Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library

Try an E-Bike for Free

The Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library offers a great opportunity to “try before you buy” and allow you to get a feel for how an e-bike might fit into your lifestyle.

The Library is a selection of four e-bikes of assorted styles and retail costs. Since the Library began in 2020, more than 65% of the borrowers who responded to surveys said they have already bought an e-bike or are planning on buying one.

In 2022, the Library traveled to 14 Upper Valley towns and two workplaces (Hypertherm and Dartmouth Health). In 2023, that number is 19, including nine new locations!

While the e-bike library is stationed at a particular lending location, people can sign up to borrow one of the e-bikes for 1-3 days. Many of the towns also hold “Demo Days” at which people can see all four e-bikes and take them for quick spins. 

In addition to trying e-bikes through the Library, Vermont residents can get a free e-bike consultation through VBike! VBike has been contracted by Go! Vermont to consult one on one with Vermont households, families, businesses, and even bike shops. They can help you to choose the e-bike, e-cargo bike and/or e-assist system that best fits your needs based on type of terrain and distance you intend to ride, what you want to do with your bike, cargo-hauling needs, and many other considerations.

All these services are free, thanks to our sponsor, Kilton Public Library, and the many volunteers in each town and workplace!

Choose from Among These Four Models

RadWagon

Converted Bianchi

RadMini (folding e-bike)

Turbo Como

Book a Borrowing Opportunity

♥ Scan the Borrowing Opportunities list for the loan dates, model, and leading location you want!

If it’s “Open,” it’s available. TIP: Use the “Event Location” search field to sort by lending location!

♥ Click open the Opportunity you want and follow the prompts to book it.

Check your email for a confirmation!

♥ Want to try several models?

Look for a “Demo Day” in your town under “Borrowing Opportunities.”

♥ Need to cancel a booking?

Contact the Coordinator for that event and let them know as soon as possible so they can free up the slot for someone else. Thank you!

2023 LOCATIONS
Subject to Change!

May 31-June 14: Sharon
June 14-28: Hanover
July 5-19: Hartland
July 19-26: Rockingham
July 26-August 2: Claremont
Aug 9-16: New London
Aug 16-30: Cornish/Plainfield
Aug 30-Sept 4: Woodstock
Sept 11-20: Norwich
Sept 27-Oct 11: Orford
Oct 18-25: Reading VT

Please Read This Before Booking a Bike!

Overnight storage: You must be able to store bikes in a locked indoor 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 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, SUV, or car trunk with the 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).
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!), but feel free to use your own.

Need help? Contact Anna Guenther at anna@vitalcommunities.org or 802-291-9100 x 117 or contact the Coordinator for a specific host town (listed in the Borrowing Opportunities)

Borrowing Opportunities

Your Bookings

More About E-Bikes and the Library

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

The Lending Library 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.

Where to Test an E-Bike

These Upper Valley bike shops and rental companies let you rent or try out an e-bike:

Thanks to Our Sponsor!

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