Electric bikes are becoming more popular and for good reason. They are convenient, fast, attractive and offer an eco-friendly means of commuting. But the simple truth is that ebikes don’t come cheap!!
So before spending a fortune on one, it makes sense to ask: Does REI rent ebikes so you can try before you buy? The short answer: sometimes.
In this guide, we’ll discuss whether REI rents ebikes, the benefits of renting ebikes, how the REI rental system works and where you can find electric bike rentals near you if your local REI store doesn’t offer them.
Does REI Rent Ebikes?
REI’s bike rental program varies by location, but a lot of REI stores do not currently rent ebikes. The most common deals you’ll find for short-term rentals are for camping gear, ski equipment, traditional bikes and more.
A few REI stores in regions with strong cycling demand occasionally offer commuter or mountain ebikes for daily or weekend rentals. There are REI stores that also have seasonal rental programs for ebikes that are often focused on tourism or local trails.
If you’re unsure whether your local store rents ebikes, the best option will be to call them to confirm if such an option is available.
However, even if your local store doesn’t rent ebikes, you can still take advantage of the opportunity they offer riders to test-ride ebikes.
Most stores allow you to take a short spin around the lot to test-ride models like the Co-op Cycles commuter or the Tern cargo model, to help you get a feel of what you’ll be getting when you swipe your card.
All you need to do is visit the store or call ahead and reserve.
Why Renting Before Buying Makes Sense
Renting an ebike before deciding to spend a couple of thousand dollars on one can save you from an expensive mistake. A test ride around the parking lot will not give you the same insights as renting an ebike for an entire day will. You want to understand how the ebike you’ll be potentially getting will feel like on your commute, local trails or city streets over the course of an entire day, which is why renting an ebike is such a good idea.
Other benefits you’ll get when you rent an ebike include:
- Freedom to test performance where it really matters: When you rent an ebike, you get to experience how the motor and assist feel on your own hills and routes.
- Test different models and classes: When you rent an ebike, you get to try different models and classes of ebikes, like cargo or mountain bikes, before deciding which to go for.
- Save more on costs: Instead of spending a fortune to buy a new electric bike, you’ll save much more by renting and paying a small fee.
- Understand battery life longevity: A rent helps you understand how long the ebike’s battery lasts under your ideal usage conditions.
- Skip Early Service Costs: Renting an ebike helps you avoid costs like storage, servicing and battery maintenance or replacement.
Overall, renting an ebike helps you observe the comfort, performance and overall fit of the ebike in your daily life before you go ahead to buy it.
Alternatives if REI Doesn’t Offer Ebike Rentals
Not every REI store offers ebike rental programs; fortunately, there are lots of other alternatives you can try. Some of these options even offer more flexibility and present a lot more variety than ebikes within REI’s catalog.
1. Local Bike Shops
Most local shops now offer ebike rental or demo programs. You’ll get access to a wide variety of options, from commuter to cargo and mountain ebikes. These ebikes are primarily available for daily or weekend rental and at affordable prices. The best thing is the access to expert guidance. You’ll find mechanics who can match you with the fit for your needs and explain maintenance tips so you don’t have to learn from your mistakes.
2. Brand Demo Events
You can take advantage of the demo days hosted by popular brands like Trek or Aventon in cities around the U.S. These events let you test ride electric bikes with the help of professional experts.
3. Bike-Share and Rental Programs
You can find electric bikes in bike-share programs in many cities. These are great for testing pedal assist and understanding how the ebike fits into your routine.
4. Peer-to-Peer and Rent-to-Own Options
Short-term or Peer-to-peer ebike rentals are sometimes available on local Facebook cycling groups or platforms like Spinlister.
Whether you test-ride at demo events, rent from local shops or use bike-share apps, the goal is the same: spend extensive time on an ebike before fully committing to buying one.
Do REI Members Save on Ebike Rentals?
Yes, REI Co-op members do get up to 33% off most rentals. You can take advantage of this if your store rents ebikes to test multiple models and find which works best for you. The membership discount also includes:
- Annual dividends
- Discounts on repairs and servicing
- Access to premium REI Co-op sales events on eligible purchases)
When you combine all those perks with the ebike rental discount, joining the Co-op often pays for itself, especially if you’re serious about buying an ebike soon.
How to Get the Most Out of Your REI Ebike Rental
To get the most out of your ebike rental, you have to think of it as more than just a test ride; instead, consider it the best opportunity to have an insight into how an electric bike fits into your routine. Here are things to do to get the most out of your ebike rental:
- Make early reservations: Ebikes are growing in popularity and lots of people want to try them out, which sometimes makes availability very limited. To get the model you want, try to book your rental in advance, especially if you plan on testing a commuter or mountain ebike.
- Ride through your ideal routes: The goal is to understand how the motor performs in your typical conditions, so go through the roads, hills, traffic and trails you’ll typically ride on to get a feel of the ebike on them.
- Familiarize yourself with the assist levels: Get familiar with the controls of the bike, especially the pedal-assist modes, to understand how each affects your comfort and battery levels. This tells you which works best for you between a Class 1 and a Class 3 ebike.
- Add weight to simulate groceries, kids, or gear: Ride with loads or weights you think you’ll ideally move around with to get a feel of the balance of the bike under similar conditions.
- Refine for comfort: A proper fit will help you have a better riding experience. Request adjustments from REI’s in-store mechanics to fine-tune areas like the saddle height and handlebars before you start.
- Reflect on your riding experience: After returning the bike, think about your experience and make a note of what you liked and what you disliked. Was the frame comfortable? Was the motor smooth? How long did the battery last on your route?
FAQs: REI Ebike Rentals
Does REI rent ebikes nationwide? No. Although REI rents ebikes, this option is not available in all stores nationwide. Consider placing a call through to your local branch to confirm if an ebike rental program is available.
How much does it cost to rent an ebike from REI? The answer is not specific. This is because rental prices vary by location and model. However, REI Co-op members typically save up to 33% on rentals.
Can I return an ebike rental if I don’t like it? Yes. Ensure the bike is returned on time and in good condition, like any other rental. REI’s team will inspect and reset the electric bike for the next rider.
What if my REI doesn’t rent ebikes? There are other alternatives to consider if your REI store doesn’t have rental programs. Check local bike shops, brand demo events, or bike-share programs in your city. Many offer affordable short-term electric bike rentals that let you compare models before buying.
Is renting worth it before buying an ebike? Absolutely. A day or weekend rental gives you a real sense of how an ebike performs on your routes, handles hills, and fits your comfort level. These are insights that quick test rides can’t match.
Conclusion
So, does REI rent ebikes? Yes, in some locations. Availability of ebike rental programs in REI stores varies. However, if such an option is available within your location, it is low-risk and one of the smartest means of testing the waters before diving in.
You get to experience a feel of the bike by spending just a small rental fee and understand the motor feel, comfort, battery levels and a solid idea of how that REI ebike performs on your real routes.
If your local store doesn’t offer rental programs for ebikes, no pressure!! You still have lots of alternatives to consider. From demo events to local bike shops and bike-sharing programs in major cities, you’ve got ample opportunity to rent an ebike and test performance.
Before buying, invest a few hours on the saddle. A day of riding can reveal all you need to know about whether or not an ebike model truly fits your lifestyle.