Hours of Operation: 9am-6pm Daily through October 9, 2023.

There is no after-hour drop-off. Bikes need to be returned during hours of operation. 

We recommend that you make a reservation for your bike rentals. 

For questions please email [email protected] or call us at 802-652-2453.

Rental proceeds support Local Motion's non-profit advocacy mission.

How long can I rent a bike?

While our pricing is not by the hour, we ask that you reserve your bike for the hours you want.  Since other customers may have reserved the same bike after you, it is important that you return the bike at the time you chose in your reservation. Thank you for your understanding. Please note that E-bikes rented overnight MUST be kept in a secure, indoor location. 

What is the cancellation policy? 

Cancellations made within 24 hours of your reservation pick-up time will result in a charge of 100% of the rental. Cancellations made more than 24 hours ahead of pick-up time will be fully refunded.

What kind of bikes do you offer?

You can choose between our hybrid Jamis Coda Sport or the Cannondale Treadwell for a more relaxed ride. If you have kids, we’ve got you covered there too! 

We do not offer mountain bikes or road bikes.

What bike should I rent? 

General

All of our bikes are capable of handling the Burlington Bike Path/Island Line Trail. As you approach the Colchester Causeway, the trail surface becomes variable dirt and light, packed gravel, for which all of our bikes are suited. Your choice of bikes includes the sporty hybrid Jamis Coda and the Cannondale Treadwell for a relaxed ride, as well as our fleet of e-bikes. 

Hybrids are for people who are more accustomed to leaning forward while riding and are experienced with a wider selection of gears.

The Treadwell is a more popular style bike that will sit you upright and has a very simple gear selection.

Do you offer Trailers or Tag-alongs?

What size would fit me?

The sizing chart is for guidance and is not guaranteed to be accurate for all persons. All bikes have adjustable seat posts. People on the higher or lower end of a height range might fit multiple-sized bikes. Annotated below are possible height to size ranges.

• 4’11” – 5’3”       =    XS - S
• 5’3” – 5’7”         =     S - M
• 5’7” – 5’11”       =     M - L
• 5’11″ – 6’4”       =     L - XL
• 6’4″ and taller    =         XL

How do I get to the Trailside Center?

We are located at 1 Steele Street in Burlington, Vermont.

It says my chosen bikes are out of stock. What should I do?

We often run out of certain sizes or styles on the busiest days. Try adjusting your reservation date or time, or the size or style of your bikes. 

I am bringing a group. What should I know?

We recommend that groups make reservations in advance to ensure bikes will be available. Email [email protected] with any questions. 

School Organizations, Camps, and Corporate Groups

Any group with children under 16 needs an appropriate number of adults to accompany the group.

Children under 12: Adult (over 18) to child ratio of 1:4

Children 12-16: Adult (over 18) to child ratio of 1:6

Schools & camps need to have a lead time of 2-3 weeks to make a reservation. Schools, camps, and corporate groups are responsible for making their own reservations. Please email us at [email protected] in advance for non-profit discounts.

Where should I go?

When you rent a bike with us you can go wherever you like. We recommend riding north or south on the Burlington Bike Path. Eight miles north you will reach the Colchester Causeway, a trail across Malletts Bay to the Champlain Islands. A ride that you’ll never forget.

Do you have a map of the trail?

We do, here is a link to our interactive map. This map will show you where to find restrooms, beaches, parks, food and drink, retail stores, lodging, etc.

How far to the Causeway?

From the Trailside Center, it is about 8 miles to the start of the Causeway and another 2 to the cut (a gap in the causeway) where our bike ferry operates. So, from the Trailside Center to the bike ferry, it is a 10 mile ride. Assuming you sustain the moderate pace of 10 mph you can get there in about an hour, and 2 hours total for a return trip. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAUSEWAY CAN BE VERY WINDY. On a trip to or from the bike ferry along the Causeway, you may experience significant headwinds. 

Are there other places I can ride?

You can also do the Cycle the City Route. A ten-mile loop through Burlington (live traffic area). You can find other ride ideas here.

How do I get to the Bike Ferry?

The Bike Ferry operates at “the Cut” where boat traffic passes between two sides of the Causeway. Our Bike Ferry takes riders from one side of the Causeway to the other. The ferry trip is about 15 minutes in total. The Bike Ferry does NOT bring riders back to Burlington!

How hilly is the Island Line Trail?

The Burlington Bike Path/Island Line Trail is mainly flat. There are some minor hills along the way. Wind on the Causeway may make the ride a little more challenging.

Can I put the bike in my car or car rack?

Any of our conventional (regular) bikes can be transported by car or car rack; however, e-bikes can only be picked up and pedaled away from the Trailside Center. We do not have bike racks for rent.

What is an E-Bike? Can I rent one?

An e-bike is a bike with an electric motor, powered by a battery. All of our e-bikes are pedal assist. Pedal-assist means you must pedal in order to actuate the motor. If you stop pedaling, the motor assist will turn off.

E-bikes may be rented by anyone 18 years old or older. 16-17 years olds may rent one with their parent or guardian present. All e-bike renters must show an ID when picking up their bikes.

Trailers and tag-alongs can not be attached to e-bikes. E-bikes rented for multiple days must be stored in an indoor, locked location overnight. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

How long does an E-Bike’s battery last?

On the lowest setting (least amount of assistance) our e-bikes have an approximate range of 40 miles. On the highest setting our e-bikes have an approximate range of 15 miles. Battery mileage varies depending on usage. Hillier terrain drains the battery more than flat surfaces. 

If you rent an e-bike for more than one day, we will lend you a charger. If your e-bike rental is for one full day, or part of the day, we can not swap out your battery. You will only have one full charge of your battery for that day. Unless you set the bike to a high pedal assist setting, you should have plenty of charge.

Can I do a bike event with an E-Bike?

You can use the e-bike you rent from us for an event, but you may not load the e-bike onto a vehicle or a rack. Keep in mind the farther you ride away from our Trailside Center, the farther you are from the e-bike’s recharging station.

Do you have adaptive bikes?

Yes! We have an adult tricycle and a DUET wheelchair tandem bike. Please email [email protected] to make a reservation for either of our adaptive bikes.

Do you have helmets available? Are helmets required?
We have helmets available in a variety of sizes (kids and adults) that you may borrow at no cost with your bike rental. Helmets are recommended, but not required.

Do you have locks to borrow?
Yes, we have locks - just ask!

Do you sell drinks at the Trailside Center?
We sell Local Motion water bottles filled with cold water for $5 each. Please ask to add them to your order when you check in.

Where do I park?

For all parking info/needs, visit https://parkburlington.com.

The FAQ did not fully troubleshoot my questions. 

Please email us at [email protected]