Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ…

  • Q: I haven't ridden a bike in years; do you have a bike that would suit me?

  • A: Most of our customers are recreational bikers, so we definitely have a bike to suit you!

  • Q: Do you provide helmets with rentals?

  • A: Yes, we do provide and encourage helmets while riding. If you're not renting a bike from us, you can rent a helmet for a nominal fee.

  • Q: Do you have parking at your shop?

  • A: We don't have parking here; Bar Harbor has several kiosks and meters on West, Main and Cottage Streets. Go to our Parking Page for information about Bar Harbor’s new parking regulations.

  • Q: What's your cancellation/change policy?

  • A: To make any changes or to cancel your reservation, please do so by noon the day prior to your rental to avoid being charged for the rental. Call 800-526-8615 to speak with a Customer Service Representative; email requests are not permitted.

  • Q: I don’t have a hitch on my car; is the trunk-mount rack the way to go?

  • A: Our trunk-mounted bike racks aren’t guaranteed to fit on all vehicles. If your car has a rear plastic fairing (spoiler), the weight of the bikes may be too heavy. It’s best for us to see the vehicle to make sure you're getting the right fit. If that doesn’t work, the ride from our shop to the closest carriage road is just 1.7 miles. We also provided directions and maps!

  • Q: Do you recommend driving the bikes to the carriage roads or cycling to the closest carriage road?

  • A: Please see our information on the “Carriage Roads and Routes” page for more detailed suggestions.

  • Q: Do we need passes to ride in the park?

  • A: Yes; one vehicle pass covers four riders ($35) and individual passes are $20 each. To purchase your passes online, click HERE.

  • Q: Are there any flat carriage roads?

  • A: The whole area is rolling terrain, so the carriage roads have hills. However, our Customer Service reps have maps that highlight the less strenuous routes. We also recommend checking out Acadia National Park’s Carriage Road map HERE to help in your planning!

  • Q: How far in advance do I need to reserve the bikes?

  • A: If you're visiting the area in July or August, we recommend making reservations a couple days in advance to ensure you get a bike!

  • Q: What if I just decide one morning to ride? Can I walk in and get a bike?

  • A: Of course! Everything is based on availability so in our busy season, we recommend reservations.

  • Q: Do your bikes have a place to put water bottles?

  • A: Yes! All our bikes have holders to fit most bottles (Nalgene-sized bottles are too large).

  • Q: If I wanted to ride from your shop to the closest carriage road, how far would that be?

  • A: We're less than 2 miles from the closest carriage road at Duck Brook Bridge, so a reasonable ride.

  • Q: Could I ride on the Park Loop Road with your bikes?

  • A: For your safety, we recommend sticking with the carriage roads. There are 45 miles of them on the island, so you'll have plenty to see!

  • Q: Would I be able to get a half-day rate if I reserve my bike?

  • A: We do not offer half-day rates on advance reservations. Reserved bikes are guaranteed for the full day, so you can pick them up at any time. If you choose to walk in without a reservation, we'll charge you initially for the full day and reimburse for the half-day if you have the bikes back within four hours.

  • Q: At what point do you recommend a trailer vs child seat for young kids?

  • A: It depends on the size and age of the child. Our child seats hold up to 25 pounds; the trailers will hold up to 60 pounds and can accommodate more than one small child. To use either, the child must be able to hold her/his head up with a helmet.

    E-Bike FAQ…

    Q: HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO RIDE AN EBIKE?

    A: WE REQUIRE THE RIDERS TO BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND TO SHOW IDENTIFICATION. IF ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT FOR THE DURATION OF THE RIDE, AGES 16 & 17 ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO RIDE (PROOF OF AGE DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED).

    Q: CAN YOU PUT CHILD SEAT, CHILD TRAILER OR TAG-A-LONG ATTACHMENTS ON THE BACK OF EBIKES?

    A: FOR SAFETY REASONS, OUR CHILD-BASED ATTACHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CONVENTIONAL BIKES ONLY.

    Q: DO YOU OFFER MULTI-DAY RENTALS?

    A: NO OVERNIGHT RENTALS. MULTI-DAYS ARE POSSIBLE, MUST BE RETURNED BY 5:00 AND PICKED UP AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. (WHY?) BECAUSE OF LIABILITY, LACK OF LIGHTS, AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES (BATTERY CHARGERS, ETC).

    Q: CAN I FIT ON AN EBIKE?

    A: WE CAN ACCOMMODATE RIDERS 5’3” TO 6’3” (160-190CM), AND UNDER 225 LBS. (100 KG). ADDITIONAL SIZES WILL BE ADDED AS AVAILABLE.

    Q: WHAT SIZE DO I NEED?

    A: MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUR EBIKES ARE:

    • SMALL 5’3”- 5’7” (160-170CM)

    • MEDIUM 5’6”- 5’11” (180-190CM)

    • LARGE 5’10”- 6’3” (178-190CM)

    Q: HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY LAST?

    A: THE BATTERY IS ADEQUATE FOR AT LEAST 30 MILES (ABOUT ONE FULL LAP OF THE PARK LOOP ROAD AND BACK) AT THE HIGHEST SETTING. LONGER RIDES SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE BATTERY LIFE AND THE MOTOR SETTING (ECONOMY/TOUR VS. SPORT/TURBO). EACH BIKE’S CONTROLLER DISPLAYS THE BATTERY LIFE TO BEST ADJUST THE ASSIST MODE TO HELP YOU REGULATE IT.

    Q: DO WE NEED A PASS TO GET INTO THE PARK?

    A: YES. A VEHICLE PASS WILL COVER FOUR EBIKES ON THE PARK LOOP ROAD AND THE CARRIAGE ROADS.

    Q: HOW FAST DOES AN EBIKE GO?

    A: WE RENT ONLY CLASS 1 EBIKES, AND THEY OFFER PEDAL ASSISTANCE (NO THROTTLE) UP TO 20 MPH (32 KPH). THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE CARRIAGE ROADS IS 20 MPH.

    Q: WHAT IF THE BATTERY DIES?

    A: EACH BIKE LEAVES THE SHOP WITH A FULL CHARGE, BUT SHOULD THE BATTERY BECOME DEPLETED ON THE RIDE, THE BIKE CAN STILL BE RIDDEN LIKE A TRADITIONAL BICYCLE WITH NO PEDAL-ASSISTANCE.

    Q: DO THEY HAVE LIGHTS?

    A: NO, OUR EBIKES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH FRONT OR REAR LIGHTS.

    Q: HOW DO WE TRANSPORT THE EBIKE?

    A: THE EBIKES MUST BE RIDDEN DIRECTLY FROM OUR SHOP LOCATION AT 106 COTTAGE STREET. THEY CANNOT BE TRANSPORTED ON RACKS DUE TO THEIR WEIGHT, OR IN THE BEDS OF TRUCKS OR TRUNKS BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.

    Q: DO THEY HAVE A WATER BOTTLE CAGE?

    A: YES, EACH EBIKE HAS ONE WATER BOTTLE CAGE TO ACCOMMODATE A COMMON-SIZE WATER BOTTLE. THEY CANNOT FIT THE WIDE NALGENE STYLE WATER BOTTLES.

    Q: DO THE BIKES HAVE RACKS?

    A: THE EBIKES DO NOT HAVE RACKS ON THE BACK, AND THE RACKS AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THEM.

    Q: ARE HELMETS REQUIRED?

    A: WE REQUIRE OUR EBIKE RIDERS TO WEAR A HELMET.

    Q: DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO RIDE A BIKE ALREADY?

    A: YES! IN ORDER TO SAFELY OPERATE AN EBIKE, THE RIDER SHOULD BE VERY COMFORTABLE BALANCING, STOPPING, AND SHIFTING GEARS APPROPRIATELY. CHARGES WILL BE ASSESSED FOR ANY DAMAGE TO THE BIKE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY WE DON’T WANT YOU HAVING A BAD TIME.

    Q: WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

    A: YOU MAY CANCEL WITHOUT CHARGE UP TO 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE RENTAL. ANY CANCELLATIONS MADE AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND.

    Q: MAY I LEAVE MY CAR AT YOUR SHOP?

    A: UNFORTUNATELY, WE DON’T HAVE PARKING FACILITIES AT OUR LOCATION. PLEASE REFER TO THE PARKING SECTION AT THE TOP OF OUR WEBSITE.