Things To Do on an eBike in Eau Claire County, WI
Eau Claire County's eBike riding starts downtown in Eau Claire. The city has 57.1 miles of paved trails. At Short Street they connect to the Chippewa River State Trail, which runs south along the river toward Durand.
This guide covers only routes that start in Eau Claire County. The Old Abe, Red Cedar and Hudson-area trails are in Chippewa, Dunn and St. Croix counties and are not listed here.
Where to ride in Eau Claire County
The City of Eau Claire has 57.1 miles of paved trails, most of them 10 feet wide and asphalt, plus 17.6 miles of unpaved biking trails. City guidelines list trails, streets and bike lanes as legal places to ride an eBike.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Chippewa River State Trail
Route: The Wisconsin DNR lists a 30-mile rail trail from Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire through Eau Claire, Dunn and Pepin counties to Durand. It is paved with asphalt for about 11 miles from downtown to near Caryville, with an asphalt-emulsion surface beyond that. Bridges are wood-decked with railings. The trail also connects with the 14.5-mile Red Cedar Trail.
eBike rule: The DNR's bicycle trails table lists eBikes as allowed on this trail. DNR trails allow Class 1 and Class 3 eBikes with a 15 mph limit. Other eBikes may be ridden only with the motor off.
Trail pass: No pass is needed on the Eau Claire city section. From Short Street onward, every rider 16 and older needs a state trail pass. The city lists passes for sale at Anybody's Bike shop, Eau Claire Bike & Sport, Riverside Bike & Skate, Scheels, the Holiday station on Water Street and the visitors bureau. There is also a self-registration box at Short Street.
Access: Start at Phoenix Park downtown or at the State Highway 85 access west of Highway 37.
2. Eau Claire city trails
Chippewa River Trail (city section): 3.34 miles from Phoenix Park, across the railroad bridge and south to the city limits. Free to use.
Other loops: The city lists the Westside Loop at 1.5 miles and the Carson Park trail at 0.92 miles, from Menomonie Street through Carson Park to the causeway. Other city segments include Bellevue to Eddy St. (2.42 miles) and North Crossing (1.86 miles).
Wisconsin eBike rules
- Under s. 340.01(15ph), an eBike has working pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less. Class 1 and Class 2 top out at 20 mph, and Class 3 gives pedal assist to 28 mph.
- Under s. 346.806, eBikes may use DNR, county and city bikeways with the motor on, subject to DNR rules and local ordinances.
- No one under 16 may operate a Class 3 eBike.
- Eau Claire's wheeled vehicle guidelines say eBikes are not motor vehicles. They are legal on trails, streets, bike lanes and sidewalks outside downtown, but not on the Downtown Bicycle Way.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Rent an eBike downtown and ride the free city section of the Chippewa River Trail from Phoenix Park to the city limits and back, about 6.7 miles.
Full day: Buy a state trail pass, then ride the Chippewa River State Trail from Phoenix Park south on the paved section toward Caryville and back, keeping to 15 mph.
What not to ride
A Class 2 throttle eBike under power on the state trail. DNR trails allow only Class 1 and Class 3 eBikes with the motor on.
The Downtown Bicycle Way. City guidelines list it as not legal for bikes and eBikes.
Trails in other counties. The Old Abe, Red Cedar and Hudson-area trails start outside Eau Claire County.
When to ride Eau Claire County
The city trails and the state trail are open year-round. The state trail is not groomed in winter, and snowmobiles share it from Porterville Road to Durand. Eau Claire E-Bike Rental runs from May through October.
eBike rentals and shops
Eau Claire E-Bike Rental rents eBikes and e-scooters from The Local Store at 604 Galloway St downtown. It is open 9am to 9pm from May through October and closed for winter. Staff hand out printed and digital route maps, including a longer ride along the Chippewa River.
Eau Claire E-Bike Rental🚲 Rentals
Frequently asked questions
Are eBikes allowed on the Chippewa River State Trail?
Yes. The DNR allows Class 1 and Class 3 eBikes on the trail with a 15 mph limit. Other eBikes may be ridden only with the motor off.
Do I need a trail pass for the Chippewa River State Trail?
Not on the Eau Claire city section. From Short Street onward, riders 16 and older need a state trail pass.
Where can I buy a state trail pass in Eau Claire?
The city lists Anybody's Bike shop, Eau Claire Bike & Sport, Riverside Bike & Skate, Scheels, the Holiday station on Water Street and the visitors bureau, plus a self-registration box at Short Street.
How many miles of trails does Eau Claire have?
The city lists 57.1 miles of paved trails and 17.6 miles of unpaved biking trails.
Can I ride an eBike downtown in Eau Claire?
On streets and bike lanes, yes. City guidelines list the Downtown Bicycle Way as not legal for bikes or eBikes, and allow sidewalk riding only outside downtown.
Where can I rent an eBike in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire E-Bike Rental at The Local Store, 604 Galloway St, open 9am to 9pm May through October.
How long is the Chippewa River State Trail?
The DNR lists 30 miles from downtown Eau Claire to Durand, paved for about the first 11 miles.
All eBike shops in Eau Claire County
See the Eau Claire County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Wisconsin eBike laws guide for state rules.