Just one week after launching, Hobart's Free E-Bike Library is set to double in size following an avalanche of bookings.
The City of Hobart has announced it will add six more electric bikes to the fleet - an investment of about $20,000 - after the opening wave of registrations saw many models booked out until late 2026.
The new bikes, due to join the system in June, will include a variety of styles, including a folding e-bike suited to riders who have limited storage or use public transport.
People who have already made bookings will be given early access to the new bikes in a bid to shorten long wait times.
The e-bike library will double in size just weeks after launching, following overwhelming demand.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the program's popularity showed strong demand for cleaner, healthier ways of getting around the city.
"We knew the e-bike library would be popular, but the level of demand has exceeded our expectations," Cr Reynolds said.
"Doubling the fleet will mean more people can give e-bikes a go and potentially discover how practical they are for their daily lives.
"Every trip taken by bike instead of car helps ease congestion and makes our roads safer for everyone."
Stefan Hattrell says borrowing a cargo e-bike made everyday trips easier and more enjoyable.
Launched on May 7 with six e-bikes, the library allows Tasmanians to borrow an electric bicycle for two weeks, free of charge - though a refundable bond applies.
In its first 24 hours, the program received 85 bookings. By the end of the week, that number had climbed to more than 130.
One of those bookings came from South Hobart father Stefan Hattrell, who borrowed a cargo bike to see how it could fit into everyday life.
"It's been a really helpful way to figure out how an e-bike might work for us," he said.
"It's big enough to transport one child along with bags and is able to comfortably get up the hill to our home.
"It makes getting around Hobart much easier and more enjoyable."
Mr Hattrell says the library has helped his family see whether an e-bike would work for them.
The library is the first of its kind in Tasmania and was originally made possible through a $19,600 grant from the state government's Community Climate Change Action Grants.
Minister for Environment Madeleine Ogilvie said the e-bike library is a smart use of public funds to drive local climate action.
“A truly community-based initiative, Hobart’s Free E-Bike Library is giving Hobartians the opportunity to try an e-bike and experience clean transport," she said.
“More e-bikes on our streets means fewer emissions and less noise pollution. That’s not to mention the health and wellbeing benefits that come with active transport."
Minister Ogilvie says the program is helping communities take practical climate action.
As demand continues to grow, the City of Hobart is also exploring options for local businesses to sponsor an additional e-bike, which could then be added to the fleet with their branding.
For residents like Hattrell, the experience has made the potential benefits of e-bike ownership more tangible.
"Borrowing the bike has definitely brought us closer to a decision on buying one ourselves," he said.