The idea behind Hobart’s Free E-Bike Library is simple – people don’t want to fork out hundreds of dollars (or thousands) on an electric bike unless they know it’s going to work for them.
E-bikes are booming in popularity, especially in cities like Hobart where hills and longer distances can make traditional cycling a challenge.
They’re a cleaner, quicker, more convenient way to get around – but they’re not cheap and not everyone is sure how one would fit into their daily life.
That’s where the concept of an e-bike library comes in. Across Australia and around the world, cities have trialled lending programs to help people experience the benefits of e-bikes before taking the plunge.
In Canberra, for example, a similar program received more than 1000 enquiries in its first two years.
That kind of success – and the momentum it sparked – caught the attention of the City of Hobart, which had already committed to improving access to sustainable transport as part of its Transport Strategy.
In early 2025, the City received a $19,600 grant from the Tasmanian Government’s Community Climate Change Action Grants Program, and the wheels started turning.
To bring the library to life, the City partnered with Hobart Bike Hire, a trusted local operator based on the waterfront, to manage bookings, bike handovers and inductions.
Bicycle Network Tasmania also came on board to offer three months of complimentary insurance to all borrowers – covering medical, income and third-party liability.
In May 2025, Hobart’s Free E-Bike Library officially launched with a small but versatile fleet of six bikes.
This included a variety of cargo bikes (for carrying kids and groceries), step-through bikes (easy to hop on and off) and top-bar commuter bikes (the classic frame style).
It’s a trial program, so availability is limited and wait times can be long – but the goal is simple:
To give more Hobartians the chance to try an e-bike and to make sustainable transport a real, everyday option in our city.
