From Wednesday, September 21 through Tuesday, September 27, the Andover Energy Group will be hosting the E-Bike Lending Library. This program is in its third year, but it is Andover’s first time hosting it. 

The E-Bike Library offers a selection of four e-bikes of different styles and retail cost. People can borrow and try these bikes for free to discover what they are like and consider whether one could become part of their everyday transportation.

Andover is one of 13 towns participating this year. Residents can attend a “demo day” to take a test ride and/or sign up to borrow a bike for one day or part of a day.

Our demo day will take place on the weekend of September 24 and 25 at the Potter Place Freight Shed. Further information on times and how to schedule to borrow a bike will be in upcoming issues of the Beacon.

The Lending Library is run by volunteers and is funded by donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals. We have found our community to be very generous and have received donations from Susan Schnare, Mane Street Salon, The Refinery Restaurant, Naughty Nellies, JJ’s Market and Deli, Pizza Chef, and Northeast Collision. 

Donations cover operating costs such as bike maintenance, repairs, accessories (including helmets and child seats), insurance, and transportation of the bikes from town to town.

The program is supported by Vital Communities, a nonprofit based in White River Junction, Vermont.