Caltech Library News

Caltech's E-Bike Program: A Campus Initiative That's Ready to Grow

Who knew that five electric bikes could create such a buzz on campus? Caltech's e-bike lending program has quickly become a university initiative that students are excited about—proving that when you give people practical, sustainable options, they'll happily take advantage of them.

The result of a 2024 collaboration between the Caltech Library, the Office of Sustainability, Student Affairs, and GoSGV, “San Gabriel Valley's premier electric bike share program,” this enterprise has exceeded everyone's expectations. The numbers speak for themselves: 2,091 checkouts and counting, with e-bikes now making up 10% of all library checkouts. Not bad for a fleet of just five bikes!

When undergraduate student Ernest Adjetey was asked how often he rents an e-bike, he said, “I've lost count! I'm a long-term user, so I'd estimate I've used them well over 30 or 40 times at this point. It's become my go-to mode of transportation for getting between campus buildings, especially when I'm carrying books.”

The program is popular with the entire campus community, though undergraduates are leading the charge with 80% of all loans, while graduate students account for 14%. Postdoc Sthavishtha Bhopalam Rajakumar also values the e-bike lending. He explained, “There are several reasons why this program is valuable: it is an eco-friendly alternative to cars and public transportation; it’s free of charge, which is ideal for students on a budget; the e-bike is perfect for quick errands inside/outside the campus; and it is always quick to commute using this bike when compared to walking long distances or waiting for public transport.” It's clear that when people have access to convenient, eco-friendly transportation, they don't hesitate to choose the greener option.

But here's where success becomes a bit of a challenge: those five bikes are working overtime. The sky-high demand means students often discover that all the bikes are already borrowed. Ernest Adjetey shared his hopes for the future: “As a long-term user, my only wish would be for even more bikes, especially during peak times, since demand can be high. Sometimes all the bikes are in use, which just shows how popular and valuable the program is!”

The good news? The program has secured funding through 2026, giving it a solid foundation to build on. The even better news? The data make a crystal-clear case for expansion. More bikes would mean shorter wait times, possibly longer borrowing times, more students accessing sustainable transportation, and a bigger positive impact on our campus's environmental footprint.

Looking ahead, expanding this program isn't just about adding more bikes—it's about scaling up something that's already working. Sthavishtha Bhopalam Rajakumar said when he discovered the program, “it truly felt like a lifesaver.” When students are this enthusiastic about a sustainability initiative, it's time to give them more of what they want while advancing Caltech's environmental goals at the same time.

Caltech ID holders can borrow eBikes, helmets, and bike lights from 8 a.m.–midnight Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, and 12–8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Sherman Fairchild Library.

It's a simple equation: more bikes equals more satisfied students and a greener campus. That sounds like a win-win worth pedaling toward.