Everything you need to know about E-bikes in Vermont

E-bikes are a lot like regular bikes, but with a battery-powered motor that provides just the right amount of help. Many people find that e-bikes significantly increase their ability to make biking a part of daily life by addressing barriers such as trip distance, disabilities, cargo carrying, and more. Thanks to partners at municipal, regional, and state levels, Local Motion provides programs and resources to spread the word about these benefits and support e-bike use in Vermont.

Find your E-Bike Lending Library! 

Want to try out an e-bike for free? You've come to the right place! Thanks to our partners, we have created opportunities for people in Vermont to borrow e-bikes for multiple days at a time to see how they fit into their daily transportation needs. The current locations are listed below. Stay tuned for more opportunities during 2022!

Our Burlington Lending Library is located at our Trailside Center. 

Our Traveling Lending Library rotates around Vermont. 

Our Montpelier Satellite Lending Library will be opening in June 2022.

The Brattleboro Lending Library is now managed by our friends at Brooks Memorial Library. 

The Upper Valley Lending Library originally managed by Local Motion is now managed by our friends at Vital Communities. It travels around the Upper Valley.

E-bike Promotions & Resources

• VBike’s Free E-bike Consultations for Everyone!
  • If you’re interested in an e-bike but are not sure which one is right for you, sign up for a free e-bike consultation with VBike!
• Burlington Electric Department
  • $200 rebate when you purchase an e-bike or conversion kit from a Burlington bike shop.
• Green Mountain Power
  • $200 rebate when you purchase an e-bike or conversion kit from a participating bike shop (through 12/31/22).
• Vermont Public Power Supply Authority
  • $100 rebate when you purchase an e-bike or conversion kit at a Vermont-based store (through 12/31/22).
• Washington Electric Coop
  • $200 rebate when you purchase a new e-bike from a participating bike shop (through 12/31/21).
• Stowe Electric Department
  • $200 rebate when you purchase a Class 1 e-bike from a participating shop.
• Low-interest Loans for E-bikes From Vermont State Employees Credit Union
  • VSECU offers low-interest loans that can be applied to e-bike purchases.
• Low/No-interest Loans for E-bikes From Opportunities Credit Union
  • OCU is partnering with Old Spokes Home to provide E-Bikes at low rates to Vermonters. 

Vermont E-bike Regulations

Vermont defines “e-bikes” using a  three-tiered e-bike classification system. 

E-bikes in Vermont

X Are not considered motor vehicles

X Are not subject to registration, inspection, title, license, or financial requirements

✔ Must have fully operable pedals

✔ Are governed as bicycles under VT law (follow same rules of the road)

✔ Operators are considered vulnerable users

Regulation information is sourced from the website of the Legislature of the State of Vermont.