E-Bike Rentals at Zion National Park: Rules and Riding Tips

“E-bikes are permitted in all of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks, although the types of e-bikes allowed vary by park. Zion’s e-bike rules are unique” [Visit Utah].

Zion National Park draws over 5 million visitors a year, and the shuttle system does a great job moving these people throughout the park and town of Springdale. Electric bikes (e-bikes) offer another way to explore the area. Before you bring your own or rent one, it’s important to understand where e-bikes are allowed, how to ride safely and the rules that apply outside and inside the park.

For additional information on cycling in and around Zion National Park, visit our Cycling Resources page. 

In This Guide

1. Park rules every e-bike rider must know
2. Tips for renting an e-bike near Zion
3. What to expect on your ride
4. Frequently asked questions

Park Rules Every E-Bike Rider Must Know

The National Park Service allows bicycles in specific areas of Zion National Park. Make sure you know and follow the rules to have a great trip!

The Class 1 Rule

Only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed in Zion National Park. A Class 1 e-bike is a bicycle whose motor provides assistance only while the rider is actively pedaling, and that stops assisting once the bike exceeds 20 mph. 

Throttle-powered (Class 2) and high-speed (Class 3) e-bikes are not permitted.

Important: Many rental shops in Springdale stock Class 1 compliant bikes. If you bring your own e-bike, confirm it meets Class 1 specs before entering the park.

Where Can E-Bikes Go?

Location	E-bikes allowed?	Information
Pa’rus Trail (paved, 1.6 miles)	Yes, 15 mph speed limit	Watch out for pedestrians and leashed pets. Use a courteous, “on your left” or horn to alert walkers that you are approaching.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (road)	Yes, share road with shuttles	‼️Canyon Junction and Weeping Rock shuttle stops have limited sight and narrow lanes.
Hiking trails	No	Park and walk
Zion–Mount Carmel Highway and Tunnel	No. Bicycles and e-bikes are not allowed in the tunnel.	While bikes are allowed from the South Entrance until before the tunnel, the road has steep grades and narrow shoulders and it is not a recommended route.
Kolob Canyon	Not recommended.	The Kolob Terrace Road and the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive both have steep grades, sharp curves, and no shoulder.

For more information and a map of inside Zion National Park, visit the park website.

Key Riding Rules and Safety Tips

• When a park shuttle approaches from behind, pull completely off the road and stop (when it is safe to do so). Shuttles will not pass a moving bike.
• Ride single file on the right side of all park roads and the Pa’rus Trail.
• Groups are limited to 6 bikes or fewer. Larger groups must split and maintain a quarter-mile separation.
• Obey all traffic signs, including stop signs.
• Cyclists should wear their helmet at all times. Each year, the park sees serious injuries from bike crashes.
• Lock your bike only to designated bike lock stations inside the park OR to other bikes in your party, never to trees, railings, or trail signs.
• Use the pedestrian entrance and Pa’rus Trail to access the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. 
• No bikes or pedestrians are allowed in the Zion Mount Carmel Tunnel.
• Secure shoelaces, purse/backpack straps and other loose items before riding.

E-bikes in Springdale

• Follow all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and crosswalks.
• Ride in the bike lane on the right side of the road, going in the same direction as vehicle traffic.
• Watch for parked cars opening doors.
• Be alert for pedestrians stepping off the sidewalk, especially near restaurants and shops.
• Springdale can get busy — slow down and be prepared to stop.

The bicycle entrance to Zion National Park is located next to Zion Outfitter and Zion Canyon Brew Pub in Springdale, where you will cross a small bridge to the Pedestrian Entrance fee station. Please walk your bike through the Visitor Center Plaza [NPS].

Rental Information

Not sure where to rent a bike from? Greater Zion has a list of options for you, visit the Greater Zion website to see what’s out there. 👉 https://greaterzion.com/activities/biking

Ten Tips for Renting an E-Bike Near Zion

1. Book in advance, especially in spring and fall. Rentals may sell out during busy spring, summer and fall travel periods. 
2. Ask about early-access options. Several shops secure bikes outside overnight so you can pick them up as early as 4:00 a.m. 
3. Ask about parking at the rental shop. Some shops offer free parking with your rental.
4. Do the orientation test ride. Most shops offer a short test ride in their parking lot. Take the test ride, even if you’re an experienced cyclist. E-bike handling feels different, especially the pedal-assist response.
5. Choose the right bike size. Rental fleets carry multiple frame sizes. A poorly fitted bike leads to knee strain on uphill sections. Give the shop your height and inseam measurement when booking.
6. Ask what’s included in the rental. Many shops include a helmet, bike lock, and flat kit.
7. Use the lowest assist level first. High-assist modes drain the battery faster. Start on the lowest setting and only bump up for steep climbs. Most riders find mid-assist plenty for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive’s gentle grade.
8. Consider delivery if you’re not in Springdale. Some shops deliver directly to hotels, campgrounds, and even the Zion Lodge inside the park. This may be useful if you’re arriving by RV or staying outside Springdale.
9. Check weather and cancellation policies. Confirm the shop’s weather-related refund policy. Storms and flash floods can develop rapidly.
10. ‼️Be careful when biking through the Canyon Junction and Weeping Rock shuttle stops. Both areas have limited sight and narrow lanes. 

Pricing

Rental rates vary by shop, bike model and season. Check directly with rental providers for current pricing and availability.

What to Expect on Your Ride

Getting into the Park

From any Springdale rental shop, you’ll ride along the town’s main road (SR-9), turn right into Zion Canyon Village (follow signs for Zion Canyon Brew Pub) to find the park’s pedestrian entrance. Walk your bike over the bridge and through the pedestrian entrance. 

From there, use the Pa’rus Trail, a smooth, paved 1.6-mile path along the Virgin River, to reach the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive at Canyon Junction. The Pa’rus Trail is a multi-use path shared with walkers, dogs on leashes, and strollers, so keep your speed below 15 mph and give pedestrians plenty of room.

The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Once on the scenic drive, you’ll travel roughly 6.5 miles from Canyon Junction to the Temple of Sinawava, the canyon’s end. The entire ride is approximately 20 miles roundtrip with an estimated elevation gain of 650 feet. Along the way you’ll pass shuttle stops including the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, the Grotto (Angels Landing trailhead), Big Bend, and the Weeping Rock area. Lock your bike at any rack or together with other bikes in your group. Please DO NOT lock bikes to any trees, signposts or fencing.

The road is shared with park shuttles and other vehicles. When a shuttle approaches from behind, pull all the way off the pavement and stop. This is for your safety and the safety of the driver and passengers.

Biking and Hiking

Bicycle and e-bike parking is available at trailheads, making it easy to transition from riding to hiking. If you’re planning on hiking The Narrows, simplify your day by renting your gear (waterproof boots and neoprene socks) directly from the bike shop before heading into the park. Once you arrive at your destination, lock your bike only to designated bike racks or to other bikes in your party; never secure your bike to trees, railings, or trail signs.

What’s for lunch?

Regardless of where you eat, the golden rule is to pack it out. Even items considered “biodegradable,” such as orange peels or apple cores, do not belong in the desert ecosystem and can attract wildlife to dangerous roadside areas. Following these Leave No Trace practices is essential to keeping the park pristine and healthy for everyone.

Respecting the trail

Do not ride your e-bike off designated trails. When you are hiking, please remember to stay on the established trails and avoid the temptation to follow wildlife trails or create your own shortcuts. These “social trails” cause permanent erosion and destroy the fragile cryptobiotic soil that supports life in the desert. 

The return ride

The return trip from the Temple of Sinawava back toward the Visitor Center is mostly downhill, many riders describe it as a highlight of the day. Use a lower assist level and enjoy the view at a leisurely pace. A round trip typically covers 18 – 20 miles, well within the 30 – 45 mile range of a fully charged rental bike.

Keep in mind

The Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel is closed to all cyclists, including e-bikes. If you’re hoping to explore the east side of the park, you’ll need to arrange a vehicle or join a tour that includes tunnel transport.

Secure Loose Items

Be cautious of loose straps or anything hanging off near your bike tires. Pant legs, shoe laces, purse/backpack straps, any dangling items can be hazardous if they can be pulled into the bicycle components while moving. Before riding, roll up your pant leg, and put away/store any dangly items so you can prevent accidents. Help your friends and family do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a permit or license to ride an e-bike in Zion National Park?

A: No special permit is required to ride a Class 1 e-bike in Zion. You do need a valid park entrance fee or an America the Beautiful pass, the same requirement for all park visitors. No driver’s license is necessary to ride an e-bike.

Q: What age and fitness level is required to rent an e-bike?

A: Most Springdale rental shops allow riders as young as 13–16 years old (policies vary by shop). Because pedal assist handles the hard work, e-bikes are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. If someone in your group has mobility limitations or hasn’t ridden a bike recently, ask the rental shop about their most stable, low step-through models, which are easier to mount and dismount. 

Please note, if you do not have recent experience riding a regular bicycle, this may be a challenging way to see the park.

Q: Can I bring my own e-bike?

A: Yes, as long as it is a Class 1 pedal-assist e-bike (motor assists only while pedaling, cuts off at 20 mph). Throttle-powered bikes are not allowed anywhere in the park. Verify your bike’s class before you go, some manufacturers label their bikes differently in different markets.

Q: Can I put my e-bike on the park shuttle or a shuttle bus rack?

A: No. E-bikes are not permitted on park shuttle buses or their bike racks. Regular (non-electric) bikes may be placed on shuttle front racks with staff assistance. If you ride an e-bike into the canyon, plan to ride it back out.

Q: How long does a rental battery last, and will I run out of charge?

A: Most rental e-bikes carry a battery rated for 30 – 45 miles of assisted riding. A round trip on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (including the Pa’rus Trail entry) covers roughly 18 – 20 miles. As long as you pick up a fully charged bike, range should not be an issue for a single day in the canyon. To maximize battery life, use the lowest assist level on flat sections and save higher assist for steep climbs.

Q: Is there parking near the rental shops?

A: Yes, most Springdale rental shops have on-site or adjacent parking lots where you can leave your vehicle for the day at no charge while you ride. This may help visitors avoid limited parking near the park during busy periods.

Q: Can I ride on hiking trails like the Narrows or Angels Landing?

A: No. E-bikes (and all bicycles) are restricted to paved park roads and the Pa’rus Trail. All other park trails, including the Narrows, Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and every other hiking path, are closed to bikes. Lock your bike at a designated rack near the trailhead and hike on foot.

Q: What is the best time of year to rent an e-bike at Zion?

A: Spring and fall offer the best combination of mild temperatures, good light, and manageable crowds. Summer is the busiest season and afternoon temperatures can exceed 100°F on the canyon floor.  Plan to ride in the early morning if visiting in July or August. Winter rentals are possible on mild days but some shops reduce their hours or close during the coldest weeks.

Q: What happens if I get a flat tire or mechanical problem on the trail?

A: Most rental packages include a flat kit. Ask the shop to show you how to use it before you leave. If you experience a mechanical issue call the rental shop for instructions. Keep the shop’s number saved in your phone before you head into the park.

Q: Do I need to wear a helmet?

A: Utah law requires helmet use for cyclists under 21 [Highway Safety]. All reputable Springdale rental shops provide helmets as part of the rental package and strongly encourage all riders to wear one regardless of age. Inside the park, helmets are highly recommended given road-sharing with shuttles and other vehicles.

Q: Can visitors ride a regular (non-motorized) bike in the canyon?

A: Yes, you may bring or rent a non-motorized bike from shops in Springdale. Depending on your route, a round trip to the end of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive may be about 20 miles with 650′ of elevation gain. Unlike e-bikes, non-motorized bicycles are allowed on the shuttle bike racks. However, keep in mind fat-tire bikes will not fit in the shuttle bike racks.

Park rules and shop details may change seasonally. Always verify current regulations at nps.gov/zion and confirm rental rates directly with shops before booking.