
Dreaming of warmer weather and a more enjoyable commute to campus? A pop-up e-bike shop is coming to UMSU University Centre in February.
Pop-up e-bike shop coming to campus
UM Bookstore and Office of Sustainability make it easy to find an option that works for you
Looking for a fun, easy way to commute to campus, while saving money on gas and parking, and reducing your emissions? An e-bike might be for you.
And this February, the BookStore is partnering with the Office of Sustainability to host an e-bike pop up shop in UMSU University Centre.
There will be four models of e-bikes from Olympia Cycle and Ski on display from Feb. 11 to 13 and Feb. 25 to 27 in front of the BookStore, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Ideal for commuting, the e-bikes on display run from $2,274 to $4,014, depending on the model. The BookStore is offering an Employee Purchase Program for eligible employees. E-bikes are anticipated to be available for pick up by May.
Accessories like panniers, helmets, locks, and maintenance packages are also available.
Benefits of commuting by e-bike
The e-bike pop up shop supports the UM Climate Action Plan and net zero goals by supporting the UM community to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from their commute. According to the 2023 Campus Commute Survey, although a small percentage of our campus community had used an e-bike to travel to campus, a significant portion had expressed an interest in university support to purchase one to help eliminate their personal greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
Not only can commuting by e-bike help reduce emissions, it’s a good way to get outside, take advantage of some gentle exercise, and have some fun.
“Riding my e-bike to the university has been a game-changer,” says Nicholas Lysecki, open scholarship assistant in Libraries. “Even on windy days, I can be sure that my 14 km commute will never take much longer than a half hour or so. I get a little bit of exercise, but not so much that I need a shower when I get to work. And after three years, the money I’ve saved on parking, bus fare and gas has more than paid for the bike!”
“I purchased an e-bike when I started at U of M this past summer and was facing a commute more than double the distance of my previous commute,” says Bobbi MacLennan, project manager in Architectural & Engineering Services. “My e-bike allows me all the benefits I have previously enjoyed when cycling to work while reducing the time and increasing the ease of travel. Bike path connectivity is improving in Winnipeg so even folks intimidated by Winnipeg drivers can commute safely.”
Visit the BookStore website for more details on the pop-up shop.