Things To Do on an eBike in City of Bristol, VA
Two rides start in or at the edge of Bristol, Virginia: the 12.5-mile Mendota Trail rail trail from its Bristol Trailhead on Island Road, and the singletrack at the City's Sugar Hollow Park.
The Mendota Trail says Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes are allowed. Sugar Hollow has no published eBike rule, so call the City first.
Where to ride from Bristol
For a long, easy-grade ride, take the Mendota Trail, a 12.5-mile hiking and biking corridor between Bristol and Mendota. For dirt, SORBA Tri-Cities describes nearly 14 miles of interconnected singletrack at Sugar Hollow Park, a City of Bristol park minutes from Interstate 81.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Mendota Trail, Bristol to Mendota (12.5 miles)
Who runs it: The Mendota Trail site says the trail is owned and maintained by Washington County, Virginia, and that the Bristol Trailhead is owned and managed by the Washington County Park Authority, (276) 525-1300. It says the City of Bristol, VA deeded the old rail line for the trail in 2016 and that the full 12.5 miles connected in August 2023.
Trailheads: Bristol Trailhead at 3460 Island Rd., Bristol, VA; Benhams at 7720 Rich Valley Rd., Bristol, VA; and the Mendota Trailhead across from 2421 Mendota Rd., Mendota, VA. Mile markers run from Bristol (0.0) to Mendota (12.5) in half mile increments.
Surface and grade: The trail history page says the first 0.4 mile on the Bristol end is ADA accessible asphalt. The rest is cinder railroad bed, gravel, crushed stone, dirt and grass, and mountain bikes are recommended. Grades are nearly flat to 3 percent, except two short bypasses at mile markers 1.0 and 10.7 with grades approaching 8 percent. The high point is 2100 feet at mile marker 2.7.
Highlights: Seventeen restored trestle bridges and multiple creek crossings. At mile marker 11.5 the trail crosses the North Fork of the Holston River on the restored Sunny Side Trestle, paralleled by a 275-foot-long swinging bridge.
eBike rule: The trail FAQ says Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed, and asks riders to slow down when approaching or passing other trail users. Trail rules say the trail is open dawn to dusk and bans motorized vehicles.
Facilities and signal: The FAQ says there is a port-a-potty at all 3 parking areas and a restroom at the Bristol Trailhead open spring, summer and fall. It says cell service is available near Bristol and at Benhams, but not in the more remote areas.
2. Sugar Hollow Park singletrack
What it is: SORBA Tri-Cities describes nearly 14 miles of interconnected cross-country singletrack in more than 400 acres of parkland, mostly geared toward intermediate and advanced riders, with technical roots and scattered rock gardens. Named trails include Sugar Glider, Bobcat, Salamander and Wild Goose Gulch.
Beginner option: SORBA says it partnered with the City of Bristol to build Flying Squirrel in 2023, a beginner-friendly trail.
Maps and contact: The City posts a Sugar Hollow trails map. Its Parks & Recreation office is at 21361 Sugar Hollow Rd., 276-645-7275, Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
eBike rule: We did not find a City eBike rule for Sugar Hollow trails. Call Parks & Recreation before you bring an eBike.
Virginia eBike rules
Under Va. Code 46.2-908.1, no person less than 14 years old shall drive a class three electric power-assisted bicycle unless under the immediate supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old.
Under Va. Code 46.2-904, a city may by ordinance prohibit electric power-assisted bicycles on designated sidewalks or crosswalks, with posted signs. A person riding one on a sidewalk or shared-use path must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day, Mendota Trail from Bristol: Start at the Bristol Trailhead on Island Rd. on a Class 1 or Class 2 bike with wide tires. Ride past the mile marker 2.7 high point and turn around where your battery says to. Expect the asphalt to end after 0.4 mile.
Full day, Bristol to the Sunny Side Trestle: Ride from Bristol toward Mendota and stop at the Sunny Side Trestle and swinging bridge at mile marker 11.5. That is about 23 miles out and back, mostly on cinder and gravel, so start with a full battery, carry food and water, and do not count on cell service.
What not to ride
A Class 3 eBike on the Mendota Trail. The trail FAQ allows Class 1 and Class 2 only.
The Mendota Trail after dark. It is open dawn to dusk.
Sugar Hollow on an eBike before you have asked the City. No eBike rule is published.
When to ride Bristol
Spring through fall, when the Bristol Trailhead restroom is open. In any season, plan around dawn-to-dusk hours on the Mendota Trail and the lack of cell service in remote stretches.
eBike shops and rentals in Bristol
The directory lists 3 Bristol businesses. Mountain Sports, Ltd. at 1061 Commonwealth Ave sells e-bikes such as the LaFree E+ and notes low in-store inventory. Explore Bristol lists e-bike rentals at Blended Pedaler, 170 Piedmont Ave., a downtown acai and coffee shop; call 276-644-1750 to check rentals are still offered. eBikesBristol is listed at 540 Meadow Dr.
Blended Pedaler🚲 Rentals
Frequently asked questions
Are eBikes allowed on the Mendota Trail?
Yes. The Mendota Trail FAQ says Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed, and asks riders to slow down when approaching or passing other trail users.
How long is the Mendota Trail?
The trail site says the Mendota Trail is 12.5 miles between Bristol and Mendota, with mile markers every half mile from Bristol (0.0) to Mendota (12.5).
Where does the Mendota Trail start in Bristol?
The Bristol Trailhead is at 3460 Island Rd., Bristol, VA. Other trailheads are at Benhams, 7720 Rich Valley Rd., and across from 2421 Mendota Rd. in Mendota.
What is the Mendota Trail surface?
The first 0.4 mile on the Bristol end is asphalt. The rest is cinder railroad bed, gravel, crushed stone, dirt and grass, and mountain bikes are recommended.
How many miles of trail are at Sugar Hollow Park?
SORBA Tri-Cities describes nearly 14 miles of interconnected singletrack at Sugar Hollow Park, mostly for intermediate and advanced riders, plus the beginner-friendly Flying Squirrel trail.
Is there a Virginia age rule for Class 3 eBikes?
Va. Code 46.2-908.1 says no person less than 14 years old shall drive a class three electric power-assisted bicycle unless under the immediate supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old.
Where can I rent an eBike in Bristol?
Explore Bristol lists e-bike rentals at Blended Pedaler, 170 Piedmont Ave. Call 276-644-1750 to check that rentals are still offered.
All eBike shops in Bristol
See the City of Bristol eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Virginia eBike laws guide for state rules.