In nearly all states, riders do not need a license to operate an electric bike. However, riders of Class 3 e-Bikes in New Jersey need a license, and e-Bike users in Hawaii will need to pay a $30 registration fee.
Sunset Rides: The Most Scenic E-Bike Routes in the US
Written by: Rémy Rossi | June 24, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
From wine country breezes to red rock horizons, these e-Bike routes redefine the joy of the journey.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
On some of my most scenic bike rides, I’ve caught myself laughing out loud, barely believing the beauty and rapture of it all. Like when you see something so picturesque— with the addition of that bicycle breeze— you simply have to smile. There are actually a lot of these spectacular routes across the country, but several stand out— here are my picks for the most scenic routes in the US for electric bikes.
Most Scenic E-Bike Routes in the US
I'm convinced that cycling is the best way to explore nature, slow enough to take in the beauty and fast enough to explore tons of places in one day. I've put together a diverse list of scenic destinations that could be the next perfect trip to take on your electric bike.
Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
One of the coolest rides you can do on an electric bike is riding from the Golden Gate Bridge to sunny Sausalito. I love this ride for the varied scenery and multi-modal experience, including urban streets, coastal paths, the Golden Gate crossing, and a final ferry ride. From Fisherman’s Wharf to the Ferry pier in Sausalito, the ride is around 8 miles long and should take about 2 hours.
Ride along the San Francisco wharfs, taking in the bay views while riding on great bike infrastructure with plenty of other cyclists. Crossing the famed Golden Gate Bridge is always fun, and then you’ll cross into the calmer Sausalito area and boardwalk. E-Bikes are allowed on the bridge, as long as you stay under the 15 mph limit for normal bikes. End your ride in Sausalito and take the ferry back across the bay to the San Francisco side— they add extra ferries in the summer since plenty of other cyclists will be doing the same thing!
Great Allegheny Passage
Over on the East Coast, the well-known Great Allegheny Passage stretches over 150 miles between Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh through the Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands. It’s pretty classic and very beautiful East Coast riding, meaning forested trails, historic towns, and railroad remnants all along the route. You can do parts of this ride as a day ride or turn it into a multi-day adventure, staying at bike-friendly lodging.
If you’re down for an even bigger expedition, you can join up with the C&O Canal Towpath that travels down to Washington DC, extending the total length to around 333 miles. This old railroad follows waterways, and the dense tree coverage provides decent shade for comfortable summer cruising. The fact that it was mostly a railway route means the ride is almost pan-flat, so you don’t have to fear any hills. There are bicycle tour companies to support your ride, but you can also take your hybrid electric bike or gravel e-Bike that suits the crushed limestone surface, which is slightly rougher than pavement.
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White Rim Trail
Otherworldly scenery can make us feel as if we were riding on Mars, and the White Rim Trail in the Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah does just that. It’s a popular 100-mile mountain biking route with breathtaking views, demanding terrain, and guaranteed adventure. You can choose to take on a self-supported e-Bike bikepacking trip or a multi-day supported expedition.
The primary riding surface is unpaved roads and slickrock, a type of smooth and exposed sandstone. You’ll definitely want an electric mountain bike, and while the terrain is moderate, the length and remoteness of the trail up the difficulty level. This canyon-filled and rock-formation ride is high on my bucket list, so maybe I’ll see you out there! For an even crazier adventure, try Hell’s Revenge around the same area with devilish descents and wild gradients— e-Bikes are allowed.
The primary riding surface is unpaved roads and slickrock, a type of smooth and exposed sandstone. You’ll definitely want an electric mountain bike, and while the terrain is moderate, the length and remoteness of the trail up the difficulty level. This canyon-filled and rock-formation ride is high on my bucket list, so maybe I’ll see you out there! For an even crazier adventure, try Hell’s Revenge around the same area with devilish descents and wild gradients— e-Bikes are allowed.
Katy Trail
The South’s ultimate rail-trail, the Katy Trail stretches 239 miles across the state of Missouri from St Charles to Clinton. The popular bicycle and e-Bike route is built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad— that MKT acronym is how the “Katy” name came to be. Its history as a railway explains the relatively flat terrain, and it winds through farm fields, towns along the river, and wine country.
Similar to the C&O and GAP (Great Allegheny Passage), the riding surface is crushed limestone, so you’ll want an e-Bike with moderately wide tires. People really love this trail, and it can be a weekend adventure or a weeklong trip, staying at cute, small-town places along the way. Looking for a first bike tour experience? This accessible option is a sure bet.
Napa Valley Vine Trail
Weekend getaways to wine country by e-Bike are always a fun plan, and Napa is home to some of the best vineyards and enjoyable bike routes. The Napa Valley Vine Trail is slated to be a 47-mile paved trail connecting Vallejo to Calistoga, though the expansion is still in progress— the longest continuous stretch is 12.5 miles at the moment, and many sections are currently open.
Just a short trip from the Bay Area, the Vine Trail offers scenic bike routes, from relaxed paths in Yountville to hillier terrain near St. Helena. The paved surface and great infrastructure are designed to be scenic and accessible for the whole family. With hundreds of wineries along routes like the Silverado Trail, it’s easy to visit several in one ride. Expect stunning views, world-class Cabs, curated tastings, and upscale experiences— ideal for wine lovers and luxury seekers alike.
Extend your road e-Bike trip across the entire US with these great scenic routes for every level!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license for an electric bike?
Is there an age limit for e-Bikes?
Some states specify a minimum age for riding an e-Bike. States like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Oregon require that riders be 16 or older, for example. Other states permit e-Bike use at 14 or 15 years old, while others don’t have an age limit.
Where does Upway get its electric bikes?
Upway sources its high-quality electric bikes from manufacturers, local bike shops, and individuals selling used e-Bikes. We receive overstock directly from bike brands and shops, and we also buy pre-owned e-Bikes from cyclists like you. These sourcing strategies are a win-win for Upway and our partners, helping you get the absolute best deal on electric bikes from the top brands.
Key Takeaways
- Ride-Ready Diversity: Whether you crave coastal charm, forested paths, or desert drama, these scenic e-bike routes span all terrains and skill levels.
- Adventure Meets Comfort: Electric bikes make long or hilly rides more accessible—perfect for multi-day treks or laid-back explorations.
- Local Flavor & Culture: Each route offers more than views—enjoy small-town charm, vineyard tastings, or historic stops along the way.
