Where to ride your electric bike
Chester County residents enjoy access to some of the most scenic, enjoyable bicycle routes to be found anywhere. An electric bike can help to make those routes even more enjoyable by taming the hills and allowing you to take in the scenery without all the huffing and puffing—even on longer rides.
In addition to all the quiet back roads in and around Chester County, there are many state parks and bike trails, including "rails-to-trails" systems ideal for exercising, commuting, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Here are some of our favorites:
The Struble Trail
The Struble Trail is a 2.6 mile paved, multi-use recreational trail that follows the east branch of the Brandywine Creek. The Struble Trail links to the Uwchlan Trail at approximately the 1.75 mile marker, allowing access to the Eagleview residential area, corporate campus and retail shops. (View PDF trail map)
French Creek State Park
Featuring two lakes, extensive forests, and the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, French Creek State Park straddles the border of Chester County and Berks County. Bikes are permitted on roads and approved trails. (View PDF trail map)
The Chester Valley Trail
Still a work in progress, the Chester Valley Trail will connect the Struble Trail with the Schuylkill Valley Trail in Norristown. (View trail map)
The Schuylkill River Trail
The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania that will stretch nearly 130 miles when completed. Sections of the trail are complete from the City of Philadelphia through Montgomery County to Phoenixville in Chester County, from Pottstown-Montgomery County to Reading in Berks County, and from Hamburg in Berks County to Auburn, in Schuylkill County.
The Montgomery County Trail Network
The Montgomery County Trail Network is a system of nearly 60 miles of regional county trails that connect greenways, waterways, and heritage corridors within Montgomery County. (View the Montgomery County Trail Network Map.)
Additional Resources
- The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia offers excellent suggestions for Commuter Routes as well as additional maps for Philadelphia bike lanes and regional trails, and even bike routes to the Jersey Shore. The local branch of this advocacy group is the Chester County Cycling Coalition.
- The League of American Bicyclists provides suggestions and safety tips for commuting by bicycle.
- West Chester Cycling Club
An electric powered bicycle is subject to the same rules of the road that apply to a regular bicycle. Always wear your helmet, and be sure to familiarize yourself with all current bike laws for your state.