The Canberra Electric Bike Library opened in 2020, and due to its overwhelming popularity, the program has been extended for a further two years, with additional opening hours, more e-bikes, and more opportunities to test-ride the bikes at community events. 

You can find out more about the Library at the Wheelie Fun Day Out this Saturday, 3 September, at the Margaret Hendry School from 11:30am. You can test-ride e-bikes from the Library; there will also be children’s activities, and food and coffee vans.

The Library is operated by SEE-Change, and supported by the ACT Government. Since it opened, the e-bike library has received almost 1,000 enquiries about borrowing its 237 bikes.

• Electric bike library trial extended for another year (4 July 2021)
• ACT e-bike trial up and pedalling (24 July 2020)

“We’ve seen a rising popularity for electric bikes from a wide range of people,” SEE-Change executive officer Brook Clinton said. “This includes commuters, but also older folks or people with disabilities as they explore the freedoms that an electric bike can provide.”

Seven new e-bikes have been added to the fleet, including an Australian-made cargo trike.

“There is even more to explore when it comes to carrying kids and groceries, and generally using these bikes as a second car replacement, or even your predominant form of transport around town,” Ms Clinton said.

86 per cent of people who borrowed a bike from the Library saw themselves purchasing an electric bike in the near future.

“The electric bike library is a great place to start if you are wanting to get back into cycling after a few years,” Ms Clinton said. “Starting with a motor allows you to increase your fitness to a point that you are comfortable with. Our SEE-Change staff and volunteers are here to help you understand the benefits of an electric bike and how it may fit your lifestyle.”

“Transport accounts for over 60 per cent of Canberra’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, so it is critical that we cut emissions from transport,” Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Emissions Reduction, said.

“The Canberra Electric Bike Library encourages Canberrans to think about their travel options. No matter where you live in Canberra, you can borrow an e-bike for a week and test how it works for you when commuting, grocery shopping, or even on a school run.”

To find out about borrowing a e-bike, visit the SEE-Change website.