Try an E-Bike Program

Looking for a healthy and sustainable way to get around while saving time on your commute? Try an e-bike!

UBCO E-Bike Program bike and rider

Pilot Program Information

UBC Okanagan has partnered with Mountain Lifestyle to allow UBC staff and faculty to try an e-bike for free for an entire week. The pilot program will run from mid-April to late-August for staff and faculty.

How it works

  • In 2025, up to 10 free trials are available to eligible staff and faculty.
  • The free trial lasts seven days and can be booked anytime between mid-April and the end of August.
  • A credit card must be kept on file with Mountain Lifestyle during the trial period to cover potential damage or theft.

Eligibility

All current UBC Okanagan Campus staff and faculty aged 19 or older at the time of participation are eligible for the free trial.

Registration

Due to anticipated high demand and limited space (10 trials), registration will be conducted through a random lottery to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all participants.

Interested participants can register between April 1 and April 15, 2025.

From the pool of eligible registrants, 10 participants will be randomly selected for the available trials in the pilot program. All others will be placed on a waitlist in random order.

Selected participants will be notified by email or phone by April 18, 2025, and will have two weeks to confirm their spot and enrol in the program. If a participant does not confirm, their spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

Enroled participants must book their free trial by the end of June. Trials can take place anytime between April and the end of August, subject to availability. If a participant has not booked their trial by the end of June, their spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.

Register Here

Participation Guide

E-Bike Pickup and Drop-off

Participants can choose whether to pick-up and drop-off the e-bike at the Mountain Lifestyle store or from the UBCO Campus. Bring your staff card or a piece of ID along with your program confirmation e-mail to pick up your e-bike. Appointments are required for all pick up and drop off with Mountain Lifestyle.

Your choice for drop-off or pick up:

  • Mountain Lifestyle Store: 115 Highway 33, Kelowna BC – during business hours only.
  • UBC Okanagan Campus: University Way/UNC Short Term Parking – Only on Tuesdays.

Liability and Responsibility

You are responsible for properly locking the trial e-bike to prevent theft. As program participant, you must always lock the e-bike to an immovable object using the lock provided, park the e-bike in a secure, dry, indoor location overnight, remove the battery when leaving the e-bike locked, and take a photograph showing that the e-bike is securely locked according to these guidelines. This process must be done every time you lock and leave the e-bike.

If your trial e-bike is stolen, you must report the theft to Mountain Lifestyle within 24 hours. If you have performed all of the steps above, you will be required to pay $500 per e-bike and $250 per lockable removable battery under the reduced liability protection for the UBCO Try an E-Bike Program. Participants are also responsible for the cost of accessories such as keys and chargers if stolen or damaged.

For more details and for the procedure in the event of theft, please refer to the UBCO Try an E-Bike Participant Guide.

Other Information

Why an e-bike?

E-biking is a great way to get exercise and a sustainable way to get around.  People who own e-bikes replace car trips with e-bike trips more often than their pedal-power peers.  Plus, the Try an E-bike Program supports UBC’s sustainable transportation goals. 

For more information on physical activity when riding an electric assisted bicycle, read this study.

UBCO e-Bike Offers

Participants who are not selected for a free weeklong trial can still access discounted Mountain Lifestyle e-bike rentals for only $200 for five days (Monday–Friday).

Mountain Lifestyle is also providing all UBCO members with a $100 off* of the purchase of a new e-bike.

Show your Verification of Employment or Confirmation of Enrollment Letter from UBCO at the time of rental or purchase. Both offers are only available until October 31, 2025. These offers are subject to availability. Mountain Lifestyle’s standard terms and conditions and liability policies apply.

*This offer is available regardless of participation in UBCO’s Try an E-Bike Program

Questions

Have a question about the program?  Reach out to transportation.ok@ubc.ca