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Equipment Loans: Caltech Bikeshare

Caltech Bikeshare

Young woman in yellow helmet rides eBike with San Gabriel Mountains in background

Are you interested in using an eBike to get around campus or to a nearby location? Caltech has partnered with GOSGV.com to bring five eBikes to campus.

Caltech Library is offering Caltech students, postdocs, faculty, and staff the ability to borrow eBikes, helmets, and U-locks from 8 a.m.–12 a.m. Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Fridays, and 1–8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays during the academic term. Visit the library website for summer and "off term" hours. If you have any questions or would like to check out an eBike, please see a staff member at Sherman Fairchild Library.

This program was made possible by coordinated efforts from the Caltech GSC Sustainability Committee, Caltech Sustainability Office, Caltech Student Affairs, and Caltech Library to increase sustainable transportation options on campus.

There are five eBikes. For availability, click here. 

Five ebikes lined up against a wall with an 'eBikes Share Program' sign to the right of them.

eBike FAQ

  • Is it necessary to check out a helmet and locks with the ebike, or can I use my own?
    • The program provides specific GOSGV-approved helmets and locks tailored for these ebikes. We recommend that these are used.
  • How long can I go on one charge?
    • 30-40 miles
  • How do I track the battery level?
    • There is a small button on the top of the battery. When pushed, the bar will light up how charged it is, up to 5 bars.
  • How fast can I go?
    • Assist will stop once 17 mph is hit, but the ebike will continue to work like a regular pedaled bike. 
  • Are there lights on the ebike?
    • Yes, they will automatically turn on when the bike is being used.
  • How heavy is the ebike?
    • 45 pounds
  • How much can the basket hold?
    • 20 pounds
  • What should the tire pressure be?
    • 80 psi
  • Are there gears?
    • Yes, 3 gears on the right handlebar in addition to the assist.
  • How does assistance work?
    • Use the + and - on the left handlebar to choose the desired assistance, ECO is recommended. 5 assistance levels:
      • OFF – no assistance, can still be pedaled
      • ECO – effective assistance at maximum efficiency for maximum cruising range
      • TOUR – uniform assistance, for touring with long cruising range
      • SPORT -  powerful assistance for sporty off-road riding, as well as for urban traffic
      • TURBO – maximum assistance, supporting the highest speed for sporty riding
  • How long can I check out a bike?
    • 24 hours.