Citi bike, New York's prime bike hire scheme, is to roll out 4,000 electric bikes, so you'll be able to cruise around The Big Apple without breaking a sweat!
13 new Citi Bike stations will also be made to house the new influx of bikes with 2,500 extra docks, and a third of all Citi Bikes will now be electric when all 4,000 are introduced over the coming months. The bikes will be capable of going up to 18mph, taking advantage of the more relaxed US e-bikes regulations, and will cost an additional $2 a ride over a non-assisted bike. Until 27th April 2019, the additional $2 fee will be waived to Citi Bike members. According to Smart Cities Dive, Citi Bike received criticism over the additional fee from NYC Metro Card customers who frequently use bike hire, who believed the e-bike fee should be included in their membership. They also say it's unfair on those with mobility issues who may have no choice but to use an e-bike over a conventional bike; however, Citi Bike have defended the fees because it needs to make "big investments" to ensure the e-bikes are properly charged and in full working order.
Bath Spa also gets some much-needed motor power in latest e-bike hire scheme
We've also recently heard the news that our resident city of Bath Spa will roll out an e-bike hire scheme this summer, with Bath and North East Somerset Council introducing the electric bike hires following a successful bid for Go Ultra Low West funding from the Department for Transport.
Councillor Mark Shelford said: “Our successful partnership with nextbike has helped to change attitudes to cycling. When nextbike first came to Bath, it replaced a very inefficient system and rapidly became a popular means of getting around the city.
“However, as technology has improved so has the demand for a simple, easy to use alternative. As a result I’m delighted that electric bike hire will be coming to the city this summer.”
Previously the German bike-sharing company nextBike had a contract in Bath, but ceased operation on the 8th February. No concrete reason was given but data suggested average journey distances were very short for the 34,000 total hires over the three year operation period, not surprising as the gradients are huge outside of the main city centre. Hopefully the introduction of motorised bikes will allow residents and visitors to Bath to get around more easily.
Do you think e-bikes are the answer to getting more city tourists to choose bikes over cabs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
