With its sunny weather, scenic ocean views, and laid-back vibes, Santa Barbara is the perfect city to explore by electric bike. Whether you're a tourist or a local, riding an eBike in Santa Barbara opens up the coast, hills, and neighborhoods like nothing else.
Here’s your complete 2025 guide to riding, renting, and cruising around SB on an eBike.
Why Ride an eBike in Santa Barbara?
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🚲 Bike-friendly city with tons of bike lanes and coastal trails
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🌴 Mild weather year-round — no need to worry about snow or extreme heat
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🏖 Unmatched views of beaches, mountains, and historic architecture
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🚙 Avoid traffic and parking costs by zipping around on two wheels
Top eBike Trails in Santa Barbara
1. Cabrillo Bike Path (Beachfront Route)
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4.5 miles of flat, coastal riding
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Views of East Beach, Stearns Wharf, and the Pacific
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Ideal for families, beginners, and beach cruisers
2. Mission Canyon & Santa Barbara Mission
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Slight uphill ride to historic landmarks
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Class 1 and 3 eBikes help with the incline
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Great for sightseeing with panoramic views
3. State Street to La Cumbre
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Urban route through downtown shops, coffee spots, and suburban neighborhoods
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Perfect for commuter-style eBikes
4. Foothill to Inspiration Point
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Trail mix of road and off-road terrain
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Use a fat tire or full-suspension eBike
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Unforgettable views of SB and the Pacific
Best Places to Rent an eBike in Santa Barbara
Shop Name | Location | eBike Types | Website |
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Wheel Fun Rentals | Cabrillo Blvd | Cruiser, tandem, kids’ eBikes | wheelfunrentals.com |
Cal Coast Adventures | Downtown & beach | City, fat tire, performance | calcoastadventures.com |
Pedego Santa Barbara | Lower State Street | Pedego brand eBikes | pedegoelectricbikes.com |
💡 Most shops offer hourly and daily rentals starting at ~$30–$50.
Best eBikes for Santa Barbara Terrain
Riding Style | Recommended eBike |
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Beachfront cruising | FREESKY Swift or Aventon Pace |
Downtown commuting | Ride1Up 700 Series or Aventon Level.2 |
Hills + canyons | FREESKY Ridge Pro or Cyrusher Kommoda |
Compact living | Folding eBikes like Lectric XP Lite |
👉 Browse versatile eBikes perfect for coastal cities
eBike Laws in Santa Barbara
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Helmets required for riders under 18
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Class 1 and 2 eBikes allowed on all bike paths
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Class 3 (28 mph) eBikes must stay on roads or bike lanes
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No eBikes on unpaved hiking trails (like Rattlesnake Canyon)
Always ride responsibly and yield to pedestrians.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara is built for eBikes — it’s compact, beautiful, and easy to navigate. Whether you’re soaking up beach views or cruising State Street, an eBike makes it better.
If you're visiting, rent one. If you're local, buy one and never worry about parking again.