Q. Can I rent an electric bicycle on the Shimanami Kaido?

2025/7/19

Q. Can I rent an electric-assist bicycle?

A. Yes. Electric-assist bicycles are increasingly available at rental services along the Shimanami Kaido. Public rental services offer electric bikes with certain limitations, such as where you can rent and how long you can keep them. Some private rental shops also offer electric bikes.

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Electric Bikes Becoming More Common

Because many beginners as well as experienced cyclists ride the Shimanami Kaido, electric-assist bicycles (E-bikes) are becoming more widely available. In addition to public rental bikes, you can also rent from private local bike shops. Both public and private rental services increasingly offer electric-assist bikes as an option. Using an electric bike makes hills much easier.

Public Rental Electric Bikes

With public rental services, electric-assist bikes can only be rented at specific terminals, and due to charging limits, they usually can’t be rented for multi-day trips. Depending on your route and schedule, this might not be a problem. These rental rules can change frequently, so it’s important to check the latest information and confirm whether electric bikes are available for your planned ride.

Private Rental Electric Bikes

Some private rental shops offer electric-assist bikes with chargers included, so you can rent them for multiple days. However, private rentals usually don’t allow one-way returns—you generally need to return the bike to the shop where you rented it. For a one-way cycling trip, you’ll need to plan a round trip or use services like WAKKA’s bike return service, which allows one-way rides with bike pickup.

Risks Unique to Electric Bikes

When using electric-assist bikes for long-distance cycling, be aware of some unique risks. Battery life is limited, so depending on the distance, the battery may run out during your ride. It’s difficult to check the battery’s condition when renting. Even a fully charged battery can sometimes drain faster than expected. Also, because of the motor system, handling issues like flat tires can be more complicated compared to regular bikes.

[Reference] Renting Electric-Assist Bicycles

Along the Shimanami Kaido, both public and private rental services offer electric-assist bicycles and E-bikes for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. Electric bikes make hills much easier, and advances in battery technology support longer distances. This page introduces where you can rent them, prices, and one-way return options. If you’re new to cycling or not confident in your physical fitness, electric bikes can be a helpful option.

This page explains the beginner-friendly question: “Can I rent an electric-assist bicycle?” with a simple answer and more details. For other helpful Q&A, check the FAQ page below. We hope it helps with planning your Shimanami Kaido cycling trip!