Monterey and 17 Mile Drive: Half-Day Electric Bike Rental

If you’re dreaming of cruising along California’s stunning coast, this half-day electric bike tour of Monterey and 17 Mile Drive might just be your best bet for a memorable adventure. Touted for its blend of scenic vistas, wildlife sightings, and the convenience of electric power, it offers a fresh way to experience one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the United States.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances spectacular scenery with accessibility — the electric bikes make covering long distances much easier, especially on hilly or winding roads. We also appreciate that the tour includes multiple iconic stops, such as the Lone Cypress, and highlights the region’s rich natural and architectural charm.

A possible consideration is that, despite the electric boost, some parts of the route involve shared roadways with cars, and that might be nerve-wracking for less confident cyclists. Also, the tour is best suited for those comfortable on a bike, given the need to navigate traffic and scenic curvy roads.

This adventure is perfect for travelers who want an active yet relaxed way to take in coastal vistas, wildlife, and famous sights without the hassle of driving or walking the entire route. If you enjoy cycling, breathtaking scenery, and a bit of history and culture along the way, this tour deserves a spot on your Monterey itinerary.

Key Points

• Scenic Route: Travel along the legendary 17 Mile Drive, with stops at iconic spots like the Lone Cypress and Bird Rock.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see sea otters, seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat.
• Accessible Transportation: Electric bikes make covering the route easier, even with some hills and distance.
• Flexible Options: You can choose to ride back the same way or continue onward to Carmel.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable staff provide safety briefings and map out the route for a smooth experience.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy local food scenes in Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey, if you decide to extend your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Out: Picking Up Your E-bike and Safety Briefing

The adventure begins with a straightforward check-in at a designated meeting point, where you’ll receive your powerful e-bike, helmet, and handlebar bag. The safety briefing is brief but informative, covering how to operate the bikes and navigate the route. We found this initial step essential—it sets the tone for a confident, enjoyable ride.

Riding the Iconic 17 Mile Drive

Once underway, the route takes you up the hill to 17 Mile Drive, an internationally renowned coastal road often associated with luxury golf courses and exclusive homes. Riding along this stretch gives a sense of being on a private tour, with views of crashing surf and rugged cliffs on your right, and sprawling mansions on your left.

The bike path down to the ocean offers a different perspective—less crowded than the vehicle lanes, and perfect for taking photos. As you pedal past Pebble Beach, you’ll see famous vistas like Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Restless Sea, and China Rock. During the ride, keep an eye out for deer grazing in the yards, as several reviews mention the frequent sightings of local wildlife.

Bird Rock and Marine Wildlife

One of the highlights is stopping at Bird Rock, a public area where sea lions and seals sunbathe and splash. Travelers find this stop especially rewarding, with one review noting it as a favorite because of the sea lions splashing and sunbathing. You can also use the public restrooms here, which is a considerate touch.

Further along, the Fanshell Beach Overlook and Cypress Point Lookout offer scenic views and a chance to spot sea otters, which are among the most charming sights along the coast. These spots are thoughtfully chosen for their natural beauty and the chance to observe wildlife in their natural environment.

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The Lone Cypress and Pescadero Point

The iconic Lone Cypress is a must-see. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean, this tree has become a symbol of the area. It’s a photo-worthy moment, made all the more special by the fact that you’re riding directly along the coast and can appreciate its rugged resilience.

Just a short walk from there, the Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point provide a different kind of scenery—dramatic, sculpted coastlines that look like something out of a painting. It’s a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the natural artistry of wind and water.

Food, Rest, and Optional Extensions

After some sightseeing, most riders stop at the Pebble Beach Lodge for a break—here, you’ll find food, restrooms, and shops. It’s a natural point to decide whether to turn back or extend your ride further into Carmel, adding more coastline and charming cottages to your journey.

The flexibility of this tour means you can choose your own adventure after the main stops. For those wanting more, continuing to Carmel offers the chance to explore its quaint downtown, galleries, and cozy cafes—a perfect way to slow down after your scenic ride.

The Practicalities

The price of $55 per person is quite reasonable when you consider the quality of the experience, the scenic stops, and the included equipment. The 4-hour duration allows ample time for sightseeing, photo stops, and a relaxed ride.

The bikes are governed at 20 mph, with a pedal-assist feature that makes tackling hills or headwinds easier. Some reviews mention that sharing part of Ocean View Boulevard with cars can be a bit intimidating if you’re not comfortable riding in traffic, but the wide roads and generally slow-moving vehicles help ease worries.

Real Traveler Insights

From Emmanuel from France, we hear, “super temps et vues magnifiques,” highlighting the beautiful weather and views that are such a part of this ride. Meanwhile, Jeffrey from the U.S. points out that some sections lack dedicated bike lanes, which could make some riders feel a tad uneasy, especially with tourist traffic and locals sharing the roads.

A reviewer from France describes the scenery as “magnifique côte, et superbe maison,” emphasizing the picturesque coast and luxurious homes. On the other hand, a GetYourGuide traveler from Italy felt that the activity’s details weren’t entirely clear, noting extra costs for guides or equipment might add up.

Practical Tips for Your Ride

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring your ID or passport.
• Optional riding in light rain is permitted, but heavy rain (more than 1cm forecasted in 4 hours) could lead to rescheduling.
• For those unfamiliar with cycling, this might not be suitable—people under 4’8″ or over 300 lbs should check restrictions.
• Keep in mind, some parts involve shared roads with cars, so riding confidence is helpful.
• The bikes are equipped for speeds up to 20 mph, but most riders will not reach this due to traffic conditions or terrain.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This bike tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy active outdoor pursuits but want some assistance from an electric bike. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to cover a lot of ground without the fatigue of traditional cycling. If you love coastal scenery, wildlife, and iconic landmarks, you’ll find plenty to appreciate here.

It’s also suitable for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving or parking—since most of the route is scenic and largely accessible by bike. However, if you’re sensitive to shared roads with traffic or less confident in your cycling skills, it’s worth considering your comfort level beforehand.

The Sum Up

This half-day electric bike experience in Monterey and along the 17 Mile Drive offers an engaging way to see one of California’s most cherished coastlines. With expertly chosen stops, wildlife encounters, and the convenience of electric bikes, it provides a relaxed yet active way to enjoy the natural beauty and luxury of this region. Its value is especially clear when you consider that you’re covering a significant stretch of coastline without the stress of driving, and with ample opportunities for photo stops and wildlife watching.

Travelers who love scenic routes, wildlife, and a bit of local luxury will find this tour satisfying, especially if they’re comfortable on a bike and eager to explore at their own pace. The knowledgeable guides and well-planned stops make it a practical choice for those seeking an authentic, memorable Monterey experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get an electric bike sized for your height, a helmet, locks (on request), a handlebar bag, and a map. The safety briefing is also part of the package.

Can I extend the tour or have extra time?
Yes, extra time and batteries are available for an additional fee. You can also choose to continue on to Carmel after the main stops.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and if desired, gloves (which can be purchased if needed). Rain gear is optional for light rain.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children should be comfortable riding a bike and meet height and weight restrictions—under 4’8″ and 300 lbs. The tour is best suited for those who can handle shared traffic roads and have some cycling experience.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 4 hours, which includes pickup, safety briefing, riding, and stops.

What if the weather is bad?
Riding in light rain is allowed, but if heavy rain is forecasted, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled for a full refund.

Is the route safe for inexperienced cyclists?
While the bikes are designed to assist, some parts involve shared roads with vehicles, and a certain level of cycling comfort is recommended.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of stunning coastal views, wildlife sightings, and the opportunity to ride along the legendary 17 Mile Drive makes it a memorable way to explore Monterey.

You can check availability for your dates here: