Everything You Need to Know About E-bikes in Vermont

E-bikes are an excellent way to make biking a part of daily life, and are a viable option to replace car trips. The battery-powered motor provides just the right amount of help, and addresses several bike-related transportation barriers such as trip distance, disabilities, hills, cargo and child carrying, and more!

E-bike Promotions & Resources

Learn how to care for your e-bike's battery. This is especially important as we enter the winter months!

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!

Rebates

• Vermont State Incentive
  • See Drive Electric Vermont's State Incentive's page for full program details, eligibility, and how to apply
• Burlington Electric Department
  • Up to a $600 rebate when you purchase an e-bike or conversion kit at local and online retailers, or up to $850 for income-qualified customers
• Green Mountain Power
  • $200 rebate when you purchase an e-bike or conversion kit for transportation purposes
• Stowe Electric Department
  • $150 rebate on qualifying Class 1 e-bikes
• Vermont Public Power Supply Authority
  • $100 rebate when you purchase an e-bike or conversion kit

E-bike Lending Libraries

Checking out an e-bike from an E-bike Lending Library is a great way to see how an e-bike could work for you. Find an e-bike lending library below.

• Montpelier E-bike Lending Library
• Springfield E-bike Lending Library
• Middlebury E-bike Lending Library
• Rutland E-bike Lending Library
• Brattleboro E-bike Lending Library
• Upper Valley E-bike Lending Library
• Saint Albans E-bike Lending Library

Vermont E-bike Regulations

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

E-bikes & Motor-assisted bicycles are not motor vehicles, meaning:

• Riders follow the same rules of the road as conventional bikes
• Riders are considered Vulnerable Road Users
• You do not need registration, license or inspection

Although Motor-assisted bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks (which may include Shared-use Paths), E-bikes are allowed everywhere a conventional bicycle can go.

State Statute does have provisions for municipalities to limit whether E-bikes are allowed on certain Shared-use Paths.

*: Burlington currently limits sidewalk riding for all bicycles in some parts of their Downtown
Regulation information is sourced from the website of the Legislature of the State of Vermont.

Recycle E-bike Batteries

Do not throw E-bike batteries into your home trash. You can recycle your e-bike battery for free at locations across Vermont. Use the locator here to find the nearest one to you. Please note that the free program only applies to certain brands. Check the eligibility of your e-bike battery here.

Learn more about recycling e-bike and other batteries in Vermont.

Find more information about e-bike safety here.