There’s good news for Oakland locals wanting to change up their commute, lessen their environmental footprint, or explore the city on two wheels: the city just added an electric bike (e-bike) lending program to its growing public transportation options.
Oakland officials announced the program, operated at the Fruitvale BART Bike Station, in September. It allows residents ages 18 and older to rent an e-bike for a month for $120 and only $20 for low-income residents.
For those new to e-bikes, wanting to try before buying, or looking for a commuting option that’s both economically and environmentally friendly, the lending program is a smart idea. E-bikes can average at least $2,000 per bike – some are three times that cost – and can require more money for upkeep.
The program also offers helmets and bike locks to participants.
“Launching this program here in Fruitvale matters, because accessibility starts in the heart of our neighborhoods. We want families to have reliable, low-cost options to get to work, school, and daily essentials,” Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said in a statement. “This is another step in making Oakland the cleanest, safest, greenest city in America. I’m grateful to the California Air Resources Board for investing in Oakland and helping us make this wonderful vision a reality.”
Oakland launched the program more than seven years after it was pitched as part of the city’s bike plan. A five-year $1.8 million grant from the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) voucher program helped create the program and CalStart, an environmental non-profit organization, granted Oakland $800,000 to keep the program running for at least four years, according to The Oaklandside.
Accessibility meets popularity
E-bike lending libraries, like the one in Oakland, are on the rise. The Transportation and Research Education Center in Portland, Oregon, reports that there are more than 50 e-bike operating across the country now.
Their growing popularity has also been a net positive for the communities they serve.
“Surveys and case studies have demonstrated that e-bike lending programs can effectively shift travel behaviors, increase e-bike purchases, and build public awareness,” the center wrote in a recent report. “Studies have also shown that e-bike users are more likely to replace car trips compared to traditional bike users. By integrating e-bikes into local transportation systems, cities can mitigate automobile congestion and improve overall urban mobility.”
What makes an e-bike so desirable? They marry the ease of electric transportation with the perks of being on a bicycle. A trip that may seem daunting on a bike, whether it be because of distance or other factors, becomes almost effortless with a motor that helps assist the rider’s pedaling.
E-bikes come in different varieties with differing features – which can easily become overwhelming for a cycling newcomer, but lending programs help alleviate that anxiety.
The e-bikes available for lending in Oakland are the Gazelle Medeo T-9 City, a Class 1 e-bike with a 20mph top speed. These bikes are built for an easy, upright riding position and can accommodate a wide range of riders. Each bike is outfitted for city riding with racks, shock absorbers, and appropriate lighting and safety features.
Are e-bikes safe?
Research shows that e-bike injuries are on the rise, mostly because more and more people are using e-bikes. More cyclists means there are more injuries. It is important to understand that e-bikes are faster than a traditional bike and that makes injuries potentially more severe. Higher speeds can lead to more serious injuries.
Hospitals across the country are reporting rises in e-bike injuries. At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, staff said that from January to October 2025, they had treated more children injured in e-scooter and e-bike accidents than in the three previous years combined.
“Kids can go so much faster on these e-bikes and e-scooters than they normally would on a regular pedal bicycle, so they’re getting hit at higher speeds, and their injuries are much worse than we’ve seen in other bicycle or scooter accidents,” pediatric trauma physician Bryanna Emr said of the injuries.
A study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that from 2017 to 2022, head injuries from e-bike accidents increased 49-fold, according to the New York Times.
Cases like these are happening in the Bay Area, too. A high school student’s e-bike injury — and recent deaths — in Marin County prompted local officials there to draft a resolution “Requesting State and Local Governments to Study Further Measures to Safely Regulate Electric Bikes.” Local state representatives also took up advocacy and introduced a bill to the legislature prohibiting riders younger than 16 years old from operating a Class 2 e-bike and requiring all riders to wear a helmet.
The bill met resistance from many cycling advocacy groups and ultimately failed.
What to do after an e-bike accident
E-bikes are changing the roads, but with infrastructure still largely built with cars in mind, it’s no surprise that injuries still happen.
If you’re involved in an e-bike accident with another rider or drive at fault, it’s beneficial to talk with an attorney about your case. The staff at Bay Area Bicycle Law only focus on bike cases, so you’re getting the most knowledgeable team on your case.
E-bike accidents can lead to costly medical bills, changes in quality of life, and other expenses from loss of income. Working with Bay Area Bicycle Law may help alleviate some of the burden from an e-bike accident.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (415) 466-8717.