Borrow an e-bike
Calling all future e-bike riders!
Have you always wanted to give an e-bike a try? Now’s your chance.
We've teamed up with Cycling UK to make a number of e-bikes available to Greater Manchester residents to try out. You can test one out for yourself on a free trial and see how e-cycling can change your life.
The scheme is open to anyone living in Greater Manchester over the age of 16, so why not discover how e-cycles can make everyday journeys easier.
Not sure about how it all works? Give our frequently asked questions a read.
What are you waiting for?
E-bikes make travelling around hilly areas much easier, and are brilliant if you have limited mobility, or if you’re simply a less confident cyclist.
They are also a great option to replace the car for shorter journeys, or to use for the commute to work without getting quite as hot cycling into the office.
E-bikes are very similar to a regular cycle with the addition of a motor to assist your progress up to around 15.5mph and you can ride an e-bike anywhere you’d ride a normal bike: on the road, on a cycle path or shared-use path, or on a bridleway or byway.
Frequently asked questions
What is borrow an e-bike? Am I eligible?
Borrow an e-bike is a scheme offering free electric bicycle (e-bike) taster sessions and free one-month e-bike loans from a dedicated e-hub located at Stretford Public Hall. The scheme is open to residents of Greater Manchester who are over the age of 16. The borrow an e-bike scheme is operated by Cycling UK on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Where can I access the taster sessions and e-bike loans?
Taster sessions and one-month loans will be available from our e-hub located at Stretford Public Hall.
Places for our taster sessions and one-month e-bike loans are released every month so it is worth checking out our booking website regularly for new availability.
How much do taster sessions and one-month loans cost?
The taster sessions and one-month loans are free of charge.
What is the maximum speed of your e-bikes?
The e-bike will go as fast as you can pedal it, however the electric motor won’t assist you above 15.5mph.
Do I have to pedal?
Yes, the e-bikes need to be pedalled and the motor can be used to assist you.
How far can I travel on an e-bike?
The range of each e-bike varies and the achievable range on a full battery depends upon several factors such as the terrain, weather conditions, the load on the e-bike. The range of each e-bike is provided at the point of booking.
Are there any size or weight restrictions for using your e-bikes?
We have a range of e-bikes suitable for pretty much all heights. In terms of weight, 250lb (130kg) is the maximum weight that our e-bikes are designed for.
Does the e-bike get charged as I am pedalling?
No, e-bikes are fitted with a lithium-ion battery that is charged via a mains powered charger. You must only use the charger supplied with the e-bike to charge the battery.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
If the battery is completely flat, it will take four to six hours to fully recharge. However you can top up the charge at any time. For optimum performance, it is better not to let your battery go completely flat.
Can I call to make an e-bike loan booking?
Bookings can be made online through our booking page.
Where can I download the Borrow an e-bike app?
There isn’t an app to download. Taster sessions and one-month loans can be booked through our booking page.
What type of e-bike can I borrow?
There are a range of e-bikes available from a variety of manufacturers including Raleigh, Specialized, Islabikes, Brompton and many more. These include; light e-bikes, fold up e-bikes, hybrid e-bikes and even e-cargo e-bikes. Make sure you select the right type and the right size of e-bike when you book your free one-month loan. Due to limited availability, we will not be able to swap the e-bike after you have booked.
How do I know which size of e-bike to book?
During the booking process you will find a handy guide which shows which size of e-bike is the best one for you based on your height.
Are helmets available to loan as well?
Helmets are optional and will be provided if requested on collection.
How long can I loan the e-bike for?
An e-bike can be loaned for one month.
What is the minimum age for attending a taster session or loaning an e-bike?
The minimum age for an e-bike loan is 16 years.
To ensure the safety and well-being of participants aged 16 and 17, we require a parental consent form to be completed for one-month loans.
Can I loan more than one e-bike?
The scheme is limited to one e-bike loan per person. However, a family can use more than one e-bike, but each e-bike must be hired by each family member individually.
Please note that children’s cycles are not provided as part of the programme and that a minimum age applies for renting an e-bike, 16 years at all e-hubs.
Can I attend more than one taster session?
Yes, you can attend as many taster sessions as you need. These sessions help you get acquainted with your e-bike and cover some basic riding skills. TfGM also offer free group and 1-2-1 cycle skills training to help you progress your riding so you can get more from your loan.
Do I need to collect the e-bike in person or is it delivered?
The e-bike and accessories (bike lock, helmet, charger and so on) must be collected in person at the time and date specified in the booking.
What do I need to bring with me to collect an e-bike on loan?
You will need to provide proof of your identification and proof of address on collection of the e-bike. You will also need to agree to our terms and conditions.
The following documents may be used as proof of identification: passport, driving licence, non-UK national ID card, UK Biometric Residence Permit or Asylum Registration Card.
As proof of address the following documents can be provided: utility bill, council tax bill, bank/mortgage/credit card/ P45 or P60 statement or a letter from HMRC or DWP. To be a valid proof of address, the document must have been issued within the last three months.
Please note all documents must show your name or name and address, with the name and address matching across documents provided. Proof of identification and address must be unique; for example, a driving licence cannot be used twice.
A helmet, lock and lights will be provided. You will need to take the e-bike charger and the bike lock with you so please bring a bag or rucksack.
What do I need to bring with me for a taster session?
You will need to provide proof of your identification (passport, driving licence, residence permit, bank statement) upon attending the taster sessions. You will also need to agree to our terms and conditions.
For taster sessions, there is no need to bring anything else, just suitable clothes for cycling so nothing that could get entangled in the chain.
A helmet can be provided but if you have your own you are welcome to bring it. There is no requirement to wear a helmet.
Do you offer any support or training?
You must be able to cycle independently. When you collect your e-bike we will show you how to use the e-bike controls.
Our friendly team at the skills and confidence sessions will provide cycle training, advice and guidance to build confidence around usage of the e-bikes.
We will signpost participants to more bespoke or formal training if required.
TfGM offer free group and 1-2-1 cycle skills training to help you progress your riding so you can get more from your loan.
Do I need to return the e-bike in person or is it collected?
The e-bike and accessories must be returned at the time and date specified in the booking so they can be prepared for the next booking. Late returns may incur a penalty fee. The e-bike must be returned fully charged and clean so the next person can also enjoy their free e-bike loan.
Does my e-bike loan need to be returned to the same location or can it be dropped at a different location?
The e-bike must be returned to the e-hub you originally hired it from. The e-bike must be returned fully charged and clean so the next person can also enjoy their free e-bike loan.
How do I manage the battery and charger?
Guidance will be provided when you collect the e-bike.
Am I covered if I’m in an accident?
Third party and personal injury insurance are not included in your loan. It is up to you whether you choose to take out an insurance policy to protect you in the event of an accident.
TfGM do not endorse any specific policy or supplier and recommend shopping around for the right policy for you should you wish to take out insurance.
Our scheme delivery partner, Cycling UK, offer third party liability insurance with Cycling UK membership. This third-party liability insurance protects you if you accidentally cause injury to another person or damage their property while you are on your e-bike. It also includes access to Cycling UK’s specialist legal advice and support if you’re involved in a crash but does not include personal accident insurance.
How to I keep the e-bike secure?
All e-bikes are issued with an approved lock. The lock must be used to secure the e-bike to a fixed object when left unattended, and whenever possible it should be stored indoors.
Can I fit my own kit to the e-bike?
To make sure the e-bike is safe and in good condition for all our participants please do not add or attach accessories or trailers to the e-bike. Please do not dismantle or tamper with the e-bike or in any way attempt to do so as if you do, you may be liable for any damage.
Can I loan a trailer for my child/dog/shopping?
The e-bike loans do not come with the option of a trailer.
Can the e-bikes be ridden on and off road?
The e-bikes available will have some capacity to be ridden in traffic free environments, we wouldn’t advise their use in mountain biking terrain, however they will be suitable for off-road use in terms of canal tow paths and gentle parkland.
Can I adjust the seat height?
All e-bikes have easily adjustable seat heights.
What clothes do I need to wear?
You can wear everyday clothes to cycle in, no specialist clothing is required, although comfortable footwear and less restrictive clothing can make cycling more comfortable. Dressing according to the weather can also make the experience more pleasurable.
Do the loan e-bikes come with lights, and can I ride them at night?
All e-bikes provided will have a set of front and rear lights.
E-bike fire safety and advice
Following widespread reporting in the media, we understand many people have concerns about electric cycles causing fires.
The Borrow an e-bike scheme works with reputable manufacturers who carry out stringent safety tests on e-bike batteries and chargers before they become available to the public.
Cases of e-bike chargers from certified manufacturers causing a fire are very rare, and to date, Cycling UK has had no reports of this happening to the e-bikes we offer through the scheme.
Reportedly issues usually arise when e-bikes are tampered with or e-bike adaptation kits of dubious quality bought online from overseas suppliers are fitted, with fires happening when charging.
We would always advise people not to change the factory settings of their e-bike and only to use adaptation kits if purchased from a reputable vendor and fitted by a competent bike mechanic. Additionally, we would advise not to leave your e-bike charging overnight, and when charging to keep soft furnishings away and only use the charger provided by the original manufacturer.
For more information, please see the Fire Industry Association’s guide to reducing fire risks when charging e-cycles and e-scooters.