This e-bike guide to Pittsburgh will empower you with the knowledge you need to embark on an e-biking journey. From choosing the right e-bike to discovering the most scenic routes, tackling the city's famous hills, and uncovering hidden gems, we've got you covered.
Pittsburgh's Electric Bike Trails
Pittsburgh is a great city for electric bike enthusiasts, with plenty of scenic trails to explore. Here are some of the best electric bike trails in Pittsburgh:
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
This trail spans 24 miles along Pittsburgh's three rivers, offering scenic views of the city skyline and historic landmarks. It's a mostly flat trail that's well-suited for electric bikes, with several access points throughout the city.
Montour Trail
The Montour Trail is a 63-mile rail-trail that passes through several Pittsburgh suburbs and offers a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. It's a great option for e-bike riders who want a longer ride with plenty of scenic views along the way.
Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile trail. The trail follows the route of the former Western Maryland Railway and offers a mix of urban and rural scenery.
North Shore Trail
The North Shore Trail is a 7.5-mile trail that follows the Allegheny River from PNC Park to Millvale. It offers scenic views of the city skyline and several riverfront parks, making it a popular option for e-bike riders looking for a shorter ride.
Southside Riverfront Trail
The Southside Riverfront Trail is a 3.3-mile trail that follows the Monongahela River from the Hot Metal Bridge to the Glenwood Bridge. It's a relatively flat trail with several access points throughout the South Side neighborhood.
Eliza Furnace Trail
The Eliza Furnace Trail is a 3.3-mile trail that connects Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood to the Waterfront shopping complex in Homestead. It's a flat, paved trail that follows the route of an old railroad line, offering scenic views of the city and the Monongahela River.
Pittsburgh's Electric Bike Infrastructure
Pittsburgh has been working to improve its infrastructure for electric bike riders in recent years. Some of the initiatives include:
- Bike lanes: The city has been expanding its network of bike lanes and trails, making it easier and safer for e-bike riders to travel around the city.
- Bike sharing: Bike-sharing programs like POGOH offer e-bikes for rent, making it more convenient for people to access e-bikes without having to purchase one.
- Charging stations: The city has installed charging stations in certain areas to help e-bike riders keep their batteries charged while on the go.
Renting an Electric Bike in Pittsburgh
There are several places in Pittsburgh where you can rent an electric bike to explore the city:
POGOH
POGOH is a bike share program that offers e-bikes for rent at various locations throughout the city. They have a wide range of e-bikes available, and the rental process is easy and convenient.
Local E-Bike Stores
Most of them offer e-bike rentals to explore the city or to try out the electric bike experience. Some of the best options for this include: Pro Bikes, The Bicycle Haven, and Thick Bikes.
Pittsburgh's Best Electric Bike Shops
There are several electric bike shops in Pittsburgh that offer a wide range of e-bikes and services. Some of the best include:
Pro Bikes
Pro Bikes is a bike shop that specializes in electric bikes, they have a wide range of e-bikes and knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect one for you.
The Bicycle Haven
The Bicycle Haven offers a wide range of e-bikes and also repairs and services e-bikes. They have a dedicated e-bike mechanic and knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right e-bike.
Thick Bikes
Thick Bikes is a bike shop that sells a wide range of e-bikes, including cargo e-bikes, and also offers repair services for e-bikes.
The Wheel Mill
The Wheel Mill sells a wide range of e-bikes and also offers repair services for e-bikes. They also offer test rides for people to try out different e-bikes before buying.
Pittsburgh's E-Bike Rules and Regulations
- Safety Equipment: There is no helmet requirement.
- Road Rules:E-bikes have the same rules of the road as traditional bikes. They are required to follow all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic signals.
- Bike Specifications: E-bikes need to have a motor below 750 watts, a max speed of 20 mph, a weight below 100 lbs, and operable pedals.
- Where to Ride: E-bikes can ride on most roads, bike paths, and trails. They are not allowed on sidewalks.
- Age Restrictions: You can’t be under 16 and ride an electric bike.
- Administration Requirements: There is no license, registration, or insurance requirement for e-bikes.
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