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!
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. Trials can br booked between May 1 and August 31 for staff and faculty.
How it works
- Free trials are available to eligible staff and faculty.
- The free trial lasts seven days and can be booked between May 1 and August 31.
- 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, registration will be conducted through a random lottery to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all participants.
Interested participants can sign-up until April 15, 2026.
From the pool of eligible sign-ups, 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 17, 2026, and given two weeks to complete a Liability Waiver and Liability Agreement.
If a selected participant does not complete their registration, the spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.
Registered participants must book their free trial within two weeks of registration completion.
Trials can take place anytime between May and the end of August, subject to availability. If a participant does not book their trial within two weeks of registration completion, their spot will be offered to the next person on the waitlist.
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 offs.
Your choice for drop-off or pick up:
- UBC Okanagan Campus: University Way/UNC Short Term Parking.
- Mountain Lifestyle Store: 115 Highway 33, Kelowna BC
Liability and Responsibility
You are responsible for properly locking the trial e-bike to prevent theft. As a 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 (coming soon).
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 rebates and Offers
UBC Okanagan faculty and staff are eligible to receive a $400 rebate (while supplies last) with the purchase of an e-bike for the purpose of commuting to and from the UBC Okanagan Campus. Visit our E-Bike Rebate page for more details and additional e-bike purchase offers from local bike shops.
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 $200 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 September 30, 2026. 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