Think of a library and thoughts immediately turn to books, but increasingly there are libraries popping up to share more nuts-and-bolts equipment.
Here in Noosa Shire, Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. (ZEN), together with EcoTekk Noosa, has secured a Queensland Government grant to set up the first e-bike library in Queensland.
Funding comes from the government’s Bike Riding Encouragement Program (BREP) which is supporting bike riding initiatives across the state.
The library is for Noosa residents who are e-bike curious but unsure about riding an e-bike or about how to select the best model for them.
It will give residents the chance to ‘try before they buy’.
“Our aim is to increase people’s knowledge of e-bikes and break down misconceptions,” says the library project lead, Jenny Clement.
“We believe that once people have tried an e-bike they will feel more confident and will see the benefits for their regular commutes.”
ZEN Inc. hopes that the library will encourage a greater uptake of e-bikes, reducing the number of local car trips and thus contributing to emissions reduction. Getting outdoors on a bike is also known to increase people’s physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, having the electric boost of an e-bike makes for a much more enjoyable ride in the Noosa summer.
The library is starting out with five bikes that can be used for shopping trips, work commutes or taking children to schools. There is a folding bike for commuters that might want to carry the bike in their car boot, as well as an e-tricycle for those concerned about stability. The bikes can be fitted with cargo baskets, panniers or child seats, and helmets and locks will be provided.
Depending on demand, loan periods are for two weeks. Loans are free, but borrowers need to take out membership with Bicycle Queensland which includes personal accident and public liability. EcoTekk Noosa, a well-known local e-bike company, provides the technical support needed to keep the bikes well maintained, as well as transporting bikes to and from the borrowers. Riders also receive a briefing covering topics such as how and where to ride, and road safety before they hit the paths.
ZEN Inc. will monitor which bikes are most popular and if people go on to buy their own e-bike afterwards.
“We plan to gather feedback from borrowers so we can continually improve, and hopefully expand, the library.”
The systems and processes for the new library are currently being tested before the library is officially launched in mid 2025.
If you would like to get involved in this project or would like to borrow an e-bike contact ebikes@zeroemissionsnoosa.com or check out details on the ZEN Inc. website: www.zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au/ebike-library
