Cork City Council Launches Pilot E-Bike Library Scheme

Cork City Council has launched a pilot Bike Library Scheme, giving community groups across the city the chance to try e-biking without the upfront cost of buying an electric bicycle.

The scheme allows members of the public to borrow an e-bike for three months, giving them time to work cycling into their daily routine and see whether an e-bike suits their lifestyle and transport needs.

To make the scheme accessible across the city, Cork City Council has partnered with local organisations to set up Bike Library hubs in each city ward. Participating hubs are St. Finbarr's GAA Club, Mayfield GAA Club, Blackrock GAA Club, Cork City Library and Blackpool Community Association.

A total of 25 e-bikes are available through the scheme. The fleet includes city e-bikes, suited to commuting to work, education or other daily journeys, and longtail cargo e-bikes, designed to help families transport young children and make everyday trips around the city easier.

Successful applicants will be required to pay a €50 refundable deposit before borrowing a bike.

David Joyce, Director of Emergency Management and Climate Action, Cork City Council:

"The Bike Library Scheme gives people the opportunity to try an e-bike without making a major financial commitment. We hope that by experiencing the convenience of e-biking for daily journeys, more people will consider switching from car trips to active and sustainable travel options. This initiative has the potential to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions and improve health and wellbeing across our communities."

The scheme forms part of the council's ongoing commitment to promoting active travel and supporting residents in making sustainable transport choices. Those who use an e-bike for commuting and other routine journeys can benefit from reduced transport costs, less reliance on private cars, lower carbon emissions and improved fitness.

Applications for the Bike Library Scheme will be announced through participating community organisations and Cork City Council's communications channels.