Hobart’s Free E-Bike Library Has Launched – And It’s Already a Hit 🚲💨

Mark Donnellon

Mark Donnellon

— 3 min read
Hobart’s Free E-Bike Library Has Launched – And It’s Already a Hit 🚲💨

The Hobart E-Bike Library officially launched this May, and within hours some bikes were booked out for the year. That’s right – Hobartians jumped at the chance to borrow one of six e-bikes available in the library’s free two-week loan program. There's still a few bookings available in the near future, but get in quick!

The demand has been so overwhelming that the City of Hobart is already exploring ways to expand the fleet with support from local businesses and community grants.

A sample of the various bike available.

So, what is the e-bike library?

It’s a free program that lets Tasmanian residents over 18 borrow an electric bike for two weeks to see how it fits into their lifestyle – whether that’s commuting, hauling groceries, doing the school run, or simply enjoying a cruise along the waterfront. Participants get a taste of three styles of e-bike: step-through city bikes, classic top-bar commuters, and cargo bikes that can carry kids and gear.

City of Hobart Councillor Ryan Posselt, Bicycle Network's Alison Hetherington and Hobart Bike Hire's Wayne Chapman

This trial project is a collaboration between the City of Hobart, Hobart Bike Hire, Bicycle Network Tasmania, and local bike retailers including Giant Hobart, Teros, and Roll Cycles. It was established with the support of a $19,600 grant from the Tasmanian Government’s Community Climate Change Action Grants Program.

Each loan includes:

  • A high-quality e-bike matched to your size and needs
  • Waterproof panniers and a secure lock
  • An optional child seat for cargo models
  • A three-month Bicycle Network membership with insurance
  • An induction session and support from Hobart Bike Hire

Bookings are made through hobartebikelibrary.com.au, and pick-ups happen Tuesday to Thursday from Brooke Street Pier.

From a sustainability and transport equity standpoint, this is a win. E-bikes offer a low-emissions, low-stress alternative to short car trips, especially in a city like Hobart where hills and headwinds often make traditional cycling intimidating. As Cr Ryan Posselt from the City of Hobart’s Transport Committee put it: “This program gives people real-world experience to see if an e-bike fits their lifestyle and can replace short car trips.”

Cargo bikes can easily carry bulkier items and often have a rated payload weight of 100kg.

At Streets People Love Hobart, we’re cheering on this initiative. Not everyone can afford to drop thousands of dollars on a new bike just to find out it doesn’t suit them – but this program levels the playing field. It makes exploring healthy, sustainable transport not just possible, but inviting.

We hope this is just the beginning of more community bike access, and we’ll be pushing for more support, more bikes, and more people-powered streets in Hobart.

Want to help? Spread the word. Ask your employer if they’d sponsor a library bike. And if you’ve got your hands on a booking – we’d love to hear about your ride.

Subscribe and follow Streets People Love Hobart to get updates on the trial, like when new bikes arrive!

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