eBike Rentals
Experience Starved Rock Country under electric power. If you have not tried an electric bike, you are in for a surprise: all the fun and freedom of your favorite childhood bike, with a major kick. Let the built-in motor silently do the work, or add pedal power to go farther and faster than ever.
Our rental fleet features Aventon Pace eBikes. Choose one of five boost levels on the digital display, then activate the thumb throttle to get moving. Add optional pedal power to accelerate faster and extend your battery charge. Hand-operated disc brakes give you plenty of stopping power.
Every rental includes a premium bike helmet (or bring your own), a cable lock, a signal bell and a rear-facing safety lamp.
Availability
April 15 to late October, weather permitting. Extended dates may be offered, so please call.
Rental rates
- 2 hours: $40
- 3 hours: $55
- 4 hours: $70
- 6 hours: $90 (best value)
Also see our kayak & paddleboard rentals.
Pick-up and drop-off
eBike rentals are picked up and returned at Heritage Harbor Ottawa Marina.
- Arrival: park in the Harbor House Restaurant parking lot, then walk down to the Marina Office, off A-Dock, to check in.
- Marina phone: (815) 433-5000
- Get directions to Heritage Harbor
Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your reservation to complete paperwork, select safety equipment and receive an eBike orientation.
Before you ride
- Age: riders must be at least 16 and able to safely and confidently operate a bicycle. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on their own bike.
- Helmet and footwear: a suitable helmet must be worn at all times. Open-toed shoes (sandals, flip-flops) are not allowed; comfortable sport-type shoes are required.
Ride the I&M Canal Trail
The historic I&M Canal is an ideal walking and biking route through Starved Rock Country, connecting state parks, the Illinois and Fox Rivers, downtown Ottawa and many historic sites. We recommend planning your route around the trail. It is accessible directly from Heritage Harbor and is safer and more scenic than the adjacent east-west roads. Learn about the Canal and destinations along the way.
Trail and road etiquette
On trails, be courteous to pedestrians and other bikers, as you will likely be moving faster than most. When passing, do so on the left after announcing yourself or ringing your bell. On roads, follow all legal driving and biking rules, including hand signals for turning. See the Illinois eBike regulations.
Battery range
Our eBikes are rated for up to 40 miles per charge. Actual range depends on the gears used, pedaling versus throttle, rider weight and weather (especially wind). Remaining charge shows on the bike's display. If the battery runs out, you can pedal like a normal bike, but please plan your trip and monitor the charge. Stops in our eBike Charging Network can top you off.
Thanks, and enjoy your ride! Thinking of buying one? See our eBikes for sale.