Hybrid Step-Thru E-Bike Rental - Mendota Heights

All four bikes are excellent on the Big Rivers Regional Trail's paved surface. The main difference is frame style and fit:

Step-Thru E-Bike (4'11"–6'1") — The most accessible option. The low step-thru frame makes mounting and dismounting effortless for riders of all heights and mobility levels. The widest height range in the fleet. Best for anyone who values easy on/off, or riders at shorter or average heights.

Hybrid Step-Thru E-Bike / Avenue (5'1"–6'1") — A sportier step-thru option with a slightly more forward-leaning, efficient riding position. More nimble and responsive than the standard Step-Thru. Best for riders who want the easy mounting of a step-thru frame combined with a more active, road-oriented feel.

Classic E-Bike / Straight Bar (5'6" and taller) — The traditional bicycle frame with a horizontal top tube. A more upright, neutral riding position suited to taller riders. Best for riders 5'6" and over who prefer a classic bike geometry and feel.

Fat Tire E-Bike / Element (5'0"–6'1") — Wide fat tires deliver maximum stability and a smooth, planted feel on the trail. The most confident option on varied surfaces and the best choice for riders who want the most stable, assured ride. Also excellent in wet conditions when tire grip matters more.

Not sure? Staff will fit you at the meeting point and confirm the right model before you head out.

The Big Rivers Regional Trail is steps from the meeting point. The trail runs 5.5 miles (8.9 km) along the northern edge of Dakota County, built on an old railroad bed above the Minnesota and Mississippi river valleys:

North toward Lilydale: The trail heads north toward Lilydale Regional Park and the Pool & Yacht Club, with the best upriver views toward downtown Saint Paul along the way. From Lilydale, the trail connects to Harriet Island Regional Park and the Mississippi River corridor.

South toward Eagan and Fort Snelling: The trail runs south toward Eagan and connects to Fort Snelling State Park — one of Minnesota's first military outposts and a National Historic Landmark, situated at the confluence of the two rivers on Pike Island. The Fort Snelling connection adds significant historical and natural interest for longer rentals.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: The trail provides access to one of the few urban national wildlife refuges in the country — a 14,000-acre (5,660 ha) refuge along the Minnesota River with excellent bird watching, including bald eagles year-round.

For a 1–3 hour rental: The 5.5-mile (8.9 km) trail length is ideal — ride the full trail one way and return, with time for stops at the scenic overlooks. Most riders cover the full trail length comfortably within 2 hours at a relaxed e-bike pace.

For a 4-hour or full day rental: Connect to the broader trail network — Fort Snelling State Park, Lilydale Regional Park, Harriet Island, and the Minnesota Valley State Trail add significant additional riding in either direction.

Pedego electric bikes use a pedal-assist system — as you pedal, the motor kicks in to amplify your effort. You can dial the assist level up or down depending on how much help you want. Most models also have a throttle for effortless cruising whenever you like. On the Big Rivers Regional Trail's flat, paved railroad bed, the pedal-assist makes the whole experience feel like the wind is always at your back — and with the scenic overlooks of the Minnesota and Mississippi river confluence as your backdrop, you'll want to linger, not race.

Most Pedego bikes are rated for 20–60 miles (32–97 km) per charge. The Big Rivers Regional Trail is approximately 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long — easily covered multiple times on a single charge. Riders who connect to the broader trail network accessing Fort Snelling, Lilydale Regional Park, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge can cover 20+ miles (32+ km) without a recharge.

You must be able to ride a bicycle independently before renting. Staff will walk you through the controls, pedal-assist levels, and throttle in the parking lot before you head out. Reviewers consistently note the patience and quality of the orientation.

Minnesota state law does not require helmets for adult e-bike riders.

The Big Rivers Regional Trail is nearly flat throughout — it follows an abandoned railroad bed with only a few gentle grades. The e-bike's pedal-assist makes the experience accessible to all fitness levels. The trail is rated suitable for all skill levels.

Every rental includes a SENA Bluetooth helmet — a helmet with built-in speakers and microphone that connects wirelessly to other SENA users in your group. You can talk to your riding companions naturally while riding, without stopping or raising your voice. It's a genuinely different and more connected way to explore the trail with friends or family.

Yes — Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on the Big Rivers Regional Trail. The trail is maintained by Dakota County Parks and is open to bicycles, e-bikes, and pedestrians daily from 5:00 AM–10:00 PM. Admission and parking at the trailhead are free.

Rentals require good weather — in the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund. Minnesota summers are warm and beautiful; the trail is open March through October with peak season May through September. Contact the shop if conditions look uncertain on your rental day.

The Big Rivers Regional Trail runs adjacent to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge — one of the few urban national wildlife refuges in the country. Riders regularly spot bald eagles soaring over the river confluence, great blue herons along the banks, white-tailed deer in the valley, and a variety of migratory waterfowl. The scenic overlooks above the Minnesota and Mississippi river confluence are among the best wildlife viewing spots in the Twin Cities.

The rental experience is wheelchair accessible — contact the shop in advance to discuss your specific needs. The Big Rivers Regional Trail itself is largely accessible, with a paved surface and gentle grades.

Contact the shop directly. Staff will assist you throughout your rental period.

Yes — free parking at 1355 Mendota Heights Rd. Meet the team at the interior of the C-shaped parking lot.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends and peak season (May through September).

Yes — the Big Rivers Regional Trail is a Dakota County Parks trail with free admission and free parking at the trailhead. Trail hours are 5:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.

Almost entirely — the trail is built on an abandoned railroad bed and is rated nearly flat for the majority of its length. There are a few steeper sections at approximately 0.1, 2.5, and 3.1–3.2 miles. The e-bike handles all of them with ease.