Things To Do on an eBike in Hampshire County, MA
The Manhan Rail Trail has a total length of 6 miles within the City of Easthampton. The Norwottuck Rail Trail connects Northampton, Hadley and Amherst. The City of Northampton describes the Northampton Bikeway as a segment of the Mass Central Rail Trail. Confirm eBike rules with each trail manager before you ride.
Where to ride in Hampshire County
Read the rule for each trail before you load the bike.
Read the sources yourself: the Manhan Rail Trail site, the Amherst Trails page, the Amherst Trail Regulations page, the DCR eBike regulation and the Northampton Bikeway page. Check them again before each ride.
As of Oct. 27, 2026, the Manhan Rail Trail remains closed from behind 3 Ferry Street to Gosselin Drive per DCR Office of Dam Safety orders. The section of the Manhan Rail Trail from Fort Hill Road to Route 5 is now open as Eversource tree trimming work there is complete. Check the trail's notice page the morning you go.
Where a detail is not listed below, confirm it with the trail manager.
Shop hubs
We list shops in 10 cities in Hampshire County. Amherst has 6 listings, the most of any city in this list. Pick a city to see contact details and claim links for its shops.
- eBike shops in Florence (2)
- eBike shops in Haydenville (1)
- eBike shops in Northampton (3)
- eBike shops in Amherst (6)
- eBike shops in Leeds (1)
- eBike shops in Goshen (1)
- eBike shops in Belchertown (1)
- eBike shops in Easthampton (2)
- eBike shops in Hadley (1)
- eBike shops in Ware (1)
Named eBike routes in Hampshire County
1. Manhan Rail Trail, Easthampton (6 miles)
Distance: The Manhan Rail Trail has a total length of 6 miles within the City of Easthampton.
Ends: To the south, the Manhan Rail Trail currently ends at Coleman Road, Southampton. To the north, the Manhan Rail Trail connects with the Northampton trail system at the Easthampton City line near Lovefield Street. The northeast spur of the Manhan Rail Trail ends at Route 5 near the Oxbow.
Surface: The entire length of the Manhan Rail Trail is paved.
Recognition: In 2020, the Manhan Rail Trail was designated a National Recreation Trail.
E-bike rule: The Manhan Rail Trail is a multi-use trail where no unauthorized motorized vehicles, including snow or recreational vehicles, are allowed. Confirm with the trail manager whether your eBike is authorized before you ride.
Closure: As of Oct. 27, 2026, the Manhan Rail Trail remains closed from behind 3 Ferry Street to Gosselin Drive per DCR Office of Dam Safety orders.
Etiquette: Keep to the right, call out before you pass, and slow down at road crossings.
2. Norwottuck Rail Trail (8.5 miles, Town of Amherst figure)
Distance: The Town of Amherst includes a large portion of the 8.5 mile Norwottuck Rail Trail which connects Northampton, Hadley and Amherst. See the Amherst Trails page.
Manager: DCR owns and manages a 10-mile stretch of the Norwottuck Rail Trail that connects Northampton, Hadley, and Amherst, per a DCR press release.
E-bike rule: On DCR property, 302 CMR 12.12 permits Class 1 electric bicycles on improved DCR trails of eight feet in width or greater. It permits Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles only where vehicular traffic is permitted and bicycles are not otherwise prohibited, and in bicycle lanes on DCR roadways. Follow the posted signs, and call DCR before you bring a Class 2 or Class 3 bike.
Surface and trailheads: The DCR Norwottuck page lists a paved bike path, restrooms and a picnic area, with free parking at Elwell Recreation Area in Northampton, Railroad Street in Hadley and Station Road in South Amherst. Hours are sunrise to sunset.
Etiquette: Ride single file near walkers, pass with a bell or a call, and keep your assist level low on crowded stretches.
Read our Massachusetts eBike laws guide for more background.
3. Northampton Bikeway, Florence and Leeds
Description: The City of Northampton describes the Northampton Bikeway as a segment of the Mass Central Rail Trail that connects the King Street commercial corridor with downtown Northampton and the Leeds and Florence Center neighborhoods. See the Northampton Bikeway page.
Resurfacing: The City of Northampton describes a resurfacing project on an approximately 2.5 mile section of the Northampton Bikeway between Bridge Road and State Street. Check for work zones before you ride.
E-bike rule: Confirm eBike rules with the trail manager before you ride.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Check the Manhan notice page before you leave. Ride an open section of the Manhan Rail Trail and plan a turnaround before any closed section. Pack water, a lock and a bell. Confirm that your eBike is authorized before you start.
Full day: Stop at a local shop first to check your tires and battery. Pick one trail and ride it in the morning, with a turnaround you can reach with charge to spare. Take a long lunch break and recheck your battery before the ride back. Confirm the eBike rules with each trail manager the day before.
What not to ride
Amherst conservation trails: The Amherst Conservation Department's Trail Regulations page says motorized vehicles are prohibited from all trails in Amherst. The page does not say how it treats eBikes, so ask the Conservation Department before you ride a town conservation trail.
Motorized bikes on the Manhan: Ask the trail manager before you bring a motorized bike.
The closed Manhan section: As of Oct. 27, 2026, the Manhan Rail Trail remains closed from behind 3 Ferry Street to Gosselin Drive per DCR Office of Dam Safety orders. Plan a street detour around any closed section.
Sidewalks and trails on DCR property: 302 CMR 12.12 covers DCR properties. On DCR property, the use of electric bicycles is prohibited on sidewalks and on improved or natural surface trails, except as specified for Class 1. Walk your bike when you are unsure.
When to ride Hampshire County
Pick a dry day with plenty of daylight. Bring lights if you might ride near dusk. Check the trail manager's page for closures before you go.
Early mornings and weekdays are good choices if you want more space on shared paths. Use low assist and a bell near walkers. Confirm winter trail status with each manager directly.
Massachusetts eBike rules snapshot
These rules apply on DCR properties. Under 302 CMR 12.12, Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted on improved DCR trails of eight feet in width or greater. Under 302 CMR 12.12, Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles are permitted where vehicular traffic is permitted and bicycles are not otherwise prohibited, and in bicycle lanes on DCR roadways.
M.G.L. c. 90, section 1 defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle or tricycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less that meets the requirements of a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle. M.G.L. c. 90, section 1 excludes electric bicycles from the definition of motor vehicles.
Under M.G.L. c. 85, section 11B, any person 16 years of age or younger operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle on a public way, bicycle path or other public right-of-way must wear a helmet. Check the posted signs on every trail.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Manhan Rail Trail?
The Manhan Rail Trail has a total length of 6 miles within the City of Easthampton. The entire length of the Manhan Rail Trail is paved.
Is any part of the Manhan Rail Trail closed right now?
As of Oct. 27, 2026, the Manhan Rail Trail remains closed from behind 3 Ferry Street to Gosselin Drive per DCR Office of Dam Safety orders. The section of the Manhan Rail Trail from Fort Hill Road to Route 5 is now open as Eversource tree trimming work there is complete.
Can I ride an eBike on the Manhan Rail Trail?
The Manhan Rail Trail is a multi-use trail where no unauthorized motorized vehicles, including snow or recreational vehicles, are allowed. Confirm with the trail manager whether your eBike is authorized before you ride.
What eBike rules apply on the Norwottuck Rail Trail?
DCR owns and manages a 10-mile stretch of the Norwottuck Rail Trail. On DCR property, 302 CMR 12.12 permits Class 1 electric bicycles on improved DCR trails of eight feet in width or greater, and limits Class 2 and Class 3 to places where vehicular traffic is permitted and to bicycle lanes on DCR roadways. Follow the posted signs.
How long is the Norwottuck Rail Trail?
The Town of Amherst includes a large portion of the 8.5 mile Norwottuck Rail Trail which connects Northampton, Hadley and Amherst.
Do I need a license to ride an eBike in Massachusetts?
M.G.L. c. 90, section 1 excludes electric bicycles from the definition of motor vehicles. Check the rules for your specific bike before you ride.
Are helmets required on an eBike in Massachusetts?
Under M.G.L. c. 85, section 11B, any person 16 years of age or younger operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle on a public way, bicycle path or other public right-of-way must wear a helmet.
What is the Northampton Bikeway?
The City of Northampton describes the Northampton Bikeway as a segment of the Mass Central Rail Trail that connects the King Street commercial corridor with downtown Northampton and the Leeds and Florence Center neighborhoods.
Rental shops
The rental listings are below. Call each one about electric models, helmets and return times, because a listing does not show today's fleet. Ask the shop which trails suit its bikes.
ValleyBike Share - Leeds Village🚲 Rentals
Quadrini USA Electric Bikes🚲 Rentals
Northampton Bicycle🚲 Rentals
All shops in Hampshire County
The directory lists 19 shops in 10 cities in Hampshire County. Open the Hampshire County eBike shops page to see them.