Portland breaks world record for largest e-bike party and ride
Portland has set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest electric bicycle party and ride, bringing together more than 1,000 e-bike riders to celebrate a decade of BIKETOWN and the growing role of e-bikes in the city’s transport system.
On 19 July 2026, POLIS member Portland was awarded the Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest electric bicycle party and ride, with 1,064 participants taking part. Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Director Millicent D. Williams accepted the award on stage, surrounded by leaders from Portland’s cycling community, as riders celebrated the achievement at Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland.
The event followed an easy two-mile loop, starting at Salmon Street Springs Fountain and crossing Portland’s famous Hawthorne and Tilikum Crossing bridges. PBOT organised the event to mark the 10th anniversary of Portland’s bike-share system, BIKETOWN.
The previous record, set with 405 e-bikes, was held by a cycling organisation in Seattle. Portland’s new record more than doubled that figure. Following the ride, participants gathered for a carnival-style celebration at the waterfront.
Launched on 19 July 2016, BIKETOWN has become an important part of Portland’s transport network, with more than 3.9 million rides recorded over the past decade. Now fully electrified, the system is also supporting the growing use of e-bikes for everyday journeys across the city.
According to PBOT’s 2025 bike count, e-bikes accounted for 24% of bike trips, with women adopting e-bikes at higher rates than men. The record-breaking event highlighted the growing visibility of e-bikes in Portland and their role in the city’s evolving urban mobility landscape.
Find out more on PBOT's official website here.
