Things To Do on an eBike in Berrien County, MI
Berrien County has paved rail-trails, a growing lakeshore corridor and two natural-surface trails run by the county. The paved options suit most eBike riders. The Red Arrow Trail links New Buffalo, Union Pier and Chikaming Township. The John and Dede Howard Family Recreation Trail is a short asphalt ride in St. Joseph.
Managers differ from one trail to the next. Townships handle the Red Arrow Trail, the City of Niles handles its river trail segment, and Berrien County Parks handles the mountain bike trails. Michigan sets the baseline for eBikes, and a manager can add limits. This guide covers six routes, with the distance, surface, manager and eBike rule for each.
Where to ride in Berrien County
The routes sit in different parts of the county. The Red Arrow Trail runs along the lakeshore side, from New Buffalo toward Sawyer. The Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail starts in Niles. The Howard trail is in St. Joseph, and Love Creek and Madeline Bertrand are county park trails. Kal-Haven runs between Kalamazoo and South Haven, so treat it as a separate trip.
The Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail is the longest paved choice at 32.7 miles of asphalt and concrete. The Red Arrow Trail is paved too, but its length conflicts: berrientrails.org lists both 8 and 9.5 miles. The Howard trail is 2 miles of asphalt. Love Creek is 3.5 miles and Madeline Bertrand is 2.2 miles of natural surface. Kal-Haven is 33.5 miles of limestone and slag. No route lists a trail-specific eBike rule.
eBike shop hubs
Need a shop near your route? Pick a city below to see its eBike shops, rentals and repair options, then call ahead about eBike stock and hours.
- eBike shops in Benton Harbor
- eBike shops in Three Oaks
- eBike shops in St Joseph
- eBike shops in New Buffalo
- eBike shops in Union Pier
- eBike shops in Niles
- eBike shops in Berrien Springs
- eBike shops in Bridgman
Rental and tour contacts
Rental cards in this county include Scooter Joe's Wheel & Water Rentals and Red Arrow Ride. Call first to confirm eBike availability, ages, helmets and pricing, because those details are not published here.
Scooter Joe's Wheel & Water Rentals🚲 Rentals
Red Arrow Ride🚲 Rentals
Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club🚲 Rentals
Scooter Joe's Wheel & Water Rentals🚲 Rentals
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Red Arrow Trail, paved lakeshore corridor
The Red Arrow Trail follows the Red Arrow Highway corridor and connects New Buffalo to Sawyer. It is paved multi-use, flat to gently rolling and ADA accessible. Trailheads in Union Pier and Chikaming Township Community Park both have bathrooms. The trail is still growing. A separate 1.5-mile section runs from I-94 north of Stevensville to Glenlord Road. The Berrien County Road Department also secured MDOT Transportation Alternatives Program funding for a 4-mile section from north of Bridgman at Haymarket Brewery to just south of Stevensville at Pete's Cider. Lengths conflict on the same page: it says both an 8-mile growing trail and 9.5 miles. New Buffalo, Chikaming and Lincoln Townships own and maintain it.
Distance: Listed as 8 miles and also as 9.5 miles on the same page, per berrientrails.org; start: Trailheads in Union Pier and Chikaming Township Community Park; surface: Paved multi-use.
eBike access: No Red Arrow-specific eBike rule was found. The Michigan default applies, and the county trail network says eBikes are allowed on the vast majority of its trails. Etiquette and planning: Expect walkers and families on the paved path. Slow down at road crossings and gaps between sections, and check the township maps for current completed segments. Managing source: Friends of Berrien County Trails, Red Arrow Trail details.
2. Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail: Niles rail-trail
This rail-trail starts at Plym Park, 401 Marmont St. in Niles, and runs to Logan St. in Mishawaka, Indiana. The surface is asphalt and concrete. The City of Niles completed its segment in 2010. That segment is about 2.25 miles from 3rd and Fort Street. TrailLink does not name a managing agency for the full trail, so check the manager map for the section you ride. Niles is the easiest place to start if you want a long paved out-and-back. No eBike rule was found for this trail, so the Michigan default applies. Class 1 eBikes are generally fine on paved rail-trails unless the manager restricts them.
Distance: 32.7 miles in total, per TrailLink; start: Plym Park, 401 Marmont St., Niles; surface: Asphalt and concrete.
eBike access: No local eBike rule was found, so Michigan's default applies. Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes on rail-trails need local authorization, so confirm with the City of Niles. Etiquette and planning: Stay right, pass with a bell or voice, and slow down at road crossings. Check the Niles page for segment status before a long ride. Managing source: City of Niles, Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail.
3. John and Dede Howard Family Recreation Trail, short St. Joseph ride
This 2-mile asphalt rail-trail in St. Joseph runs between the Bicentennial Bridge at North Wayne Street and Lake Court. It is short, so it works well for a first eBike ride, a family outing or a warm-up before a longer day. Parking is available at Lions Park Drive and Lake Street, and at Silver Beach County Park. TrailLink does not name a managing agency, and no eBike rule was found, so the Michigan default applies. St Joseph also has the most shop listings in the county, which makes it a handy place to rent or get help.
Distance: 2 miles, per TrailLink; start: Bicentennial Bridge at North Wayne St., St. Joseph; surface: Asphalt.
eBike access: No eBike rule was found, so the Michigan default applies. Class 1 is generally allowed on asphalt rail-trails. Class 2 and Class 3 need local authorization. Etiquette and planning: Expect walkers and families near Silver Beach. Keep speed low, yield to pedestrians and watch signs at parking areas. Managing source: TrailLink, John and Dede Howard Family Recreation Trail.
4. Love Creek mountain bike trail, county singletrack
Love Creek is a 3.5-mile mountain bike trail managed by Berrien County Parks. It mixes single track and double track, with frequent short climbs. Hikers share it, and cyclists yield to them. It is not a casual paved ride. The climbs and narrow sections suit riders who are comfortable on dirt. No eBike rule was found for Love Creek. Michigan law keeps eBikes off designated nonmotorized natural-surface trails unless the local agency allows them, so ask Berrien County Parks before you bring one. If the answer is no, ride a paved corridor instead.
Distance: 3.5 miles, per Berrien County; start: Love Creek mountain bike trail: several access points; check the manager map; surface: Single track and double track with frequent short climbs.
eBike access: No eBike rule is published. Natural-surface trails need local permission for eBikes under Michigan law, so ask Berrien County Parks first. Etiquette and planning: Yield to hikers, expect short climbs, and skip wet or soft trail. Carry water and tell someone your route. Managing source: Berrien County Parks, Mountain Biking.
5. Madeline Bertrand Green Trail, seasonal hard-packed loop
The Green Trail is 2.2 miles of hard-packed natural surface managed by Berrien County Parks. Mountain biking is allowed May through October. Ride in the direction of the green arrows, and yield to hikers. It is a good fit for riders who want a gentler dirt trail than Love Creek, but the county does not publish an eBike rule for it. Michigan law requires local permission for eBikes on designated nonmotorized natural-surface trails, so call Berrien County Parks before you go. Check the season too, because winter riding is outside the stated window.
Distance: 2.2 miles, per Berrien County; start: Madeline Bertrand Green Trail: several access points; check the manager map; surface: Hard-packed natural surface.
eBike access: No eBike rule is published. Michigan law requires local permission on designated nonmotorized natural-surface trails, so confirm with Berrien County Parks. Etiquette and planning: Follow the green arrows, yield to hikers and ride only May through October. Stay off soft trail after heavy rain. Managing source: Berrien County Parks, Mountain Biking.
6. Kal-Haven Trail State Park, long limestone trail
Kal-Haven is a 33.5-mile state park trail between Kalamazoo and South Haven. The surface is limestone and slag, and road bikes are not recommended. Trailheads are in Kalamazoo and South Haven, with other access at Bloomingdale and Grand Junction. The Michigan DNR manages it. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state park and forest campgrounds. The trail has been recognized as a Pure Michigan Designated Trail, and South Haven is a Pure Michigan Designated Trail Town. No eBike rule was found, so the Michigan default applies. Treat it as a separate day trip, not a shop-to-trail ride.
Distance: 33.5 miles, per the Michigan DNR; start: Trailheads in Kalamazoo and South Haven; other access at Bloomingdale and Grand Junction; surface: Limestone and slag.
eBike access: No eBike rule was found. Michigan's default applies to limestone trails: Class 1 is generally allowed, and Class 2 and Class 3 need authorization from the agency. Etiquette and planning: Use wider tires, carry water and repair gear, and plan your return. Check the DNR page for closures and pass rules. Managing source: Michigan DNR, Kal-Haven Trail State Park.
Planning a Berrien County ride
Charging is not covered in the published trail details, so charge fully before you leave. The Red Arrow trailheads in Union Pier and Chikaming Township Community Park have bathrooms, but no charging is listed. For longer rides, ask a shop in the nearest town about charging, and carry the charger if you plan a stop.
Crowds, closures and transit are not published for these trails. Berrien County Parks lists mountain biking on the Green Trail from May through October. Section status on the Red Arrow Trail can change as new segments open, so check the manager map before you go. Pack water and a basic repair kit.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the John and Dede Howard Family Recreation Trail in St. Joseph. It is 2 miles of asphalt, so an out-and-back is about 4 miles. Park at Silver Beach County Park or Lions Park Drive and Lake Street. Visit one of the St Joseph shops before or after, and keep the pace easy near walkers.
Full day: Start at the Union Pier trailhead on the Red Arrow Trail and ride the paved corridor toward New Buffalo or Chikaming Township Community Park, and both trailheads have bathrooms. Expect flat to gently rolling terrain. Check the manager map for current segments, and bring water for the return.
Mountain bike day: Ride Love Creek, 3.5 miles of single and double track, and the Madeline Bertrand Green Trail, 2.2 miles of hard-packed surface. Ask Berrien County Parks about eBikes first. Go between May and October, yield to hikers and ride the Green Trail in the arrow direction.
What not to ride in Berrien County
Madeline Bertrand Green Trail: This hard-packed natural-surface trail has a May through October mountain biking season. Michigan law keeps eBikes off designated nonmotorized natural-surface trails unless the local agency allows them, and no county rule was found. Ask Berrien County Parks before riding, and stay off it outside the season.
Love Creek mountain bike trail: Love Creek has single track, double track and frequent short climbs, and hikers share it. It is a poor fit for a heavy eBike if you are not comfortable on dirt. Natural-surface trails need local permission for eBikes, and none is published.
Kal-Haven Trail State Park: The limestone and slag surface is the problem here. Road bikes are not recommended, and thin tires are a bad idea on a heavy eBike, so use wider tires. Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes need authorization on limestone trails.
Van Buren Trail State Park: Only 2 miles are paved, from South Haven to 16th Avenue. The other 12 miles are unimproved gravel, more suitable for mountain bikes. Skip the gravel section on a road-style eBike, and confirm eBike rules with the Michigan DNR.
When to ride Berrien County
The paved routes are the safest choice in most seasons, while the Madeline Bertrand Green Trail is open to mountain biking May through October only. Summer weekends near the lakeshore can bring more walkers and riders, so early mornings are easier. Hot afternoons drain batteries and riders, so carry water. Early fall is a good time for long rides. Trail hours are not published here, so check each manager's page and posted signs before you go.
Michigan eBike laws and route permission
Michigan defines an eBike in MCL 257.13e. It must have a seat or saddle, fully operable pedals, and a motor of no more than 750 watts. There are three classes. Class 1 is pedal-assist only, and the motor stops helping at 20 mph. Class 2 can move the bike without pedaling, and the motor stops at 20 mph or when the brakes are applied. Class 3 is pedal-assist and stops helping at 28 mph. Michigan's eBike rules took effect January 28, 2018, under 2017 PA 139. The statute text we checked was current through PA 103 of 2026, fetched October 9, 2026.
Under MCL 257.662a, an eBike may be ridden on any part of a highway open to bicycles, including bike lanes and shoulders. state law here does not spell out a sidewalk rule, so check local rules. A Class 3 operator must be at least 14, though a younger passenger is allowed. Cities that prohibit nonemergency motor vehicles, and Mackinac Island State Park, require authorization first. Local or state agencies can regulate or prohibit eBikes on trails, and they must hold a public hearing before they do. Bills in 2026 (HIB 6340 and SIB 1156) would amend section 662a. They had not been enacted when we checked on October 9, 2026.
Anyone under 18 who operates or rides as a passenger on a Class 3 eBike must wear a helmet that meets CPSC or ASTM standards. The statute does not require helmets for other riders in the sourced notes we reviewed. Michigan has no statewide license or registration requirement for eBikes that comply with the law. Each eBike must carry a label showing its class, top assisted speed, and wattage. Changing a bike so it goes over 750 watts, or outside the definitions, means it is no longer legally an eBike. For a plain-language summary, read Michigan eBike laws.
On trails, the land manager decides. Class 1 eBikes may use linear asphalt, crushed-limestone, and rail trails unless the local or state agency regulates or prohibits them. Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes may use those same trails only if the local government or agency authorizes it. Before you ride, check the trail's own posted rules or contact the managing agency. Rules can differ from one trail to the next, even within a single county.
Designated nonmotorized natural-surface trails are closed to eBikes unless the local government or agency allows them. Do not assume a dirt path is open because bicycles are. Agencies must hold a public hearing before they prohibit, authorize, or regulate eBikes, so signs reflect a formal decision. These trail rules do not apply to congressionally authorized public trail systems. Keep your class label intact and unaltered. Tampering that changes the speed or power rating requires a new label, and a bike over 750 watts is not an eBike, so trail permissions would not cover it.
Michigan law treats a compliant eBike like a bicycle on roads, bike lanes and shoulders, and sets the trail rules. No county or major-city eBike ordinance, sidewalk rule or pending local change was found. That means trail managers and posted signs decide the details. Always check the sign at the trailhead.
The Friends of Berrien County Trails say eBikes are allowed on the vast majority of trails in the county network, but they do not state classes or speed limits. Trails are owned by different entities, including Berrien County Parks, townships and municipalities. For Red Arrow, New Buffalo, Chikaming and Lincoln Townships own and maintain it. For Niles, the city manages its segment.
One source conflict matters: The Red Arrow Trail page says both an 8-mile growing trail and 9.5 miles, so treat the length as unsettled. Pending Michigan bills in 2026 (House Bill 6340 and Senate Bill 1156) would amend the eBike section of the vehicle code, but they had not been enacted as of October 9, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which Berrien County route is best for a first eBike ride?
The John and Dede Howard Family Recreation Trail in St. Joseph is a good start. It is 2 miles of asphalt with parking at Silver Beach County Park and at Lions Park Drive and Lake Street. For something longer, try the paved Red Arrow Trail from Union Pier.
How long is the Red Arrow Trail?
The available details conflict, and the Friends of Berrien County Trails page describes a growing 8-mile trail and also lists 9.5 miles. It also mentions a 1.5-mile section from I-94 north of Stevensville to Glenlord Road. Check the manager map for the section you plan to ride.
Who manages the Red Arrow Trail?
New Buffalo, Chikaming and Lincoln Townships own and maintain it, according to Friends of Berrien County Trails. The Berrien County Road Department also secured MDOT Transportation Alternatives Program funding for a 4-mile section from north of Bridgman to south of Stevensville.
Are Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes allowed on trails here?
Under Michigan law, Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes on linear asphalt, limestone and rail-trails are allowed only if the local agency authorizes them. No county rule was found, so ask the manager or look for signs. Class 3 riders must be at least 14.
Where can I park for the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail in Niles?
The trail's Niles end is Plym Park at 401 Marmont St. The trail runs 32.7 miles to Logan St. in Mishawaka. A parking layout is not described in the published details, so follow signs at the park.
Do I need a pass for Kal-Haven?
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state park and forest campgrounds, according to the Michigan DNR. The page does not spell out pass rules for trail users arriving by bike, so check the DNR page before you go.
Can kids ride eBikes on these trails?
Class 3 eBike operators must be at least 14, and under-18 Class 3 riders and passengers must wear a helmet. Trail managers may add rules. Rental ages are not published, so ask the rental business directly.
Are eBikes allowed on the Love Creek trail?
No county eBike rule is published. Michigan law keeps eBikes off designated nonmotorized natural-surface trails unless the local agency allows them. Ask Berrien County Parks before you ride. Hikers have priority, and cyclists yield.
All eBike shops in Berrien County
Ready to compare shops and rentals near these routes? Browse all Berrien County eBike shops by city.