Pedal to the metal: E-bike library to double in size

Published on 16 May 2025

Just one week after launching, Hobart’s Free E-Bike Library is already gearing up for an expansion following an avalanche of bookings.

More than 100 people have signed up to borrow one of the library's six bicycles, meaning some models are now booked out until late 2026.

In response to strong public demand, the City of Hobart is fast-tracking the addition of six more e-bikes – doubling the fleet and allowing more people to take part.

The program, which launched on Wednesday May 7, allows residents to borrow an electric bike for two weeks, free of charge (a refundable bond applies), giving them a chance to try one out before deciding whether to invest in one themselves.

Funded by the Tasmanian Government’s Community Climate Change Action Grants, the program’s early success highlights strong demand for affordable, low-emissions transport options – and the value of public investment in active transport.

The initiative also delivers on key goals in the Hobart Transport Strategy 2024, which aims to make sustainable and active transport more viable and accessible, ultimately providing transport choice for all residents.

As the program grows, the City is exploring the opportunity for businesses to sponsor the purchase of additional e-bikes for the library. Each sponsored bike could be added to the fleet and feature the business’s branding.

The expansion coincides with National Road Safety Week, during which City of Hobart staff have distributed free high-vis reflective bands to improve safety and visibility for cyclists and pedestrians at night.

For more information and to book please click here.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

“This response shows Hobartians are ready to embrace cleaner, healthier ways of getting around.

“We knew the e-bike library would be popular, but the level of demand has exceeded our expectations.

“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 make our roads less congested and safer for those who have to drive.”

Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Environment Madeleine Ogilvie:

“Through our investment, we’re empowering communities to think creatively to address the challenges of climate change.

“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.

“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.

“As part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we’re committed to protecting our State’s unique environment.”

Quotes to be attributed to Stefan Hattrell:

“I was curious about how an e-bike could fit into my daily life without committing to buying one upfront.

“The e-bike library seemed like a great way for my partner and I to test it out, to see how practical it would be and whether it would be worth the investment.

“Having an e-bike makes getting around Hobart much easier and more enjoyable. I don’t have to worry about finding a car park and I can quickly get around to complete errands.

“I’ve found the cargo bike to be a good fit for the kind of uses we have. It’s big enough to transport one child along with bags and is able to comfortably get up the hill to our home.

“Borrowing the bike has definitely brought us closer to a decision on buying one ourselves.”