Borrow an E-bike/Cargo E-bike through our Traveling E-Bike Lending Library!
E-bikes are a transportation option that is becoming more familiar and necessary, and the goal of this program is to introduce Vermonters to how they can be incorporated into everyday life and replace car trips. From commuting to work to picking up groceries and carrying kids to school, e-bikes provide an extra boost of power that makes miles feel shorter and cargo feel lighter.
Local Motion's Traveling E-bike Lending Library will be in several locations this spring and summer, thanks to our hosts, which consist of towns, libraries, and energy committees across Vermont.
Here's where you'll be able to find our Traveling E-bike Lending Library in 2023:
- Manchester: May — Hosted at Riley Rink
- Craftsbury: June — Hosted at Craftsbury Public House
- Bennington: July and August — Hosted at Bennington Bike Hub
- Saint Albans: September — Hosted by Saint Albans Free Library
Head to the How it Works section below to reserve an e-bike for a test ride.
How it Works for Borrowers
- Head to the reservations page (click on the button below) to reserve your loan period.
- Choose the available dates (see each e-bike on the reservation page for details) and complete the form. You'll receive a confirmation email.
- Coordinate a pick-up time with the host at the location indicated on your confirmation email.
- Have fun and enjoy a car-free life!
- Return the bike on the last day of your loan period. Hours of drop-off are coordinated with the host.
Please Read Below Before Reserving a Bike - Important Borrowing Details!
- Overnight storage: You must be able to store bikes in a locked indoor location (that is NOT a shared or communal space) 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 pick-up: Ideally, you will ride the e-bike home. If that is not possible, you will need to transport the bike in a truck, van, or SUV with the car seats down. It really depends on which bike since some are quite large. We cannot send e-bikes out on car bike racks due to the risk of rack failure (it has happened).
- Minimum Rider Height: Look at the minimum rider height for each bike and reserve a bike that fits your height.
- Cargo: When carrying heavy items, be sure to balance the weight on both sides of the bike to prevent wobbly and sketchy riding.
- Child seats: The cargo e-bike has optional child seats to borrow.
- Helmet: We will supply you with a helmet if you want, but feel free to use your own.
The E-bikes
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon
MSRP: $1,999
Minimum rider height: about 5'2"
E-bike weight: 73 pounds
Transport: ride home or back of flat-bed truck
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. You have the option to borrow a Yepp child seat that is rated for kids up to 45lbs. 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.
Ride1Up 500
Minimum Rider Height: 5'1"
E-Bike Weight: 56 lbs
Transport: Ride home, or in an SUV, or in a flat-bed truck
The Ride1UP is a smooth and enjoyable ride with a step-through frame that makes it a breeze to get on and off the bike. The front suspension system makes riding over bumpy and uneven terrain more enjoyable, and the pedal assist allows you to get up Vermont's hills and around town with ease!
Turbo Como SL
Minimum Rider Height: 5'5"
E-Bike Weight: 48 lbs
Transport: Ride home, or in an SUV, or in a flat-bed truck
The Turbo Como is a lighter weight e-bike for improved handling! Its step-through frame makes getting on and off the bike a breeze. This is a comfortable and fun bike to ride around town to pick up groceries, go to appointments, commute to work, and enjoy the bike path. The electric assist conquers hills with ease.
Interested in hosting the library?
We are now looking for organizations who are interested in hosting the Traveling E-Bike Library in 2024!
If this is you, please read our Getting Started Guide first to gain an understanding of program responsibilities.
Then complete the form below to add your organization to the list of potential host sites.