Electric Bike Guide to MV

We hope that this guide helps you decide if you should buy, bring, rent, or skip an e-bike on Martha’s Vineyard. We’ll cover ferry logistics, rental options by town, the best scenic routes, safety tips, where to charge and park your bike, and when an e-bike might not be the best choice. 

TL;DR: E-bikes are great for a car-free day trip if you know where you’re going and feel confident riding one. They may not be great if you’re trying to venture up-Island, are coming in the off-season, or if you’re an inexperienced biker. 

Should You Bring or Rent?

Here’s a quick comparison if you’re deciding between bringing your own e-bike or renting one: 

Bringing Your E-Bike to the Island

If you’re bringing your own e-bike, it’s easy to do on most ferries. The bike fee is on top of your regular passenger fare. 

• Steamship Authority (Woods Hole) charges $5 each way for bikes. You walk your e-bike on with other foot passengers and stow it below deck. Note: You cannot bring your ebike on the shuttle from the SSA parking lots — you must first drop off your bike and gear at the ferry terminal, then drive to park.)
• Island Queen (Falmouth to Oak Bluffs) charges $4 one-way for bikes. 
• Hy-Line (Hyannis to Oak Bluffs) also allows bikes for ~$8. 

Fees Once You’re On-Island 

• VTA: The VTA buses have front bike racks (2–3 bike capacity, no extra fee). They’re first come, first served. Don’t rely on this during peak summer. Routes here: bit.ly/vta-routes
• On-Island Bike Ferries: 
  • The Chappy Ferry costs about $6 roundtrip with a bike and runs daily.
  • The Menemsha Bike Ferry (Menemsha to Aquinnah) runs weekends in shoulder season and daily in summer. ~$5 each way. 

Where to Rent E-Bikes on MV

Bike Rental Shops are walkable from ferry ports and many offer online booking. Here’s what’s open when:

Oak Bluffs

• All Star Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rentals – $75–$90/day, 2 locations (Main St. in OB + Union St. in VH), seasonal
• Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rental – $70/day, OB + Edgartown, some online booking, seasonal
• Pedego Electric Bikes – $80–$100/day for premium e-bikes, guided tours available, year-round

Vineyard Haven

• Martha’s Bike – $70/day, easy online booking, year-round
• Brickyard Bicycles – high-end e-bikes, mostly sales + repair

All Star Martha’s Vineyard Bike Rentals – $75–$90/day, 2 locations (Main St. in OB + Union St. in VH), seasonal

Edgartown

• Wheel Happy Bikes – $75/day, family-run, seasonal
• Martha’s Vineyard Bike – $70/day, online booking and delivery available, seasonal
• Edgartown Bicycles – $65–$85/day, hybrids and Trek/Specialized models, Reserve in advance if possible, seasonal.

Best Day Trip Routes 

E-bikes let you explore more of the Island without exhausting yourself. Here’s our top itinerary pick for day-trippers:

Down-Island Loop (~20 miles):

• If you’re starting in Vineyard Haven route to Oak Bluffs via East Chop: coastal views and lighthouse
  • Then: Oak Bluffs to Edgartown: paved path along State Beach
  • Last: Edgartown back to Vineyard Haven via State Forest: wide and shaded

• If you’re starting in Oak Bluffs route to Vineyard Haven via East Chop: coastal views and lighthouse
  • Then: route from Vineyard Haven to Edgartown: via State Forest: wide and shaded
  • Last: Edgartown back to Oak Bluffs via paved path along State Beach

Be sure you’re routing via roads with bike paths. It is VERY dangerous to go on Barnes Road or other direct options that do not have bike paths. Observe signage!

Want to add more? Try:

• While in Edgartown:
  • Katama/South Beach: 5–6 extra miles roundtrip
  • Chappy ferry and a 3-mile ride to Dyke Bridge

For experienced riders: Up-Island to Aquinnah is 30–40+ miles with major hills and shared roads. Plan carefully and start early.

Where to Lock Up Your Bike

You’ll find bike racks or informal spots in each town.

• Vineyard Haven: Steamship Terminal bike rack, Owen Park, Church Street lot
• Oak Bluffs: Near Flying Horses Carousel, Ocean Park corner, Inkwell fence
• Edgartown: Church Street lot (by buses and restrooms), Memorial Wharf, Chappy Ferry landing, South Beach entry points

Charging on the Island

Most e-bikes can handle a day trip without recharging (30–50 mile range). Unfortunately, if you need a top-off, options are limited. Consider asking to use outlets at libraries, the MV Museum, or ferry terminals but these aren’t guaranteed and. Some shops may offer a quick charge or swap if you rented from them.

Safety Tips

• Ride slowly on narrow shared paths. Use your bell.
• Don’t ride on sidewalks in business districts.
• Use lights if riding after dusk.
• Watch for potholes, sand, and busy intersections like Five Corners or the OB drawbridge.

Massachusetts E-Bike Laws

• Only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (as defined under MGL c.90 §1) are allowed on paved bike paths. These models have pedals and motors that stop assisting at 20 mph.
• Motorized bikes and e-dirt bikes (with no pedals or faster speeds) are not allowed in most public areas unless registered as off-road vehicles or motorcycles.
• No license or registration is needed for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes.
• Helmets are required for anyone under 16 (and by all rental shops).
• Don’t ride on sidewalks in town centers.

What To Watch Out For

E-bikes are fun and efficient, but not without a few caveats:

• Many shops run out of e-bikes by late morning in peak summer.
• Shared bike paths can get congested, especially around State Beach.
• Up-Island riding involves steep hills and no bike lanes.
• Most VTA buses can only carry 2–3 bikes at a time, and the racks fill up quickly.

This guide was originally published on mvacay.com.