Preparation: Make a reservation. If you get to the bike shop and there is'nt a bike available, walk a short distance to Post Ranch or Ventana or Nepenthe and ask the bike shop to contact you when the bikes are available. Sometimes others run late and so the bikes come back in a little late. Or rent the whole day so this doesn't happen.
Getting to the bike shop: I left Monterey at 7:45 on a Thur. I drove from Monterey to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park. Go into the park, drive to campground #4, park in the lot. There is limited parking so arriving from 11 to 2 could mean you will need to find another parking place. At 8:30, I started up the trail to Hwy 1. The climb is about 1/4 of a mile but it is a 500 ft elevation change, there are about 9 switchbacks. Bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a snack, and a hat. Another 1/4 mile walk to the bike shop, located near the bakery. I arrived at the bike shop at 9:00, if you need to rest during the climb allow more time.
The bike: It is currently $75+4tx for four hours or $105 +6tx. Four hours is plenty of time to sightsee, visit McWay falls, have a small picnic lunch. If you watch your time you could probably stop at one of the restaurants for lunch. We rode from the bike shop to McWay falls, stopping numerous times for photos and scenery. If you keep the mode on your bike at 2 or 3, you will use a little less than half the battery when you get to McWay falls, which can be accessed from off the entrance of the Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park. Coming back, as you pass Deetjin's, the hill will begin to rise. Don't be afraid to set your mode to 4 or 5. My battery began to flash low but there was plenty of charge left as I pedaled on mode 5. The bike is heavy but the motor and a little bit of pedaling work great. The bike has a gauge that monitors the battery and mileage.
The experience: Beautiful. Pay attention to the map you are given at the bike shop. It tells you where the best places are to stop to see condors, whales, etc. take lots of pictures as you go south. It is a little more difficult to take pictures going north as you need to cross the road. Remember there are still cars driving on Hwy 1, just not many. Take your time, enjoy the beauty.