life. This way, you will be certain that the e-bike will not run out of battery in the middle of your trip.
The second thing you need to consider is the price. Do the e-bike’s model and rental duration justify the price you will pay? It is ideal to look for a few rental places and compare their prices to find the one that will fit your needs.
Finally, you need to look at the services offered by the rental place. If you are still looking for a rental location close to where you are staying, find one with a delivery service. Such rental places will bring your rental e-bike to the location you prefer.
Rental Age Requirements
Most rental places for electric bikes in North Carolina cater to renters aged 16 and above. Renters aged 16 and 17 should come with a parent or legal guardian when renting an electric bike.
Test Ride Vs. Rental eBikes In North Carolina
During an electric bike test ride in North Carolina, the rental place will let you choose the type of e-bike you can try. There will be a one-hour limit to the e-bike’s usage, so you can only bring it to locations just a short distance from the rental place. However, it is essential to note that test rides are not free, so you will have to pay an hourly rental rate.
Renting an e-bike is similar to a test-riding one. You can choose the e-bike model you want to use. But unlike test rides, you can decide how long you want to rent the e-bike. That said, you will be able to reach farther locations.
eBike Rental FAQs
Can I book a rental in advance?
Booking an e-bike in advance is the best way to rent an e-bike, in my opinion. This way, you can secure an e-bike before reaching North Carolina and the attractions you want to visit. It typically only takes a few minutes to secure your rental, so it’s worth it to do it in advance.
How much do eBike rentals cost?
Rental e-bikes in North Carolina range from $20 to $260. The longer your rental duration, the higher the cost you have to pay. The e-bike model will also affect the rental price, as will nature attractions and sight-seeing nearby. Rental companies that are near site-seeing attractions always charge more money..
How long can I rent an eBike?
Some rental places allow tourists to rent e-bikes for times as short as an hour and up to a day. Others offer multi-day rental packages, which can last up to a week, but the daily or half-day rentals are the most common.
Hi David Humphries here the guy doing all the pedaling behind the scenes with this blog. I’ve been in the MTB world for a while and recently started getting into eMTBs. You can check out more about me HERE and on my other passion project – DIYMountainBike.com
Sources
- Asheville. https://goo.gl/maps/hpi3ZeyUsAviQ83p8. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Asheville E-Bikes. https://www.ashevilleebike.com/ Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Richmond Hill Park. https://goo.gl/maps/dYtd2DhZuLhR74nK9. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Outer Banks. https://goo.gl/maps/ApSAuufci4oFBGSR7. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Outer Banks E-Bike Rentals. https://www.outerbanksebikes.com/#block-0607a2be640a46e3109a. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Pisgah National Forest. https://goo.gl/maps/nzXuiAE1aK4f6fkK8. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Wilmington River District & Island Beaches. The Mid-20th Century. https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/about/area-information/historical-overview/#:~:text=In%201974%2C%20much%20of%20Wilmington%27s,facilities%2C%20and%20recognition%20of%20veterans. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Carolina E-Bikes. https://carolinaebikes.net/ Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Cape Fear River Trail Park. https://goo.gl/maps/f4FJCdukP4uVuNCa9.
- Visit Raleigh Insider. 30 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Raleigh, NC (blog). February 23, 2021. https://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/30-can-t-miss-things-to-do-in-raleigh-n-c-/ Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Pedego Electric Bikes. https://pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/durham/ Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Neuse River Trail. https://goo.gl/maps/EnYack1AB7A6vZ4b7. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Topsail Island. https://goo.gl/maps/XpaRTCZK2K51W2uZ8. Accessed January 8, 2023.
- Topsail Surf & Cycle. https://topsailsurfandcycle.com/electric-bike-rentals/ Accessed January 8, 2023.
- North Topsail Beach Town Park. https://goo.gl/maps/6BET3WcJtPWaYeSq5. Accessed January 8, 2023.