And why I think you’ll love one too
By Bonnie Horgos
I’m originally from California, and watching the Palisades Wildfire in January 2025 made me to realize we’re past the point of climate change as an imminent threat. We’re already living in a changed world, and I needed to adapt my life immediately.
I calculated my carbon footprint, then identified ways to live more sustainably that were easy and affordable, even cost-saving (given that I was finishing graduate school and on a tight budget).
Besides joining Transition Town–All St. Anthony Park (TT-ASAP), I stopped eating meat, sold my car and bought a used e-bike on Facebook Marketplace.
Each of these steps has improved my life immensely.
Going vegetarian cut my grocery bills, joining Transition Town provided community, and selling my car means I’m not only spending less time in rush-hour traffic, but I have also drastically reduced my carbon emissions (the average U.S. car produces approximately 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year).
My e-bike, though, has created a particular sense of joy. There’s nothing like seeing my neighbors bring their kids to preschool during my morning commute, loading groceries in my pannier outside Speedy Market or watching the U of M crew practice while I bike along the Mississippi River.
However, e-bikes can be a bit of a financial commitment. For example, the average e-bike at REI goes for about $2,000, with entry-level options costing around $1,000 and high-end bikes costing $6,000 or more. So it’s important to try an e-bike before making the switch.
Try one for free: Fortunately, Transition Town plans to start a new program so people can try before they buy.
In spring 2026, we’ll launch Fresh Air Wheels: St. Anthony Park eBike Library, so neighbors can try an e-bike for several days, completely free.
Modeled after the successful Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library, this program lets borrowers see how an e-bike fits into their life, including commuting to work, getting groceries, dropping off kids or simply enjoying the ride. Each participant can borrow a fully charged e-bike (standard or cargo style), a helmet and a bike lock. Additionally, we’ll provide a brief orientation and safety training to ensure a confident, comfortable ride.
At the end of the loan, participants will have the chance to share feedback and reflect on how e-biking could fit into their daily routine. I’m confident that people will see the e-bike as a must-have.
Besides being faster than manual bikes, e-bikes can encourage others to get in the bike lane.
Research shows that e-bikes can be a great mobility aid for people from all backgrounds, including seniors and people with disabilities. For example, I have type 1 diabetes. Although I’m very active, I love not having to worry about my blood sugar dropping during my commute, which is common with exercise.
You can help: In order to launch Fresh Air Wheels and show people the magic of the e-bike, Transition Town needs community support. That’s why we launched a fundraiser in November 2025 via GiveMN, beginning on Give to the Max Day. We’re aiming to raise $5,000, which will cover our two e-bikes, accessories, insurance, a fund for repairs and replacement costs, and overhead, including GiveMN fees.
We plan to continue fundraising until we meet our goal. You can learn more about our fundraiser and donate by going to givemn.org/story/tgmneg.
By supporting Fresh Air Wheels, donors help power sustainable transportation in St. Anthony Park. I think it’ll be a great ride.
Bonnie Horgos is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Forest Resources, an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas and a member of Transition Town–All St. Anthony Park.