You can now check out e-bikes, e-trikes free from 4 Sacramento libraries
Four Sacramento Public Library branches are now lending e-bikes and e-trikes to adult cardholders for up to one week.
The libraries in South Natomas, Belle Cooledge and Valley Hi/North Laguna library are lending a limited number of e-trikes, which come with a cargo basket. A limited number of e-bikes are available at the North Natomas Library.Though the bikes are only available at these four locations, any adult library cardholder in Sacramento County can borrow them. Reservations are not accepted. Each vehicle includes a small electric motor to assist with pedaling.
To participate, borrowers must be in good standing with the library, meaning any overdue materials must be returned and any fees over $5 for lost items must be paid.
The city of Sacramento provided some of the funding for the program. Previously, the city helped launch a fleet of five e-trikes at the Colonial Heights Library in 2023. That library is currently closed for repairs. The California Energy Commission also provided grant funding, and Jibe donated the bikes.
Because the bikes are valuable, the library has a more involved process than is typical for current cardholders checking out books or DVDs. Borrowers must have a valid government-issued ID. They must complete an online “pre-check” process and then visit the branch’s service desk. The pre-check process requires proof of address, such as a utility bill, a credit card statement or a lease agreement, with any sensitive information such as account numbers obscured.
At the service desk, patrons will be required to watch videos about proper use and how to properly lock the bikes up. They must sign the library’s guidelines as well as a waiver; the guidelines explain that the vehicles are equipped with GPS trackers. Each bike comes with keys and a lock, a battery and a wall charger. Although the library does not provide a helmet, the institution does recommend wearing a helmet.
Depending on usage, the bikes can travel up to 30 miles on a single charge.
