Getting Around Mackinac Island, MI

Because there are no cars on Mackinac Island, people get around in old-fashioned ways:

By Horse

Clip-clop. That’s the soothing, ever-present sound on Mackinac Island, which has been car-free for more than 100 years. In place of the mechanized horsepower than harries much of the rest of the world, Mackinac Island runs peacefully on authentic horsepower – from horse-drawn carriage rides through town to horseback rides through the wilderness of Mackinac Island State Park.

Not only are horses one of the primary means of transportation on Mackinac Island, but a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour is perhaps the most popular thing to do.

Additional Information:

• See all the ways of horsing around on Mackinac Island
• How much does it cost to ride horses on Mackinac Island?
• Everything to know about horses on Mackinac Island

By Bicycle

You’ll also hear the delightful ding of bicycle bells as people pedal their way from place to place on Mackinac Island. There are more than 1,500 bikes to rent including tandem bicycles built for two, burleys for the kids, fat tire bikes as well as electric mobility scooters for visitors with limited mobility. You also can bring your own bike to Mackinac Island on the ferry boat from the mainland.

Additional Information:

• See all the fun you can have riding a bike on Mackinac Island
• How much does it cost to rent bikes on Mackinac Island?
• What to expect on the 8.2-mile bike ride around Mackinac Island
• Are e-bikes allowed on Mackinac Island?

On Foot

Of course, walking is a popular way of getting around Mackinac Island, too, whether you’re hiking some of the 70-plus miles of trails or just strolling around town. You’ll find a variety of Walking Tours that are great ways to experience Mackinac Island. And whenever you get tired, just call Mackinac Island Taxi at 906-847-3323 for a horse-drawn carriage ride to your next destination. Wheelchairs also are available for rent from many Mackinac Island bike vendors.

Additional Information:

• See Mackinac Island attractions you can reach on foot
• Experience Mackinac Island’s stunning viewpoints and varied terrain
• Walking Tours and Trails on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island Bicycle Safety Rules

For your bicycle safety, please read and follow these simple rules:

1. WATCH FOR HORSES – Please be prepared for very busy streets in the downtown area on Mackinac Island with the many bikers, pedestrians and horses. Please be especially cautious of horses at all times as it is difficult for them to stop quickly.
2. NO TRAINING WHEELS – No person shall operate, or allow to be operated, a bicycle with training wheels on Main Street., Market Street or Cadotte Avenue (between Market Street and Grand Hotel).
3. WALK ON SIDEWALKS – Pedestrians need to walk on the sidewalk for their own safety. Please look before stopping in the street, turning or crossing streets at all times.
4. STAY TO THE RIGHT – Please stay to the right side of the street and keep bikes within the white line when parking on the street.
5. BIKE PARKING – Please do not park bicycles on sidewalks or lock them to fixed objects. Burleys, tandem or bikes without kickstands must use off street parking.

EBike Q & A’s:

Q: Can I use an electric bicycle on Mackinac Island?

A: Only if you are a qualified person with a mobility disability and only if the E-Bike is a Class I electric bicycle or a modified Class II electric tricycle.

References: City of Mackinac Island Ordinance 639 of Code of Ordinances

Q: How do you define a “qualified person with a mobility disability”?

A: According to Section 639 of the Mackinac Island Code of Ordinances, a qualified person with a mobility disability is an individual who has a physical impairment that substantially limits the ability of the individual to pedal a bicycle; and despite the person’s physical limitations, he or she is capable of safely operating an electric assist tricycle/bicycle. Section 639 includes some examples of what can constitute a mobility disability.

Reference: Mobility Disabilities

Q: What’s an electric bicycle?

A: As used in the City of Mackinac Island’s ordinance, an electric bicycle includes both two-wheeled bicycles and three-wheeled tricycles that satisfy all of the elements of the definition of “Class 1 electric bicycle” contained in Section 3e of the Michigan Vehicle Code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.13e. Basically, the Class I electric bicycle is equipped with an electric motor of not more than 750 watts, is limited to a top speed of 20mph, and the electric motor must only engage when the rider is pedaling. If you are able to apply a throttle to engage the motor, or if the bike is capable of speeds of over 20mph, that E-Bike is not allowed on the island.  Bicycles must have a permanently affixed label showing its classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. Class III ebikes are not allowed on the island under any circumstances.

Reference: Electric Bicycle: State of Michigan Definition And Classification System

Q: I understand that motor vehicles are banned from Mackinac Island, but my electric bike is not technically a motor vehicle is it?

A: Mackinac Island City Ordinance Section 639 provides that an electric bicycle or tricycle is considered a “motor vehicle” unless it meets the definitions and requirements of Mackinac Island City Ordinance 639. While Michigan’s Motor Vehicle Code excludes E-Bikes from the definition of “motor vehicles,” (MCL 257.33) the State code also provides that “an individual shall not operate an electric bicycle within a city that prohibits the use of nonemergency motor vehicles, unless the city council of that city, by majority vote, adopts a resolution allowing the operation of electric bicycles within city limits.”

Q: I have a mobility disability but I have a Class II E-Bike, can I use my E-Bike on Mackinac Island even though only Class I E-Bikes are permitted?

A: Yes, if you bring your E-Bike into compliance with the City’s Ordinance by permanently removing the throttle. Pursuant to Section 639 if you have a mobility disability and already purchased a Class II E-Bike, you can modify your E-Bike to conform with the definition of an “electric bicycle” that is permitted on Mackinac Island. This can be done by permanently removing the throttle. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician for further information.

For any additional questions, contact Mackinac Island Police Department (906) 847-3300.