Celebrating the East Side Bike Club’s E-Bike Library.

A grand opening for this powerful Clean Mobility Buffalo project.

East Side Bike Club’s E-Bike Library launched on May 17, 2025 as part of National Bike Month. Much like a public library where people can borrow books, this library is where folks can borrow e-bikes for free and participate in community events centered around cycling. As part of the Clean Mobility Buffalo movement, E-bikes give you a gentle boost while riding, so you can go faster and farther while getting exercise.

The E-Bike Library is up and running at 295 East Delavan Avenue.

From Training Wheels to E-Wheels

There’s nothing quite like the youthful moment when the training wheels come off your bike. The world shifts—just you, the bike, and the open road ahead. A shaky start, a deep breath, then suddenly, balance clicks into place, and you’re gliding forward, free and independent.

Imagine unlocking that same sense of freedom on an electric bike—effortless movement, extended range, and a new way to navigate the city. That’s the promise of the East Side Bike Club, a Clean Mobility Buffalo partner, celebrating the grand opening of its highly anticipated Electric Bicycle (E-Bike) Lending Library with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 17. Located at 295 East Delavan Avenue, this exciting new hub will allow residents to rediscover the joy of riding, experience the benefits of E-Bikes firsthand, and embrace a sustainable, connected future.

Pedal Power Reinvented

E-Bikes are more than just bicycles—they’re equipped with pedal-assist technology that reduces the physical effort required to navigate. They empower riders to travel longer distances, tackle steep terrain, and make cycling a practical, eco-friendly alternative for transportation. Here are the lasting benefits the East Side Bike Club will create:

Affordable Access: Offers free or low-cost biking options, creating accessible and addressing inequities.

Health Benefits: Promotes moderate exercise during commutes and errands.

Inclusivity: More accessible to seniors, beginners, and people with disabilities.

Time Savings: Can reduce travel time by bypassing car traffic.

Eco-Friendly: Helps combat climate change.

Reliable Transit: Ensures consistent access for commuting and errands.

Safety Skills: Programs build road confidence and essential bike-handling skills.

Expanding Access Through Education & Community Engagement

Residents aged 18 and older can borrow E-Bikes for up to three days at no cost. As part of the program, participants must attend a one-hour educational session led by East Side Bike Club Certified League Cycling Instructors Chris Lawson and Harvey Miles. These experts will provide training on E-Bike mechanics, safety, and operation, and guide riders on proper use.

“E-Bikes are a lifeline for our community—they open doors to independence, healthier lifestyles, and sustainable transportation,” said East Side Bike Club founder and President George Johnson, reflecting on the importance of this initiative. “Paired with safety education, this program ensures we can all ride cautiously and confidently.”

Buffalo Residents can apply through a structured selection process. Applications are currently open and can be submitted online at www.esbcbuffalo.com. Eligible applicants selected will be notified, and operators' training and E-Bike pickup will be scheduled shortly afterward.

Powered by NYSERDA

Clean Mobility Buffalo is made possible by a larger $10 million investment by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program. This funding reflects a historic commitment to addressing transportation inequities and environmental sustainability in under-resourced neighborhoods.

“We are deeply grateful to NYSERDA for its invaluable support in bringing the E-Bike Lending Library to life, helping us create a healthier, more connected future,” said George Johnson. “I also want to recognize the steadfast collaboration from GObike and Reddy Bikeshare, whose early commitment was instrumental in establishing our bike club as an environmentally conscious anchor on the East Side. Their vision and guidance played a crucial role in our journey, and we sincerely appreciate their contribution to this milestone.”

The East Side Bike Club E-Bike Library is open, and the bikes and trails are calling… but first—you’ve gotta get certified!

Join us for the ESBC E-Bike Safety Class, held every Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The East Side Bike Club world headquarters is the place to make it all happen. A trip over 295 East Delavan Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208, and following these steps will get you started:

1 Register for a safety class at East Side Bike Club to get comfortable on the bike and become eligible to borrow.

2 Reserve your bike. Choose your appropriate bike size and set your reservation for up to 3 days. Reservations are $1.

3 Show up and ride! Pick up your reserved bike—and return it before your reservation window expires.