Yes. BIKETOWN rental e-Bikes can be reserved for the event. Traditional bicycles are also welcome to join the ride, although they will not count towards the official Guinness World Record total.
Portland's Guinness Record Attempt at Largest E-Bike Ride!
Written by: Kazim Ladimeji | June 27, 2026 | Time to read 6 min
Portland is aiming to make cycling history. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of BIKETOWN, the Portland Bureau of Transportation is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest electric bike group ride, bringing together hundreds of riders from across the city for a unique community event.
More about the Author: Kazim Ladimeji
Kazim is a UK-based cyclist and writer who discovered his passion for riding during lockdown six years ago and hasn’t looked back since. He now rides around 100 miles a week, exploring road and light gravel routes from his base in the Cotswolds, a cycling paradise. When he’s not riding or writing about e-Bike trails in the US, he’s exploring cafés, cooking, and keeping busy as a soccer dad
Electric bikes have transformed urban mobility in Portland over the past decade. BIKETOWN began as a small bike-share program 10 years ago. Today, it has evolved into one of the most successful e-Bike schemes in the US, with e-Bikes accounting for 25% of trips across the city.
To mark the 10th anniversary of BIKETOWN, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest organized e-Bike ride. The current record has stood since 2018, and Portland is aiming to break that record on July 19th this year.
In this article, I explain the current Guinness World Record, why Portland is attempting to break it, how to participate, and what riders can expect on the day.
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Table of Contents
What is the current Guinness World Record for the largest electric bicycle group ride?
Set back in September 2018, the largest parade of electric bikes had 405 riders, achieved by the Cascade Bicycle Club at Magnuson Park in Seattle, Washington, USA. They did this to celebrate the club's successful efforts to improve local electric bicycle legislation and increase awareness of e-Bike riding.
Why is the Portland Bureau of Transportation looking to break this longstanding world record?
Portland BOT wants to celebrate and promote the 10th birthday of BIKETOWN, the city's highly successful bikeshare program, by bringing the community together to make this Guinness World Records attempt.
Launched in 2016, BIKETOWN became an all-electric fleet in 2020 during a period of explosive growth in e-Bike usage. By 2025, Portland BOT reported that electric bikes accounted for approximately 25% of all bicycle trips in the city.
Today, it’s common to see electric city bikes used for commuting and errands, while electric cargo bikes have become a practical alternative for school runs and shopping trips.
When and where will Portland BOT make their Guinness World Record attempt for the largest electric bike group ride?
Portland BOT's Guinness World Record attempt at the largest electric bike group ride will take place on Sunday, 19th July at 8:30 am, exactly 10 years after the launch of the original BIKETOWN service.
The starting point for riders wishing to participate is Salmon Spring Fountain in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The circular route is approximately two miles long. After leaving Salmon Spring, riders will travel across the Tilikum Crossing, along the Eastbank Esplanade by the Willamette River, and over the Hawthorne Bridge before returning to Naito Parkway and SW Salmon.
This is not a race and is not intended to be a fast-paced social cycling event. Given the size of the group, riders should expect a slow pace and occasional stops along the route.
Following the ride, there will be a celebration event featuring vendors, refreshments, and, hopefully, confirmation from the Guinness World Records judge that Portland has set a new world record.
How can I participate in the Portland Guinness World Record attempt for an e-Bike group ride?
While you can simply turn up on the day, Portland BOT strongly recommends pre-registering to ensure you are counted as part of the official Guinness World Record attempt. To register, you will need details of your electric bike, including the make and model.
All types of electric bikes are welcome, including:
Traditional non-electric bicycles may participate in the ride but will not count towards the official Guinness World Record total. If you do not own an electric bike, you can reserve one through BIKETOWN and use it during the event.
Alternatively, some riders may qualify for substantial assistance through Portland's e-Bike Rebate Program. Eligible low-income households can receive rebates of up to $1,600, significantly reducing the cost of purchasing an electric bike. Participants must be at least 16 years old to take part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still participate in the Guinness World Record attempt if I don't own an electric bike?
Do I need to register before attending?
No, you can turn up on the day. However, Portland BOT strongly recommends pre-registration to ensure your participation is included in the official Guinness World Record count.
How many riders does Portland need to break the current record?
The existing Guinness World Record stands at 405 riders, set by the Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle in 2018. Portland will need at least 406 qualifying e-Bike riders to establish a new record.
Key Takeaways
- Portland is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest electric bike group ride.
- The ride takes place on Sunday, 19th July, starting at Salmon Spring Fountain.
- Participants must be at least 16 years old.
