FOR UPDATED RENTAL INFORMATION, CLICK BELOW
IF I TRAVEL TO BAR HARBOR BY CRUISE SHIP CAN I RENT A GEM?
Absolutely! We have found our GEM vehicles to be really popular with guests that travel by cruise ship. Here are a few things you should know:
· We routinely sell out on cruise ship days so we recommend booking in advance
· We recommend a full-day rental to make the most of your rental and see as much of Acadia as you can. There are lots of places to stop and explore.
· We operate a free shuttle from the tender facility to our garage
· If you drive around the Park Loop Road and want to come back to Bar Harbor for lunch you can park at the GEM garage and hook up to one of our fast chargers while you shop or have lunch.
· We understand that the tender schedule isn’t always exact. If you book a time and are running late we will hold your reservation until you arrive.
· We also understand that cruise ships can cancel last minuet due to weather or other reasons. If this happens we will waive any cancelation fees.
· If you are an international traveler and want to operate a GEM you will need an insurance policy that is valid in the United States. If you don’t already have one you can purchase a one day policy here: www.bonzah.com
WHAT IS A GEM®?
A GEM is a 100% electric Low Speed Vehicle that is street legal on any public way posted 35MPH or less.
IS RENTING A GEM A GOOD ACTIVITY FOR A RAINY DAY?
GEM’s are PERFECT for a rainy day. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK is beautiful and charming on rainy days and the GEM’s are a great way to be able to see the park. You can leave the doors on and enjoy a peaceful ride through Acadia. Click HERE for more info on a rainy day rental.
HOW FAR DO THE GEM’S GO?
Our entire fleet of GEM's are p[powered by Lithium batteries. The range on a single charge varies depending on the amount of passengers but at a minimum our GEM's can travel more than 50 miles on a single charge. The loop is 27 miles and there is lots of elevation changes. When you finish the Park Loop Road and need to recharge you can return to our garage and plug in while you have lunch or swap out for a fresh GEM if we have one available.
WHAT DIFFERENT VEHICLES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer 2 seat, 4 seat and 6 seat GEM's for rent.
CAN THE GEM’S GET UP CADILLAC MOUNTAIN?
Yes! Going to the top of Cadillac is the highlight of any visit to Acadia. You will need a reservation for the mountain and at least 4 bars of battery showing on the dashboard meter. You can reserve your entry at www.rec.gov. If you get to the base of the mountain with less than 4 bars you can return to the GEM garage for a fresh vehicle if there is one available. Also we ask that you coast down the mountain as much as possible as that generates electricity and re-charges the batteries.
We have had lots of customers tour the Park Loop Road and then climb Cadillac on a single charge. Air temperature, and number of passengers are both variables that impact the range of our electric vehicles. Please call us with any questions.
WHERE CAN I GO IN MY GEM?
We recommend renting a GEM for the entire day and taking the time to enjoy everything Acadia has to offer. The Park Loop Road is 27 miles and is full of amazing points of interest, and there is a lot to see around the Town of Bar Harbor as well.
ARE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED?
We highly recommend reservations so you don't miss out on this amazing and unique way to enjoy Bar Harbor.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO RENT A GEM?
You must be at least 25 years of age, have a valid drivers license and insurance policy
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR PASSENGERS?
No- in fact we have found that kids enjoy these the most of all! We do offer booster seats for rent if you happen to need one. As with any rental car you are responsible for the passengers of your GEM. Here is a link to Main's Child Passenger Safety Laws. https://mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2081.html
WHERE CAN I DRIVE A GEM?
GEM vehicles can be driven on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph (50 km/h) or less. It is an ideal vehicle for personal transportation around your neighborhood or community. Whether you’re looking to take a family trip to the beach or enjoy a night in the town, GEM will get you there safely and comfortably.
CAN I KEEP THE GEM OVERNIGHT?
Yes! We do offer multi-day options for our vehicles. Each GEM has a luggage trunk that contains a cord for charging overnight. It will be up to you to find a standard outlet for charging.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Yes you can! We do charge a small pet fee and the doors must stay on for everyone's safety.
ARE THE GEM’S SAFE?
All GEM models meet all U.S. federal safety standards for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and is equipped with automotive safety windshield glass, three-point seat belts, turn signals, headlamps and brake lights, horn, mirrors and windshield wipers.
CAN THE GEM’S GET UP CADILLAC MOUNTAIN?
Yes! Going to the top of Cadillac is the highlight of any visit to Acadia. You will need a reservation for the mountain and at least 4 bars of battery showing on the dashboard meter. You can reserve your entry at www.rec.gov.
IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE REQUIRED TO VISIT ACADIA?
Yes there is and here is the link to purchase: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74271
IS IT EASY TO GET AROUND THE BAR HARBOR AREA?
We think anyone that is visiting an area for the first time is naturally unsure of their surroundings. Thats why we have equipped each GEM with an on-board media center. The touch screen display can provide a narrated tour or turn by turn directions.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER COOL FEATURES?
Yes! The roof of the GEMS is transparent so you can get the full outdoor feel and be protected. There is also a storage trunk for your items or a picnic lunch.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
If you plan on enjoying Acadia in the evening (which we highly recommend) then you should definitely pack sweatshirts or jackets for everyone.