Borrow an e-bike or cargo e-bike!

E-bikes and cargo bikes can significantly increase your ability to make biking a part of your life. Want to try one? You've come to the right place! If you're a Vermont resident, scroll down to learn about our E-bike Library in Burlington, our Traveling E-bike Library, and similar programs made available by some friends.

Scroll down to see the e-bikes in Burlington,
or click here for the traveling e-bike library.

E-bike Promotions & Resources

Free e-bike consultations from VBike!

Burlington Electric customers:
$200 rebate on an e-bike!

Green Mountain Power customers:
$200 rebate on an e-bike!

10% Evelo e-bikes for GMP customers!

Video: "e-bikes 101"

Low-interest loans for bikes from VSECU

Other free e-bike loan programs in Vermont:

Brattleboro: VBike Solutions (click here to learn more)
Burlington: Skirack (click here to learn more)
Various towns: Local Motion's Traveling E-bike Library (click here to learn more)

How it Works

If you're a Vermont resident, head over to the booking page (click on the button below) to reserve your loan period! All loans start on a Thursday and end on the following Tuesday at the Local Motion office. We'll figure out pick-up and drop-off times with you.
Choose a date range
Choose a bike from the list (see below for the bike options--pay extra attention to the height recommendations for each e-bike). If a loan period is not showing for the bike you chose, that bike is already reserved for that time.
Fill in the rest! You'll receive a confirmation email.

Please Read Below Before Reserving a Bike! - Important Borrowing Details!

Overnight storage: You must be able to store bikes in a locked indoors 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 each bike for weights below.
Transport from/to Local Motion: Ideally, you will ride the e-bike home. If that is not possible, you will need to transport the bike in a truck, van, SUV, or car trunk with the seats down. It really depends on which bike since some are quite large. We cannot send bikes out on car bike racks due to the risk of rack failure.
Kids seats: For Marigold, you have the option to use 1 or 2 kids seats that hold up to about 45 lbs each. We'll put these on at pick-up.
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'll supply you with both if you want! (also free!)

reserve a bike!

Many thanks to our E-bike Library partners!

Meet our Bikes

Marigold ***CURRENTLY UNDER REPAIR AND NOT AVAILABLE TO BORROW***
In 2014, our supporters helped us win a free Xtracycle in a contest. Her name is Marigold, and she is gorgeous. Marigold is equipped to carry up to two children, but can easily also carry groceries and anything else that you need to get from point A to point B. The kid seats are rated for up to 45 lbs each. Children larger than that can ride with the seats off. She is fully kitted out with bell, fenders, lights, and panniers. A joy to ride, she's gorgeous and fun! BONUS: She has been electrified, and is equipped with a glorious Bionix e-assist! The motor is in the rear hub that you can control with a handlebar-mounted screen and buttons. Available to purchase at Old Spokes Home (MSRP: $4,000+).

Minimum rider height: 5'0"
Weight: 70+ pounds
Transport: ride home
MSRP: about $4,000+

Urban Arrow Family (pick-up and drop-off at Old Spokes Home!)
Need a pick-up truck or minivan? Not anymore. Here's an electric cargo bike that will carry up to four kids (3 comfortably), groceries, and all kinds of things. It takes a little getting used to when you first start riding it, but with practice, it's, well, just like riding a bike. We'll send you off with a rain canopy that keeps your precious cargo dry and out of the wind, plus you'll stay pretty dry, too. The range is about 20 miles depending on the terrain on which you're riding. The e-assist makes those hills a breeze. To borrow this bike, you should be very comfortable riding bikes in general as this large e-bike requires more attention and care. You should be at least 5'4" to borrow the Urban Arrow. Purchase this bike at Old Spokes Home (MSRP: $5,000).

Minimum rider height: 5'4"
E-bike weight: 94 lbs
Transport: ride home from Old Spokes Home

Kermit
A "cargo light" bike. This Yuba Boda-Boda has a slightly elongated wheelbase, with a padded platform on the back for someone to sit on (they have to hang on, though!) It's one of the lightest cargo bikes out there but has a lot of versatility. Kermit looks and feels more like a "traditional" bike, but can carry a lot of extra gear. Want to learn more about the experience of using Kermit? Check out Annie Follett's blog post about her time with using Kermit as a loaner bike: Yuba Boda-Boda, an Easy to Love Cargo Bike. Kermit also has been electrified with a Hill Topper e-bike kit! With the push of a handy throttle button, you can engage the 250w front hub motor to help you glide up the hills. (MSRP: $1,500+)

Minimum rider height: 5'4"
E-bike weight: 40 pounds
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van

RadPower RadMini
The RadMini is an electric-folding-cargo-fat-bike that is ready to replace your car trips whether in the city or in the dirt roads. You can expect a range of 20-45+ miles from its battery depending on terrain and the level of pedal-assist and throttle you use. RadPower Bikes donated this sweet commuting rig to Local Motion. Learn more about the RadMini. Available to purchase online at www.radpowerbikes.com (MSRP: $1,699).

Minimum rider height: 5'
E-bike weight: 60+ lbs
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van, SUV, car trunk (it folds!)

Specialized Turbo Como
This e-bike feels like a rocket ship (if you want it to). Its over-sized road tires absorb bumps and cracks in the road. The e-assist propellers 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! This bike fits folks who are 5'6" and taller. Available to purchase at Skirack (MSRP: $2,700).

Minimum rider height: 5'6"
E-bike weight: 48 lbs
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van

Trek Verve+
This beautiful machine 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! This bike is for folks who are about 5' to 5'8". Available to purchase at North Star Sports (MSRP: $2,300).

Minimum rider height: 5'
E-bike weight: 46 lbs
Transport: ride home, truck bed, van

reserve a bike!

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.