E-Bike Lending Library

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 our 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. (The grant funding that supports the program requires that users live in Chapel Hill.)
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 where e-bikes can be picked up and dropped off. Riders pay a small fee for each trip.
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.

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.

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 email sustainability@chapelhillnc.gov for 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?

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.