Things To Do on an eBike in Madison County, IL
Madison County e-bike riding centers on the Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails. MCT Trails states that the 12 MCT Trails span more than 138 miles. Trail rules permit bicycling, including pedal-assist electric bicycles, from sunrise to sunset.
Where to ride in Madison County
Build days on named MCT asphalt and limestone corridors rather than inventing connectors outside the published trail pages.
1. MCT Nickel Plate Trail
The MCT Nickel Plate Trail page lists length as 28.5 miles with an asphalt/limestone surface from S. Main Street in New Douglas to Old Edwardsville Road in Pontoon Beach.
2. MCT Confluence Trail
The MCT Confluence Trail page lists length as 20.5 miles along the Mississippi River from Russell Commons Park in Alton toward the McKinley Bridge area, with an asphalt/oil&chip/rock surface.
3. MCT Goshen Trail
The MCT Goshen Trail page lists length as 19.5 miles of asphalt and describes the trail as connecting five trails and two counties through central Madison County and northern St. Clair County.
eBike rules in Madison County
MCT Trails rules permit bicycling, including pedal-assist electric bicycles. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. MCT's e-bike statement supports responsible use of pedal-assist, low-speed e-bikes on MCT Trails and notes partnership with municipalities on enforcement under Illinois e-bike legislation. Follow the 15 mph limit MCT posts for electric scooters, segways, hover boards and one-wheel devices; confirm current e-bike class postings at trailheads.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride an out-and-back on Nickel Plate from Edwardsville or Glen Carbon parking listed on the MCT page.
Full day: Cover more of the published 28.5-mile Nickel Plate corridor, or pair Confluence river miles with a Goshen connector only where MCT maps show a junction.
What not to ride in Madison County
Unauthorized motor vehicles or gasoline-powered bikes on MCT Trails. MCT rules ban them.
After-dark riding. MCT Trails are open sunrise to sunset.
Treating St. Clair-only Goshen miles as Madison County-only mileage. Goshen spans two counties; plan the Madison County portion from the MCT map.
When to ride Madison County
Summer heat on open rail-trail segments changes comfort. Wet limestone changes traction on Nickel Plate.
eBike shop hubs
Use the directory cards below for local contacts. Call about pedal-assist inventory before you drive.
Other local service contacts
Covered Bridge Bike Rental🚲 Rentals
The Bike Factory🚲 Rentals
Frequently asked questions
How many miles are in the MCT Trails system?
MCT states the 12 MCT Trails span more than 138 miles.
How long is the MCT Nickel Plate Trail?
MCT lists 28.5 miles.
How long is the MCT Confluence Trail?
MCT lists 20.5 miles.
How long is the MCT Goshen Trail?
MCT lists 19.5 miles.
Are pedal-assist e-bikes allowed on MCT Trails?
MCT trail rules permit bicycling, including pedal-assist electric bicycles.
When are MCT Trails open?
Sunrise to sunset.
All eBike shops in Madison County
See the Madison County eBike shops and repair contacts page if a hub directory is published.