Adventure, Curated
Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.
Local Legends, Real Reviews
We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐
Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee
Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.
Protect What You Love
Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.
Full Day E-Bike Rentals - Bar Harbor
Pricing
Full Day
Ideal for those under 5'4
Ideal for those under 6'
Description
Full Day Acadia National Park E-Bike Rental — A Full Day on Acadia's Carriage Roads
A full day on Acadia's carriage roads is a singular experience — one that draws people back to Bar Harbor year after year. John D. Rockefeller Jr. spent decades and millions of dollars building 45 miles (72 km) of hand-crafted broken stone carriage roads through the heart of Mount Desert Island, commissioning 17 unique stone bridges, grading the routes to flow with the mountain landscape, and creating what remains one of the great landscape achievements in American history. Today, those roads are yours to ride — and a full day on an electric bike is the finest way to experience all of them.
From the shop in downtown Bar Harbor, the carriage road entrance is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away via Duck Brook Bridge. A full day lets you ride the classic loops — Eagle Lake, Jordan Pond, Witch Hole Pond, the Bubble Pond corridor, the Day Mountain circuit, the Hadlock Pond waterfall routes — and connect them into a 29–40+ mile (47–64+ km) experience that reveals why Acadia's carriage roads are considered one of the most beautiful trail systems in the country. Take a proper lunch break at the Jordan Pond House, stop at every bridge, and still have time to detour wherever the road takes you.
The e-bike's pedal-assist handles the elevation. The fat tire models provide stability and comfort on the gravel. And the staff at the shop will send you off with a detailed map, personalized route recommendations, and all the insider knowledge you need to make the most of every hour.
Duration
Location / Where to Meet
55 West St, Unit 10, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Located in downtown Bar Harbor, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the Acadia National Park carriage road entrance via Duck Brook Bridge.
Parking: Free private lot on-site at 55 West St. Check-In: Arrive at the shop. Staff will fit your bike to your height, walk you through the controls and carriage road rules, and provide a detailed map and route recommendation before you head out.
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 18+ to rent; must meet height minimums to ride independently
- Riders must be able to ride a bicycle confidently and independently on varied terrain including hard-packed gravel.
- The carriage roads include significant elevation changes — moderate physical fitness is recommended. The e-bike assist makes climbs manageable, but riders should be prepared for an active experience.
- The following bikes are available — staff will fit you to the right model at check-in:
- Pedal Assist 24" — ideal for riders under 5'4" (1.63 m)
- Pedal Assist 26" — ideal for riders under 6' (1.83 m)
- Pedal Assist 28" — ideal for riders over 6' (1.83 m)
- Pedal Assist Fat Tire — wide tires for maximum stability and comfort on gravel carriage roads
- Element Fat Tire Bike — fat tire option with different geometry; confirm model differences with shop
- Pedal Assist Passenger — has padded rear seating for a passenger aged 5 and older
- Weight limit per standard bike: 280 lbs (127 kg).
- Class 1 pedal-assist only on the carriage roads — throttle is not permitted in the park.
What's Included
- Pedego electric bike (Class 1 pedal-assist, trail-appropriate)
- Bike fitting and full controls orientation by shop staff
- Detailed carriage road map and personalized route recommendations
- Bike lock
Not Included
- Gratuity — never expected, but always appreciated.
- Acadia National Park vehicle entrance fee — not required if riding from the shop; required if driving to and parking within the park
- Food and beverages — Jordan Pond House on the carriage roads offers a full-service restaurant; pack snacks and water for the ride
- Helmet — confirm with outfitter whether included or available to rent
- Trailer Add-On — pull-behind trailer for cargo or passengers; confirm weight capacity and compatibility with your chosen bike model — additional fee
What to Bring / Wear
- Comfortable, athletic clothing — layers are essential; coastal Maine weather changes quickly and carriage road temperatures drop in shaded sections and at elevation
- Waterproof jacket or wind shell — fog and light rain are common; be prepared regardless of the morning forecast
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes — the carriage roads are gravel; sneakers or athletic shoes are appropriate; no flip-flops or open-toed sandals
- Helmet — required for riders under 16; strongly recommended for all riders
- Gloves — especially for fall and spring visits when temperatures on the exposed summit sections can be cold
- Reusable water bottle with plenty of water — the carriage roads have limited water sources; Jordan Pond House is the most reliable mid-route stop
- Snacks — pack enough for the full half day; energy demands on the hillier sections are real even with pedal-assist
- Sunscreen
- Phone or camera in a protective case — the Rockefeller Bridges, lake views, and mountain panoramas are exceptional
- America the Beautiful Pass or Acadia entrance fee
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Pedego Bar Harbor
FAQs
What can I cover in a full day on the carriage roads?
A full day on the carriage roads from downtown Bar Harbor typically covers 25–40+ miles (40–64+ km) depending on your pace and how long you stop. The classic full-day circuit — the Around the Mountain Loop — is approximately 29 miles (47 km) from downtown and takes 4–5 hours of riding time at a comfortable e-bike pace, leaving plenty of time for stops. This loop passes many of the most celebrated Rockefeller Bridges, Day Mountain, Jordan Pond, Bubble Pond, Eagle Lake, and the Witch Hole Pond beaver habitat.
Most riders comfortably complete one of these classic loops — all accessible from the Duck Brook Bridge entrance near Bar Harbor:
Eagle Lake Loop (8.6 miles / 13.8 km): The most accessible loop from Bar Harbor. The carriage road circumnavigates Eagle Lake — Acadia's largest lake — through a beautiful mix of forested corridor and open lake views. A great first Acadia carriage road experience.
Jordan Pond Loop (8.6 miles / 13.8 km from the Duck Brook entrance): One of the most celebrated routes in the park, passing Bubble Pond and arriving at the south end of Jordan Pond with its famous view of The Bubbles — two rounded glacial mountains reflected in the pond. The Jordan Pond House restaurant is here for a break.
Witch Hole Pond Loop + Eagle Lake (approximately 12 miles / 19 km from downtown): A classic combination from the Duck Brook Bridge entrance, passing Witch Hole Pond's beaver habitat and connecting to Eagle Lake for a varied, scenic half day of riding.
Around the Mountain Loop (approximately 29 miles / 47 km from downtown): A more ambitious route for strong riders — this full circuit passes many of the park's most celebrated bridges and viewpoints, including Day Mountain and multiple Rockefeller Bridges. More suitable for a full day but achievable in a half day for fit riders with e-bike assist.
Staff will recommend the best loop for your group's fitness level and interests.
Where should I stop for lunch?
Jordan Pond House is the classic and most celebrated stop on the carriage road circuit — a full-service restaurant with an outdoor lawn overlooking the pond and The Bubbles. It is famous for its popovers, a Bar Harbor tradition since the 1890s. The restaurant is extremely popular; arriving early (before 12:00 PM) or after 2:00 PM helps avoid the longest waits. Restrooms are also available there. Alternatively, staff can recommend other picnic spots along the route.
What are the best sections of the carriage roads for scenery?
Every section of the carriage road has its own character, but staff consistently highlight: the north shore of Eagle Lake for mountain-and-water views; the Amphitheater Bridge area south of Jordan Pond for dramatic stone bridge scenery; the Day Mountain summit spur for panoramic views of the southern half of Mount Desert Island and the sea beyond; and the Hadlock Brook and Waterfall Bridge section for cascading falls and intimate forest atmosphere. The 17 Rockefeller Bridges are distributed throughout the system — each is unique and worth stopping for.
What is the Passenger/Cargo bike and who is it for?
The Passenger/Cargo bike is a purpose-built electric cargo e-bike designed to carry an additional rider or substantial cargo. It is ideal for a parent carrying a child, or for groups carrying significant gear. Confirm the configuration, passenger age/weight limits, and Class 1 compliance for the carriage roads with the shop when booking.
How do I get from the shop to the carriage roads?
Follow Eagle Lake Road approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the shop to the Duck Brook Bridge — the carriage road entrance to the interior of the park. The route includes a short section on the busier Route 3 that requires care; staff will walk you through the safest approach before you depart.
Can I ride to Cadillac Mountain?
The carriage roads do not reach the summit of Cadillac Mountain — the summit road is a paved motor road. Cadillac Mountain is accessible by riding the Park Loop Road, where all classes of e-bikes are permitted. The climb is significant (1,527 ft / 465 m elevation gain over approximately 3.5 miles / 5.6 km of paved road). Staff can advise on whether combining a carriage road day with a Cadillac summit ride is realistic for your group.
Is a park pass required?
Yes — an Acadia National Park entrance pass is required year-round for all visitors, including cyclists. Cyclists pay $20 per person for a 7-day pass (youth 15 and under are free). Vehicle passes are $35 and cover all vehicle occupants. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers Acadia and all other national parks. Purchase online at Recreation.gov or at the Hull's Cove Visitor Center.
What is a Pedego electric bike and how does it work?
Pedego electric bikes use a pedal-assist system — as you pedal, the motor amplifies your effort to make hills manageable and long distances easy. You can adjust the assist level to dial in how much help you want. Most Pedego models also have a throttle for use on public roads. However, on the Acadia National Park carriage roads, only Class 1 operation is permitted by the National Park Service — meaning the throttle cannot be used and riders must be actively pedaling to receive motor assistance at all times.
How far can I go on a single charge?
Most Pedego bikes are rated for 30–60 miles (48–97 km) per charge. Riders on the Acadia carriage roads typically cover 20–40 miles (32–64 km) in a day, depending on elevation, assist level, and rider weight. The fat tire models and standard e-bikes are well-suited to the gravel carriage road surface. Staff will advise on range for your planned route.
Do I need experience riding a bicycle to rent an e-bike?
You must be able to ride a bicycle confidently and independently before renting. The carriage roads include meaningful elevation changes on hard-packed gravel — basic bike handling skills on varied surfaces are important. Staff will provide a thorough orientation and route guidance before you head out.
Are helmets required?
Maine state law requires riders under 16 to wear a helmet on e-bikes. Helmets are required for all riders by shop policy and are strongly recommended. Confirm whether helmets are included or available to rent with the shop at booking.
Are e-bikes allowed on Acadia's carriage roads?
Only Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on Acadia's 45-mile (72 km) carriage road system — pedal-assist only, with a 20 mph (32 km/h) speed limit. Class 2 (throttle-only) and Class 3 (faster than 20 mph) e-bikes are prohibited on the carriage roads. All three classes of e-bikes are permitted on the Park Loop Road and other park roads where motor vehicles are allowed. All Pedego bikes rented here are Class 1 compliant when operated in pedal-assist mode.
What is the terrain like on the carriage roads?
The carriage roads are hard-packed gravel with constantly changing elevation — they are not flat. John D. Rockefeller Jr. commissioned the 45-mile (72 km) system of broken stone roads, which wind through the park's interior past lakes, bridges, and mountains. The e-bike's pedal-assist makes the climbs accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, but riders should be prepared for a genuine workout on some sections. Fat tire bikes provide additional stability and comfort on the gravel surface.
Do I need an Acadia National Park pass?
If you ride your e-bike directly from the shop in downtown Bar Harbor to the carriage roads (approximately 1.5 miles / 2.4 km on public roads via Duck Brook Bridge), you do not need to pay a park entrance fee to access and ride the carriage roads. If you drive your vehicle into the park or park at Hull's Cove Visitor Center, an America the Beautiful Pass or a 7-day vehicle pass ($35) is required and must be displayed in your windshield. Staff will advise on the most practical approach for your group.
What wildlife can I see on the carriage roads?
The carriage roads pass through some of the best wildlife habitat on Mount Desert Island. Riders commonly spot Bald Eagles, white-tailed deer, porcupines, and beavers — staff can point out where beaver lodges have been spotted along the route. The lakes and wetlands along the Eagle Lake and Witch Hole Pond sections are particularly rich wildlife corridors.
What is the weather policy?
Bar Harbor and Acadia are known for changeable coastal Maine weather. Morning fog is common and can linger on the carriage roads. Rentals go forward in all but severe weather — rain is possible any day of the year. Layers, a waterproof jacket, and closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended regardless of the forecast. Contact the shop if severe weather is expected on your rental day.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — booking in advance is strongly recommended. Bar Harbor is one of the most visited destinations in New England, and rental bikes sell out quickly during peak season (June through October). Book as early as possible.
What time does the shop open and close?
Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. All bikes must be returned by closing time.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of reservation date. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
55 West St. Unit 10
Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
Best price guarantee - book direct with the outfitter
Trusted local outfitters, vetted for quality
Free cancellation on most adventures