Hobart's Free E-Bike Library is celebrating its first year, with strong participation and growing evidence it is helping residents embrace sustainable transport.
Since launching in May 2025, 144 borrowers have taken part in the program, collectively riding more than 9,800 kilometres.
The initiative is also influencing purchasing decisions, with one local retailer, Teros, reporting around one in five cargo bike customers having first tried an e-bike through the library and a general 15 per cent increase in e-bike sales over the past year.
Transport Committee Chair Cr Ryan Posselt said the program was delivering exactly what it set out to do.
Local resident Jon Leighton is one such example, purchasing an e-bike after first trying one through the program.
The program, delivered with Hobart Bike Hire and funded by the Tasmanian Government through the Community Climate Change Action Grants Program, was expanded early in its first year following high demand.
Residents can borrow an e-bike for up to two weeks free of charge (bond applies), with a range of styles available.
Visit hobartebikelibrary.com.au for current booking availability.
Quotes to be attributed to City of Hobart Transport Committee Chair Cr Ryan Posselt:
"Hobart's Free E-bike Library is about giving people the confidence to try something new.
"After one year into the program, we're seeing that once people experience the benefits of e-bikes, many go on to make the switch.
"It's great to see the impact flowing through to local businesses and helping more Hobartians consider low-emissions transport."
"Take Jon for example, that's exactly the outcome we hoped for - giving people a chance to try before they buy."
Quotes to be attributed to e-bike purchaser Jon Leighton:
"The e-bike library provided a valuable opportunity for us to understand how a cargo bike could fit into our lives.
"During a two-week free hire, the bike allowed us to whizz into town for work without sitting in traffic or paying for parking, despite the ridiculous September winds and steep Hobart hills.
"Picking up groceries on the way home was easy, too.
"This September we're expecting our first child, so we've decided to buy our own cargo bike to help with school runs once they get a bit bigger!"
