PRESS RELEASE

The City of Long Beach is launching the application period for its Electric Bicycle (E-Bike) Lending Library program, a new initiative that will allow residents to borrow E-bikes for up to three months at no cost. The program will provide education on E-bike technology, encourage E-bike ridership, and promote an active zero-emission mode of travel. In alignment with the City’s focus on equity, the program will allocate 24 of the E-bikes to residents who are enrolled in a qualifying federal or state assistance program and the remaining E-bikes will be available for all Long Beach residents.  

“Our new Electric Bicycle Lending Library is a bold step toward a more sustainable and equitable transportation system in Long Beach,’’ said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By providing our residents with the chance to experience the benefits of E-bikes firsthand, we’re not only promoting eco-friendly mobility but also fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.’’ 

Through the Invitation to Bid (ITB) process, the City has selected and partnered with Propel Bikes to provide 35 E-bikes, including standard, cargo and tricycle models, as well as equipment such as helmets and bike locks for program participants. Propel Bikes will be an important partner in building the City’s multi-modal capacity through training, tools and technical assistance.  

Residents will be able to check out E-bikes from the E-Bike Lending Library via an application and selection process. Now through April 18, 2024, applications can be submitted online or via paper copies available in person at any Long Beach Public Library location. Applications are available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. Applicants who meet eligibility requirements will be selected at random to participate in the first round of the program. Selected participants will be notified in May, and operator training and E-bike pick up will be scheduled soon thereafter. The applicant list will be used for additional lending rounds until the list is exhausted. For questions, please visit the program website or contact the team at GoActiveLB@longbeach.gov. 

In alignment with the City’s 2030 strategic vision, Long Beach seeks to achieve a balanced, multi-modal transportation network that enhances connectivity, retains our community character, encourages active lifestyles, and enhances environmental sustainability by reducing gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. An equitable transportation system uses multiple modes of travel including walking, biking, use of motor vehicles, public transportation, and regional transportation access through rail and air transportation. All these modes of transportation are supported in Long Beach. 

“This is an exciting new initiative that will provide residents with access to a new transportation option. Long Beach is well-known for being a bike-friendly community, and we are committed to further developing a multi-modal transportation network that improves connectivity, preserves our community's unique character, and promotes active lifestyles,” said Public Works Director Eric Lopez. 

The E-Bike Lending Library is made possible with funding from the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers, and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery. The program also aligns with Goal 4 of Long Beach’s Racial and Reconciliation Initiative to improve health and wellness in the City by eliminating social and economic disparities where health outcomes are significantly below city averages.