Frequently Asked Questions
Are you open year-round?
No. We are a seasonal business operating from April - October. For custom inquiries, please email us outside of these dates.
Where do the tours start and end?
All e-bike tours & rentals will meet at Sol Rides headquarters,
which is located at 13 Oak St., suite # A, Hood River, OR.
What should I bring and wear on a tour?
Simple and comfortable clothing works best.
We highly recommend that you wear shoes (not sandals), and simply prefer that you do. Bring sunscreen, a spare shirt or jacket for both sun protection and cool weather, a water bottle, camera or phone, and a light-hearted and adventurous attitude.
We do have spring water on tap to refill bottles, as well as sport water bottles for purchase at our shop ($10)
Bikes have a trunk bag on the rear rack to accommodate personal items such as a water bottle, sunscreen, jacket, and phone/wallet.
What time should I arrive? What if I’m late?
If you can, please arrive 5-10 minutes ahead of your start time to give yourself time to find parking, fill water bottles, and get fitted with a bike and helmet.
Please be respectful of the group and avoid being late. We want you to get the most out of your awesome day!
What is the best way to navigate parking in Hood River?
Answer: There are a couple of options:
1)We recommend that you download one of the 3 Parking Apps: Passport Parking, WayToPark, or ParkMobile- (locals' favorite)
Apps enable users to electronically pay for parking without using coins at a meter or pay station. The new Mobile apps will work in all Pay to Park spaces. This also allows you to add more hours once the max of 3 has expired.
2)“Pay by Plate” requires users to enter license plate numbers when paying for parking at the Cale pay stations, eliminating the need to return to the vehicle to place a printed payment receipt on the dashboard, 3 hours max.
Is there a minimum number required for booking?
We have a 2-person minimum for our Daily Tours. If you are solo and traveling, there is a good possibility that we can fit you in with a group.
There is a 4-person minimum on all Wine Tours.*
We do offer private tours; please inquire on the Custom Tours contact form.
Can I bring my kids on the tour or rental?
The State of Oregon requires that anyone pedaling an e-bike to be 16 years of age or older.
We now offer Burley ‘BEE’ bike trailers to accommodate the little ones(2 passengers, up to 100 pounds). We also would like to recommend that you have a group of your friends and/or family to share this adventure.
I haven't ridden a bike in years. Is an e-bike tour for me?
While the e-bike provides a lot of added propulsion, comfort, and fun, we recommend that you find yourself comfortable and self-assured riding on a bike: balancing yourself, shifting gears, braking, and navigating basic traffic.
Can I leave the tour before it ends?
We prefer that you stay for the entire tour, except for special circumstances. For unforeseen events, we will accommodate your needs and keep everyone together.
What is your cancellation policy?
Rentals - We provide full refunds for cancellations made up until 48 hours before the scheduled reservation time. 50% refund given within 48 hours.
Tours - We provide full refunds for cancellations made up until 7 days before the scheduled trip. 50% refund will be given less than 7 days notice.
If we need to reschedule due to rain, smoke, intense heat, or cosmic meteor showers, we are certainly willing to accommodate such matters. Safety first.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Helmets are required and will be provided. Our helmets are cleaned daily and are very comfortable, not to mention the fashion statement :)
What kind of bicycles do you use?
They are what we call Electric 'pedal assist' Bicycles which enable you to control the amount of added "assist". Built with comfort and ingenuity to appease the most discerning bicyclist (novice or experienced), you will enjoy the propulsion of these awesome bikes. Class 1 E-Bikes assist the rider while they are pedaling.
What is the maximum weight of the e-bikes?
The bikes we use to operate have a maximum total weight limit (combined weight of bicycle, rider, and cargo) of 300 pounds (136 kg). The e-bike itself is 50lbs.
Are drinks and food included in the price?
We provide snack bars (GF/DF) for our daily tours. Wine and Custom tours will have local made picnic style lunch with seasonal fresh fruit and a dessert pairing, made fresh the day of tour. There will also be water to fill water bottles at the beginning, and several places along the tour to fill up. We ask that you please bring your own water bottle, if you have one. Otherwise, sport water bottles will be available for purchase on the day of ride for $10 at our shop headquarters.
How long are your tours?
All tours vary in length and duration. Generally 3 - 4 hours.
We will often average 15-25 miles on a tour.
Do I have to book a tour in advance?
To assure that there is plenty of room and bicycles for you and your friends/family, it is suggested that you make reservations through our online booking page, or by calling in advance at 541-399-5215.
What happens if it rains or is too hot?
If it becomes too hot or too wet, we will use our best discretion on whether to change our itinerary for a different direction or hold out for the rain to stop or postpone for a later date. It is our main concern to keep everyone safe and have the most enjoyable day possible.
I have a question that wasn't answered...
Send an email to us at ebiketours@solrides.com, or give us a call at 541-399-5215, and we'll be glad to answer any other questions or concerns that you might have.
Thanks, and we hope to see you pedaling soon.