Learn About E-Bikes


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!

Vermont E-bike Regulations

Vermont defines e-bikes using a three-tiered classification system. Learn more about e-motos at localmotion.org/emotos

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.

Find resources about e-motos, including shareable handouts and graphics, at localmotion.org/emotos


E-bike Promotions & Resources

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.


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

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, or contact your solid waste management entity for local drop off options. Your local bike shop is also a great resource to ask about e-bike recycling options in your community.

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


Find more information about e-bike safety here.

Burlington E-Bike Lending Library

Try an e-bike. On us.

Borrow one of our e-bikes for almost a full week — Thursday through Tuesday — to test out how an e-bike can fit into your daily routine.

About our e-bike lending library program

Local Motion's e-bike lending library program is designed to lower the barrier to trying an e-bike before you purchase one. E-bikes can be expensive, and it's hard to know how one would actually work for your commute, your errands, or you're family before you make an investment. That's what this program is here to address: a no-commitment week on an an e-bike so you can find out for yourself how an e-bike can fit into your life.

This program is made possible through partnerships with the Burlington Electric Department and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission.

Apply Now

How it works

Fill out the application to let us know you're interested. If selected, we'll set up a time on Thursday, the first day of your loan, for you to pick up the e-bike, run through some safety and care instructions, and sign a waiver. Return the bike the following Tuesday, and you're done.

Five days to see how an e-bike fits into your life.

The bikes

We have a variety of e-bikes that can accommodate a range of heights and riding needs. We also have a limited number of cargo attachments and child seats — if you need one, let us know in your application and we'll do our best to match you.

We currently don't have any e-trikes or adaptive bikes in our lending library fleet, but check back in the future!

What we ask of you

In order to ensure the security of our bikes, and ensure this program can reach as many people as possible, we ask a few things of you:

  • Credit card information as collateral — only charged if you damage the e-bike or fail to return it (if you do not have a credit card, please let us know in your application)
  • Only one loan per household
  • Bikes must be pedaled away from Local Motion — and should never be transported in a trunk, truck bed, or on a bike rack
  • You must arrange the day and time for pick up and return of your e-bike ahead of time
  • You must return your e-bike by 5:30 PM on the last day of your loan, Tuesday
  • Bikes must be stored overnight in a locked private indoor location. Please note that some bikes may be too heavy to carry upstairs. 
  • Bikes must be locked to a bike rack or stored in a locked private indoor location when not in use. You may not lock the bike to trees, signs, or fences.
  • Batteries must be charged under supervision indoors, and unplugged when full. Batteries may not be left unattended when not attached to the bike

Learn More

Reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Want to learn more about e-bikes, Vermont rebates, and other resources? Visit localmotion.org/ebikes

Meet our E-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! The bike comes equipped with integrated lights, a very large rear rack, front basket, and fenders.

  • Our RadWagon is currently only suitable to carry non-human cargo, as we do not have the child carrying accessories available.
  • This is a Class 2 e-bike, meaning that the electric assistance maxes out at 20 mph. It does have a throttle which is designed to only be used in short bursts to help you get started.

Current model as of June 2026 MSRP $1,799
One size: Recommended Rider Height: 5'1" - 6'4" (approx. inseam 24.5" - 36.25")
E-bike weight: 73 lbs
Estimated Range: 23 - 45 miles (very dependent on the weight of cargo and how much assistance is used)
Rear rack has 100 lb carrying capacity
Payload (total carrying capacity, rider plus gear or passengers): 350 lbs

 

Specialized Turbo Como

The Specialized Turbo Como is an e-bike designed for commuting on city streets, with wider tires, suspension, a low-entry frame and upright riding position to keep you comfortable. The bike comes equipped with fenders, integrated lights, and a rack.

  • This is a Class 3 e-bike, meaning that the electric assist maxes out at 28 mph. There is no throttle.

Available to purchase at Skirack.

Current version (Turbo Como 5) as of June 2026 MSRP $6,499
Size Medium: Recommended rider height 5'5" - 5'10"
E-bike weight: 62 lbs
Estimated Range: 30 - 65 miles (very dependent on the weight of cargo and how much assistance is used)
Rear rack has 59 lb carrying capacity
Payload (total carrying capacity, rider plus gear or passengers): 300 lbs

 

Gazelle Arroyo C7 HMB


The ultra low-step frame makes 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. It comes set up with integrated lights, fenders, and a rear rack.

  • This is a Class 1 e-bike, meaning that the electric assist maxes out at 20 mph. There is no throttle.

Available to purchase at Northstar.

Current model as of June 2026 MSRP: $3,399
Size Medium: Recommended Rider Height: 5'5" - 6'
E-bike weight: 51 lbs
Estimated Range: 35 - 90 miles (very dependent on the weight of cargo and how much assistance is used)
Rear rack has 59 lb carrying capacity
Payload (total carrying capacity, rider plus gear or passengers): 300 lbs

 

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 bikes comes with integrated lights, an oversized rear rack, and fenders.

  • This is a Class 1 e-bike, meaning that the electric assist maxes out at 20 mph. There is no throttle.

Current Model as of June 2026 MSRP: $1999
Recommended rider height range: 5'4" - 6'5"
E-bike weight: 64 lbs
Estimated Range: 25 - 45 miles (very dependent on the weight of cargo and how much assistance is used)
Rear rack has 55 lb carrying capacity
Payload (total carrying capacity, rider plus gear or passengers): 275 lbs

 

RadRunner

This hybrid utility bike is able to handle the everyday needs of a wide range of riders. It has a very simple design with only one gear. Because of its small wheel size, it can accommodate a much broader range of riders. It is designed with the option to carry human cargo using a padded seat and handle behind the rider. This bike comes equipped with integrated lights and rear rack.

  • Our RadRunner is currently only suitable to carry non-human cargo, as we do not have the child carrying accessories available.
  • This is a Class 2 e-bike, meaning that the electric assistance maxes out at 20 mph. It does have a throttle which is designed to only be used in short bursts to help you get started.

MSRP: $1499
Rider Heights: 4’11” - 6’2” (Approximate bike inseam between 26” and 36.25”)
E-bike weight: 77 lbs
Estimated Range: 25 - 45 miles (very dependent on the weight of cargo and how much assistance is used)
Payload (total carrying capacity, rider plus gear or passengers): 300 lbs