Borrow from Hobart’s e-bike library and pedal into the future

Published on 03 March 2025

Thinking about switching to an e-bike but not sure if it’s right for you? Hobart’s Free E-Bike Library lets you take one for a spin - completely free!

E-bikes are growing in popularity each year and offer cyclists an environmentally friendly way to travel, without having to stress about steep hills and headwinds.

Unfortunately, the cost of an e-bike can be daunting to many people. This program will allow Hobartians to borrow an e-bike for up to two weeks for free.

Participants can choose from three styles of e-bike - step-through, top bar, or cargo bike (ideal for carrying kids and groceries) - with a total of six e-bikes available.

The first round of loans is set to roll out in April, with registrations opening soon. Spots will fill quickly so sign up on the City of Hobart website to be notified when registrations open!

The City of Hobart has partnered with local bike shop Hobart Bike Hire, who will handle the management of the e-bike library.

This initiative is made possible through a $19,600 grant from the Tasmanian Government’s Community Climate Change Action Grants Program 2024.

For more information visit here.

Quotes to be attributed to City Transport Committee Chair Councillor Ryan Posselt:

“This program gives people real-world experience to see if an e-bike fits their lifestyle and can replace short car trips.

“Many households have two cars, but an e-bike could replace one - saving money on fuel, rego, and insurance.

“Hobart’s hills and headwinds can make cycling tough, but e-bikes flatten the ride, making active transport easier and more accessible.

“With more people opting for sustainable transport, this initiative will help make e-bikes a more accessible and viable option for everyday travel in Hobart.”

Quotes to be attributed to Minister for the Environment Madeleine Ogilvie:

"These grants are all about empowering Tasmanians to develop clever ideas to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment.

“The ‘e-bike library’ will introduce more people to e-bikes, which are a clean and healthy way of getting around.”

Quotes to be attributed to Bicycle Network Tasmania public affairs manager Alison Hetherington:

“Bicycle Network is delighted to be involved in the development of an e-bike library for Hobart.

“When people try an e-bike they understand its potential to replace car trips. Riding an e-bike means you don’t have to worry about steep hills, headwinds and sore knees!

“By taking an e-bike home people can see how it would fit into their daily lives. Being able to ride an e-bike for shorter and regular trips gives people more choice in how they move around Hobart.”

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Bike Hire owner Wayne Chapman:

“This is a great way for people to see how a bike can work in their lifestyle.

“The e-bike library will help users understand what they want in a bike when shopping at their local bike shop.”