E-Bike Lending Library

Overview

Curious about e-bikes but need more information and haven't had a chance to ride one?

Want to try out a car-free alternative to get around town?

Check out Chapel Hill's E-Bike Lending Library!

We're coordinating the program in partnership with two local bike shops - Trek Chapel Hill and The Bicycle Chain.

How it works

  • Eligibility: Chapel Hill residents aged 18 and older.
  • Registration: Before you head to one of the pickup locations, fill out this online form to certify that you're a Chapel Hill resident, sign a waiver, and let us know when and where you'd like to pick up a bike.
  • Rental period: Check out an e-bike for a few hours, a full day, or up to a week.
  • Available bikes: Standard and cargo e-bikes are available at The Bicycle Chain on Franklin St. Standard e-bikes and e-trikes are available at Trek Chapel Hill.
  • Bike pick-up: Pick up and return bikes to the same location - either Trek Chapel Hill at 243 S. Elliott Rd. or The Bicycle Chain at 210 W. Franklin St. Bike shop staff will give you a brief orientation.
  • Bike return: Return your bike promptly at the end of your reservation so others can use it
  • Safety requirements: You have to wear a helmet while riding one of these bikes. Bring your own or borrow one free of charge.
  • Bike maintenance: Bike shop staff will manage all maintenance, safety checks, and daily operations.

We're committed to promoting alternate forms of transportation, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering a healthier, more sustainable community. Creating free, easy ways for residents to try out and use e-bikes supports those commitments.

This program is funded by a $129,010 grant from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) and $50,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program part of the Tar Heel Bikes e-bikeshare on UNC campus?

No. This program is separate from Tar Heel Bikes bikeshare. The difference between the two are:

  • The Tar Heel Bikes bikeshare system is owned and operated by a private company and offers more than a dozen hubs were e-bikes can be picked up and dropped off. Riders pay a small fee for each trip. Learn more.
  • The Chapel Hill E-Bike Lending Library is a free program offered by the Town of Chapel Hill to Chapel Hill residents. E-bikes are offered at both of the Town's bike shops, Trek and The Bicycle Chain. The e-bikes must be picked up and dropped off at the same location.

 

Why is this only open to Chapel Hill residents?

The grant funding that supports the program requires that users live in Chapel Hill.

 

Are there limits to how long I can borrow the e-bike and where I can ride?

Yes. The maximum lending period is one week every 30 days. Ride it anywhere you like for up to a week, return it at the designated time, then borrow a bike again in a few weeks! This helps make sure that bikes are available for other users.

 

How will I lock and charge the bike?

All participants who borrow a bike will be provided with a combination lock, an e-bike charging cable, and a helmet if they need one.

 

Do I have to wear a helmet when I ride one of these E-bikes?

Yes. If you don’t have one, you can borrow one of ours for free.

 

If the bike gets damaged or stolen while I'm borrowing it, will I be charged to repair or replace it?

Yes, it's possible. We don't expect users to pay for normal wear and tear issues; however, we reserve the right to charge users for damage to the e-bike, e-chargers, lock, helmet, or other borrowed equipment when the damage is beyond that. If you have concerns about this, please emailsustainability@townofchapelhill.orgfor more information.

 

I’ve heard that e-bikes are a fire hazard. Do I need to be worried?

All e-bike models in the lending library have been independently tested for fire safety, and they have received the UL 2849 certification, which is the Standard for Electrical Systems for E-bikes. This covers the electrical motor, battery, and charger systems.

 

Can I transport the e-bike on my vehicle’s bike rack? in the back of my truck? or on a Chapel Hill Transit bus?

No. Most bike racks aren’t designed to safely carry the weight of an e-bike, and e-bikes are heavy enough that we don’t want users loading and unloading them from a vehicle. Borrowing an e-bike requires you to ride it everywhere you take it.

These e-bikes are also not allowed on the bike racks of Chapel Hill Transit buses.

 

What's the difference between standard, cargo, and tricycle e-bikes?

e-bike guide.png

 

Actions that may make you ineligible to participate in the program.

 i. Failure to return any borrowed equipment for more than 3 days past the return date one time, or on 3 occasions for any length of time.

ii. Evidence of unsafe riding or negligence, including damage to the bike or not wearing a helmet.

iii. Inappropriate behavior or language towards bike shop staff or Town staff.

iv. Providing false or misleading information on the registration form.

 

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