Australian Greens: Canberra Electric Bike Library expanded

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Canberra Electric Bike Library, the ACT Government has extended the program for a further two years, with additional opening hours, more e-bikes available and offering opportunities to test ride the bikes at more community events. 

Since its opening in 2020, the e-bike library has received close to 1,000 enquiries for bike loans, with 237 bikes loaned across the ACT. Importantly, 86 percent of people who have borrowed a bike from the Electric Bike Library have said they see themselves purchasing an electric bike in the near future.

“Transport accounts for over 60 percent of Canberra’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, so it is critical that we cut emissions from transport,” Minister for Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury 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 help more Canberrans explore zero-emissions transport, we have added seven new bikes to the fleet, including an Australian made cargo trike and additional standard e-bike options.”

The Canberra Electric Bike Library is an initiative operated by SEE Change and supported by the ACT Government. To find out about borrowing a e-bike, visit the SEE Change website.

The following can be attributed to SEE Change Executive Officer, Brook Clinton:

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue to provide bike loans and test rides on a range of electric bike models to the community. We’ve seen a rising popularity for electric bikes from a wide range of people. This includes commuters but also older folks or people with disabilities as they explore the freedoms that an electric bike can provide.

“With new ‘cargo bike’ models in the library, 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.

“The electric bike library is a great place to start if you are wanting to get back into cycling after a few years. 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.”

The library will be showcased at more events across Canberra starting with the Wheelie Fun Day Out this Saturday (3 September) at the Margaret Hendry School from 11:30am. Canberrans will have the opportunity to test ride a selection of e-bikes from the library as well as activities for the kids and food and coffee vans.