By Heather Knoll and Jenevra Wetmore
The Upper Valley E-bike Library is a great opportunity to borrow an e-bike for free and get a feel for whether or not they are right for you. This summer, Sustainable Woodstock will be hosting the Upper Valley E-bike Library at North Chapel Church from August 22nd – 25th. We will have opportunities to borrow a bike overnight as well as a demo day where you can take a bike out for an hour to try around town. There will be four types of e-bikes to try including a cargo bike with a rear rack and several standard bikes, all with an electric assist that helps riders get around with less effort and scale hills that previously seemed impossible.
One of the ways that we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions is through switching to electric vehicles. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are a lower cost way to travel locally while reducing your carbon footprint. The main difference between a regular bike and an e-bike is that e-bikes can provide an assist for hills and difficult riding conditions, where a regular bike depends completely on the rider.
In addition to being easier on your budget than an electric car, the manufacturing impacts of electric bikes tend to be lower compared to cars. The environmental footprint of e-bike batteries continues to decrease. Many e-bike manufacturers are also increasingly focused on sustainability in their production, using recycled materials and designing bikes for longevity and recyclability.
Electric bikes also help to alleviate traffic and reduce the demand for parking spaces. This not only saves time but also lowers overall energy consumption and emissions caused by idling in traffic jams. And while traffic problems are not the first thing one might associate with Vermont, the idea of being able to cruise by a slow-moving line of leaf-peeping vehicles is very appealing.
Traveling by bike is not only a healthy choice for our planet, but a healthy choice for our bodies as well. Regular cycling, even assisted by an electric motor, contributes to a healthy lifestyle and reduces the sedentary lifestyle associated with car-dependent transportation. It also reduces the need to find additional time in the day to squeeze in exercise.
E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and can be plugged directly into an outlet at your home. Much like an electric car, they use energy from the grid. Typically, e-bikes can travel up to 20 mph, and can travel 22-50 miles on a single charge, depending on a number of factors. Some bikes have high ranges of 80+ miles per charge.
When deciding if an e-bike is right for you, you will want to factor in what the bike’s primary use will be. Cargo bikes allow the rider to carry a larger load of cargo, such as groceries, and many can be outfitted with a child’s seat for school pick-up. There are also commuter bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, and many more customizable features. You can also purchase e-bike conversion kits, which convert a regular bike to an e-bike for less cost than purchasing a new e-bike.
Are you interested in using an e-bike but don’t know where to start? Come try one out for free! The Upper Valley E-Bike Lending Library will be in Woodstock from August 22nd -25th. There will be four bikes for participants to try:
- The RadWagon 3 has a long frame and low center of gravity, and is a cargo bike meant to pick up the kids from school or load up on groceries. We also have a child’s seat strapped onto the bike to take your kid for a test ride too!
- The T10 Gazelle Step-Through features an easy-to-use frame, a ride padded from heavy bumps and shocks, and a mid-drive motor that helps make long trips and uphill trips a breeze. This top-of-the-line e-bike is a brand-new addition to the fleet. Designed as a “trekking” e-bike, its dynamic design, high level of comfort and excellent handling make this bike the ideal companion for long recreational trips.
- The RadMini Step-Thru 2 Electric Folding Fat Bike is the only bike in the library that folds to save space. The fat tires can tackle rough terrain, all with assistance from the battery.
- The DIY Conversion Kit based on a Bianchi Cortina allows riders to try a regular bike that was converted to an e-bike using a conversion kit. This is an excellent option for riders who already have a bike they love and would like to convert, while saving money.
To reserve an e-bike head to: https://vitalcommunities.org/transportation/upper-valley-e-bike-lending-library/ . Contact Sustainable Woodstock with any questions at programs@sustainablewoodstock.org.
