The 2023 season is now open! Schedules will be posted for 2 months at a time.
Please Read Below Before Reserving an E-Bike - Important Borrowing Details!
Chittenden County Resident
Our Burlington E-Bike Lending Library is open to Chittenden County Residents. If you live in another county, please reserve an e-bike from our Satellite or Travelling E-Bike Library that is closest to you.
This year, we also have a Traveling Chittenden County Library that will be visiting Hinesburg, Williston, South Burlington, and Essex Junction. If you live in one of those communities, please try to reserve an e-bike through them first.
Reservation Limits
In order to offer our free e-bike loans to as many people as possible, we are limiting reservations to 1 per family per type of e-bike. We reserve the right to cancel or deny multiple reservations of the same type of e-bike.
Reservation Commitment
You must be able to commit to picking up your reserved bike on the first day of your loan period (typically a Tuesday) at the scheduled time (4:30 - 6 pm).
- If you do not pick up at the agreed upon time, your loan is forfeited and you will be unable to reserve a bike in the future
- Pick-up and drop-off is rain or shine - if you do not plan to ride in the rain, please arrange other means of transport (see below for details)
Returns are the last day of your 10-day loan period (typically a Thursday) from 4:30 - 6 pm at the Local Motion office at 1 Steele Street, Burlington, VT. You must be able to return the e-bike at this time.
Transport from/to Local Motion
Ideally, you will ride the e-bike home. If that is not possible, you will need to transport the e-bike in a truck, van, or SUV with the seats down. It really depends on which e-bike since some are quite large (see individual bike details). We cannot send bikes out on car bike racks due to the risk of rack failure.
Overnight storage
You must be able to store bikes in a locked indoor location that is not a shared location to be eligible to borrow a bike! We're sorry if you can't, but we can't afford to lose them! Also, note that some of the bikes are heavy so some bikes won't be able to go upstairs. (see individual bike descriptions for bike weight)
Kids seats
A child seat can be requested for the RadWagons, which each hold up to about 45 lbs.
Cargo
When carrying heavy items, be sure to balance the weight on both sides of the bike to prevent wobbly and sketchy riding.
Helmet and lock
We will supply you with a lock but we ask that you bring your own helmet.
How It Works
- If you're a Chittenden County resident, head over to the booking page (click on the button below) to reserve your loan period! Your 10-day loan typically starts on a Tuesday and typically end on a Thursday
- Choose an e-bike from the list. See below for the e-bike options. Please read descriptions carefully and pay extra attention to the height recommendations for each e-bike
- Choose a start date by selecting the Tuesday on which you want your loan to start. The green squares indicate an available loan start date
- Fill in the rest! You'll receive a confirmation email and further instructions
- Reach out to Jessica ([email protected]) with any questions!
- In order to offer our free e-bike loans to as many people as possible, we are limiting reservations to 1 per season per person. We reserve the right to cancel or deny multiple reservations of the same type of e-bike
Scroll down past the descriptions of each e-bike to make a reservation!
Is the bike you're interested unavailable? Get added to the waitlist!
Meet our E-Bikes
Cargo Bikes
RadWagon
The RadWagon is a cargo e-bike that can carry you and your kids, groceries, and other valuable cargo around town and some mild backroads. The 5 pedal-assist levels and throttle help take the buckets of sweat away from your bike commute and the cargo carrying ability makes this a true car replacement! We have two RadWagons available, and can provide child seats rated for kids up to 45 lbs each!
- The larger white RadWagon (pictured orange in the stock photo) can come assembled with safety bars around the cargo area for older children, as well as 1 child seat
- The smaller white RadWagon fits 1 child seat
This is a popular bike; reserve early!
MSRP: $1,999
Recommended Rider Height: 5'1" - 6'4" (approx. inseam 24.5" - 36.25")
E-bike weight: 73 lbs
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van
Commuter Bikes
Specialized Turbo Comos
These are great commuter e-bikes, and feels like a rocket ship (if you want it to!) Their oversized road tires absorb bumps and cracks in the road. The e-assist propels you over hills and across flats. The Turbo Como is great for commuting any distance, from 2 miles to 20 miles. With a range of up to about 60 miles, the Como will take you far! The step-through frame makes it easier to get on and off the e-bike
Available to purchase at Skirack.
MSRP: $3,250
Minimum rider height size S: 4’10"
E-bike weight: 62 lbs
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van
Pink (size S): minimum rider height 4'10"
Dark Pink (size M): minimum rider height: 5'5"
Red (size M): minimum rider height: 5'4" inseam: 31"
Trek Verve+ & Trek Verve+2
This beautiful e-bike will let you ditch your car at every opportunity. Integrated lights and fenders help keep you seen and dry. The e-assist flattens the hills along your route and makes your legs feel bionic. It's hard not to smile while going to work, the store, or school! You can get up to 70 miles range with the motor! We have two Verves in the library fleet, both are size M! Available to purchase at North Star Sports and Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness.
MSRP: $2,850
Size M
Recommended Rider Height: 5'3" - 6'
E-bike weight: 55 lbs
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van
Gazelle Arroyo C7 HMB
The ultra low-step frame make this an accessible e-bike packed with features that make it a joy to ride - from the front suspension that smooths out bumpy roads, to the powerful hydraulic disc brakes. You'll have fun and be comfortable commuting to work and the e-assist makes even the toughest hills doable. Available to purchase at Northstar
MSRP: $3,399
Size: M
Recommended Rider Height: 5'5" - 6'
E-bike weight: 51 lbs
Transport: ride home, SUV, van, truck bed
RadCity 5 Plus
The RadCity 5 Plus is an excellent electric bike for a wide range of folks that’s built to make every day trips around town to pick up groceries, go to appointments, and even your commute a breeze. The powerful motor conquers hills with ease, and has a generous range of 28 - 50 miles.
MSRP: $1999
Recommended rider height range: 5'4" - 6'5"
E-bike weight: 64 lbs
Maximum load weight: 275
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van, SUV
Hybrid Commuter/Cargo E-Bike (the best of both worlds!)
RadRunner
This hybrid utility bike is able to handle the everyday needs of a wide range of riders. Because of its rugged front suspension and wide tires, it conquers hills and smooths out rough terrain with ease.
It’s the perfect bike for two, as the rear-rack is able to easily fit a second rider and has the option to have a padded passenger seat installed (when the passenger seat is installed, the child seat cannot be installed).
It also has the option to come with a child seat that fits children up to 45 lbs!
MSRP: $1499
Rider Heights: 4’11” - 6’2”
(Approximate bike inseam between 26” and 36.25”)
Minimum rider inseam: 26” (4’11” minimum height)
Maximum rider inseam: 32.25” (36.25”
E-bike weight: 77 lbs
Maximum load weight: 300 lbs
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van, SUV
Battery Range: 25 - 45 miles
Single-Speed
contact Jessica ([email protected]) with any questions
This program is dedicated to the memory of Karen Freudenberger – passionate community activist, avid e-bike rider, and indefatigable promoter of social justice and peace.
