Last month in July, I had the pleasure of trying Skirack's new electric bike lending program. The program is set up for Vermont residents only where you incorporate an e-bike into your life for 3 days and to see if it is right for you. The Skirack electric bike lending program was super easy to use! I just called the store and a helpful employee set up a reservation for me.

On the day of my reservation, the e-bike was charged up and waiting for me at Skirack's bike shop! The bike (the Specialized Turbo Vado) comes with everything one would need to ride away with including: a lock, helmet, spare tube, battery charger, and panniers. I just had to fill out a waiver and drop the $100 deposit (refunded after successful return), and off I went!

After trying an electric bike (e-bike) demo for under a minute at the Lake Monsters Bike Me Out to the Ballgame, I knew I would have to give the 3 day demo a shot. I have a 15 mile round trip commute each day and also do lots of local commutes around Burlington. I wanted to test the e-bike on the numerous steep hills and areas where bikes don't have great options.

The reservation process was easy. I simply called Skirack and gave them my info and setup the days to demo. When I arrived I signed some simple paperwork, put down a refundable $100 deposit, got a quick tutorial on the e-bike and was on my way. The bike (which is a Specialized Turbo Vado) comes with pannier bags, repair kit, helmet and locks - you don't need to supply any equipment. It also has built in front and rear lights as well as a mirror. The bike is a little heavy and hard to maneuver through a tight doorway but you don't notice the weight when riding (the Specialized Turbo Vado comes with a “walk mode” to make it easier to push the bike).

Join Skirack and featured sponsor, Patagonia Burlington at the Intervale Center's Summervale on July 12, 2018.

The FREE event (although donations are accepted) goes from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM and offers food, music, fun, and brews.

Skirack will provide FREE electric bike demos and Patagonia Burlington will provide FREE Patagonia Provision samples.

Through Burlington Electric, customers can obtain a $200 rebate on e-bikes directly from Skirack. We have outlined how you can take advantage of this sweet deal!

How do I receive an e-bike rebate?

To receive a $200 rebate on an e-bike, you must be a current Burlington Electric customer (in other words, you must be a current Burlington resident). The rebate may be redeemed at a participating retail shop in Burlington.

Simply bring your ID and proof of residency - like a Burlington Electric Department bill - or a letter addressed to your Burlington home with your name on it into the shop at the time of purchase. $200 will be taken off your purchase right there at the time of purchase!