Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library

Wondering if an e-bike could fit your needs and allow you to be less car-dependent? Try one for free!

E-bikes:

• have electric motors to make it easier to cycle hills and distances and carry loads
• can replace a car for some transportation needs, saving money, improving health, and cutting down on carbon emissions and traffic & parking congestion
• come in many different models, including cargo bikes, foldable, and e-trikes
• E-Bikes are heavier than regular bikes, and often slightly larger: unless you plan on riding the bike from the pick-up location, make sure your vehicle has enough space and that your bike rack is E-Bike rated (according tot eh weight of each bike – see details of each bike below)

The Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library:

• 3 bikes will be stationed at the Kilton Library in West Lebanon, and additional 5 E-Bikes will travel to other Upper Valley towns and workplaces between May and October 2026
• has 8 different e-bikes to try – in all styles
• is free and open to everyone, no library card needed
• lends bikes for part-days from Kilton and overnight through the Traveling Fleet
• in 2026, operates May 6 – October 31

More About E-Bikes and the Library  

E-bikes (electric-assist bicycles) make biking possible for more people and in more situations—especially in the Upper Valley’s hilly terrain and long distances. This means individuals save money and improve their health, and our communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic and parking congestion.  

The Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library (UVELL) was started in 2020 by a team of dedicated volunteers with support from Vital Communities. In its first two years, the program had logistical support (e.g., insurance, scheduling software, fiscal sponsorship) from Burlington-based nonprofit Local Motion. Vital Communities has fully adopted the program as of 2023 and is excited to use it as one of many touchpoints improving transportation equity and access in the Upper Valley. 

UVELL operates with 2 fleets of bikes: one is housed at the West Lebanon Kilton Library, and one travels throughout the Upper Valley, to local businesses and towns.

UVELL at The Kilton Library

The Kilton Fleet is temporarily unavailable. Please check the Traveling Fleet (below) to test out a bike locally

This year, we will have 3 bikes at the Kilton Library, available for a one-day or multi-day (overnight) test, from May 6 to October 31st. This fleet will operate within a ‘first-come, first-served’ system: no reservation needed, check in with the library by showing up or calling them ahead for availability (West Lebanon Kilton Library – (603) 298-8544 )

UVELL Traveling Fleet

4 bikes will travel between towns and businesses all summer!

• May 28 – June 17. The Etna Library – 130 Etna Road, Etna, NH, 03750. Call or stop by to reserve a bike. Opening times and more reservations details HERE
• June 17 – July 1. Rockingham Free Public Library – 65 Westminster St, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
• July 1 – July 22. Cavendish Fletcher Community Library -P.O. Box 266, Proctorsville, VT 05153.
• July 22 – August 5. Thetford Center, VT. Details coming soon!
• August 5 – 19. Randolph Chandler Center for the Arts (71 N Main St, Randolph, VT 05060)
• August 19 – September 9. South Royalton BALE Community Resource Center. Reserve your bike by emailing circle@balevt.org
• September 9 – 30. Sharon VT – Sharon Energy Committee – bikes will be at the Sharon Elementary School (135 School St, Sharon, VT 05065). You can check out bikes for 1 or multiple days. Email energy@sharonvt.gov to reserve your bike! All bikes will be available to try out at The Sprouty annual 5k walk/run and 10k race at the Sharon Elementary School on Saturday, September 12 (the Sprouty supports the Farm-to-School program at the Sharon Elementary School)

How do I reserve a bike in one of the hosting towns?

This year, most sites adopt the ‘first come first served’ method. Unless listed below under ‘Borrowing Opportunities’, please contact the hosting site for more info and reservations.

STEP 1: Choose a Model to Try

Tips on Riding an E-Bike

Borrowing Opportunities

Your Borrowing Times