Santa Barbara offers some of California’s most scenic biking routes, making it a perfect city for pedal-powered exploration. With its flat waterfront paths, charming neighborhoods, and nearby wine country, cycling is a practical and enjoyable way to see the sights without the hassle of parking or traffic. Whether you’re after a quick ride along the coast, a full day exploring lush vineyards, or a smooth electric cruise through downtown, Santa Barbara’s bike rental options cover all your needs. Plus, many rentals include extras like helmets, locks, and baskets—no hidden fees here—so you can focus on the ride.
One thing’s for sure: with the beaches and scenic vistas just a short pedal away, renting a bike in Santa Barbara turns a simple day into a memorable outdoor experience. If you’re interested in exploring the Funk Zone’s lively coffee shops or passing by historic spots in downtown, there’s a bike rental suited to your pace and style. For a more leisurely trip, some options even let you map out your own route, so you can tailor your adventure to your interests.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we review 4 top bike rentals in Santa Barbara, covering everything from electric cruisers to full-day beach bikes and even a specialized option for wine country riding. Each offers a different experience: some are perfect for quick city jaunts, others for all-day exploration or scenic rides into nearby wine regions. To help you decide, we’ve included details on what each rental includes, their unique features, and who they’re best suited for.
Now, let’s explore each of these options in detail, so you can choose the best fit for your Santa Barbara adventure.
1. Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s electric bike rental stands out for its affordability and convenience. With a rate of just $18 per person for about an hour, it’s hard to beat the value. This rental features new electric cruisers with belt drives—meaning no greasy chains—and offers a smooth ride. Located in the Funk Zone, just 2 blocks from the beach, it’s a prime spot to start your coastal adventure.
What makes this rental particularly appealing is the inclusive setup. Along with the bike, you get a helmet, water, and a lock—all included free. This makes it easy to explore places like Channel Drive or the harbor overlook without worrying about extra costs or gear. The electric assist allows you to tackle Santa Barbara’s gentle hills and longer rides with ease, making it perfect for casual riders or those looking to cover more ground without breaking a sweat.
Bottom Line: This is the best choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a quick, hassle-free ride with all the essentials included. It’s ideal if you plan to stay within city limits and enjoy the waterfront scenery.
2. Santa Barbara: Full-Day 7-Speed Bike Rental with Area Map
For those wanting to spend a full day exploring Santa Barbara at their own pace, this 7-speed beach cruiser rental offers excellent value at $35 per person. The package includes a comfy bike, a spacious basket, helmets, and a detailed area map, making it easy to chart your own course along the scenic waterfront bike path.
The 7-speed gearing adapts well to both flat stretches and gentle inclines, like heading up to the Santa Barbara Mission or cruising down Cabrillo Boulevard. The comfortable seats and relaxed riding position mean you won’t feel worn out after a few hours. The included basket simplifies stopping for coffee, souvenirs, or a quick snack from local cafés. With well-maintained bikes, this rental suits families and casual riders looking to enjoy the beach, parks, and downtown.
This rental is perfect if you want to learn about Santa Barbara’s outdoor atmosphere and take your time. It’s also great for riders who want some flexibility without the complexity of a guided tour.
Bottom Line: This option is ideal for visitors wanting full-day freedom, with comfortable bikes and all the essentials to keep the ride safe and enjoyable.
3. Solvang Electric Bike Rental
While technically aimed at those heading beyond Santa Barbara into wine country, this electric bike rental at around $55 per person for about an hour offers a unique way to explore the Santa Ynez Valley. These lightweight, comfort-designed bikes make uphill climbs almost effortless, allowing you to tour vineyards and wineries—like those in nearby Solvang—without breaking a sweat.
The bikes feature an up-right riding position and a top speed of 20 mph, with a range of 30-45 miles—more than enough for a half-day or full-day adventure. Though the review notes a low rating based on a single experience, the description emphasizes the ease of riding and comfort, making these bikes suitable for casual riders who want to enjoy wine tastings without the exhaustion.
This tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts or those wanting a relaxed, scenic ride through vineyards. Because it’s designed for comfort and ease, it’s perfect for new riders or those with limited cycling experience. Keep in mind that this experience requires some planning, as it’s geared toward exploring the wine region rather than city landmarks.
Bottom Line: If wine tasting or exploring lush vineyards is on your agenda, these electric bikes offer a fun, effortless way to cover more ground in Santa Ynez Valley.
4. Santa Barbara: Electric Bike Rental
This electric bike rental in Santa Barbara is a top-rated option with a 5/5 review score. Priced at $45 per person for a 2-hour ride, it offers a flexible way to see downtown Santa Barbara and the Funk Zone. Customers can choose from a variety of bike styles and sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone.
The rental highlights include exploring the Funk Zone’s coffee shops, art galleries, and local artisan shops while passing by historic sites downtown. The 2-hour duration makes it suitable for a quick city tour or a relaxed afternoon ride. The positive review about friendly staff and great bikes underscores the quality and service behind this rental.
This option is perfect for visitors who want to cover a good amount of city sights without the hassle of walking. The variety of bikes means you can tailor your ride to your comfort level, and the shorter rental period helps keep the experience low-pressure.
Bottom Line: Best for city explorers eager to see Santa Barbara’s highlights on electric assistance, with the flexibility of choosing the perfect bike style.
How to Choose
When selecting a bike rental in Santa Barbara, consider your budget, the length of your trip, and your specific interests. If you want a quick, inexpensive ride along the waterfront, the Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara is a smart choice. For a full-day exploration, the 7-speed beach cruiser offers comfort and flexibility. Planning a wine tour? The Solvang Electric Bike makes vineyard hopping a breeze. And if your goal is to explore downtown Santa Barbara at a relaxed pace, the Electric Bike Rental with good reviews is ideal.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to ensure availability. Think about how much riding you want to do and how comfortable you are on bikes, then match your needs to the right option.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara’s bike rental scene offers a range of practical options, from quick city cruises to full-day adventures and wine country tours. If you’re after value and convenience, the Electric Bike Rental in Santa Barbara is tough to beat. For those wanting more freedom and comfort, the Full-Day 7-Speed Bike delivers a relaxed, customizable experience.
And if exploring vineyards sounds appealing, the Solvang Electric Bike is worth considering. For a short, city-focused ride, the highly-rated Santa Barbara Electric Bike Rental offers excellent service and a variety of styles.
Whichever you choose, booking in advance will ensure you get the best ride—and more time enjoying Santa Barbara’s beautiful scenery.