Lyft's Electric Bike Revolution: How Does It Work?

Lyft has released a new electric bike, which has been built from scratch. The bike has a 500W motor and a battery that can last 60 miles. The company's electric bike fleet is restricted by the number of bikes allowed by cities, with New York City allowing only 20% of its fleet to be electric. Despite this, Lyft's electric bikes are setting ridership records, with Citi Bike seeing more than 1 million rides in May 2021.

Lyft's new e-bike

The design of the new e-bike is a significant improvement over Lyft's previous offerings. According to product manager Gary Shambat, the company essentially built these e-bikes from scratch, addressing the unique challenges of fleet e-bikes, such as wear and tear and vandalism. As a result, the new e-bike is more refined and durable, providing a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience.

The launch of Lyft's new e-bike comes at a time when the demand for electric bikes is surging. During the pandemic, electric bike usage saw a significant increase, with ebike sales growing by 137% in 2020 over 2019. This trend is also reflected in Lyft's bike-share programs, with ebikes gaining popularity and setting ridership records. In May 2021, Citi Bike, operated by Lyft, recorded more than 1 million ebike rides in a single month, highlighting the growing preference for electric bikes.

Ebike sales

Lyft's new e-bike is here, and it's setting ridership records. The company says that Citi Bike saw more than 1 million e-bike rides in a single month for the first time in May 2021, with 10.6 rides per bike per day. That's a dramatic rebound from the declining rides Lyft saw during the early days of the pandemic.

The new e-bike isn't too different from the company's current offering, but everything is just more refined. The pedal assist is powered by a 500W motor and a large battery that the company says is capable of a 60-mile range. That means it should be able to get through a couple of rides without needing a full charge.

The launch of the new e-bike comes not long after Lyft deployed its last e-bike fleet, which was not without incident. The company says it essentially built these new e-bikes from scratch. Product manager Gary Shambat told TechCrunch: "They might look similar on the outside, but the wear and tear and the vandalism cases are so supremely different that you can’t just take an existing product, patch it up in a few ways, throw on a connected module and call it a day."

E-bike sales grew by 137% in 2020 over 2019, according to the NPD Group. Samantha Herr, executive director of the North American Bikeshare Association, says e-bikes are in higher demand in bike-share programs. Cities restrict the number of pedal-assist bikes available in a fleet. For example, New York City allows only 20% of its fleet to be electric. But these limits could increase as e-bikes gain popularity.

Ebikes vs traditional bikes

Lyft's new e-bike is powered by a 500W motor and a large battery that can last up to 60 miles. The company's current offering is not electric, but ebikes are becoming increasingly popular. In May 2021, Lyft's Citi Bike saw more than 1 million ebike rides in a single month, with 10.6 rides per bike per day, compared to 2.8 rides per bike per day for its classic, non-electric bikes.

Ebikes have several advantages over traditional bikes. They are easier to ride, especially over long distances or hilly terrain, as the electric motor provides extra power to assist the rider's pedalling. This can make them a more attractive option for commuters or those who want to cycle but may not have the fitness or stamina to ride a traditional bike. Ebikes are also a more environmentally friendly option than cars or other motor vehicles, and they can help reduce traffic congestion in cities.

However, ebikes also have some disadvantages. They tend to be more expensive than traditional bikes, and the battery needs to be recharged regularly, which can be inconvenient if you don't have access to a power outlet. Ebikes are also typically heavier than traditional bikes, which can make them more difficult to manoeuvre and store.

Traditional bikes have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. They are generally more affordable and low-maintenance than ebikes, as they don't require a battery or motor. Traditional bikes are also usually lighter and easier to manoeuvre, which can be beneficial for riding in busy cities or storing in small spaces. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, as they require more physical effort to ride, especially over long distances or hilly terrain.

Overall, the choice between an ebike and a traditional bike depends on individual needs and preferences. Ebikes are a great option for those who want a more comfortable and effortless riding experience, while traditional bikes may be preferred by those who prioritise affordability, low maintenance, and manoeuvrability.

Ebikes in New York City

Lyft's ebikes are electric and are available in New York City. In May 2021, Lyft's Citi Bike saw more than 1 million ebike rides in a single month for the first time, with 10.6 rides per bike per day. This is a dramatic rebound from the declining rides Lyft saw during the pandemic.

Electric bike usage has surged since the US went into lockdown in early 2020. Ebike sales grew by 137% in 2020 over 2019, according to the NPD Group. Samantha Herr, executive director of the North American Bikeshare Association, says ebikes are in higher demand in bicycle-share programs. “In our 2019 shared micro-mobility state-of-the-industry-report, we did see that ebikes were being used more intensively in systems than traditional bikes," she says.

Cities restrict the number of pedal-assist bikes available in a fleet. For example, New York City allows only 20% of its fleet to be electric: roughly 4,300 out of 22,000 bikes. These limits could increase as ebikes gain popularity.

The new Lyft ebike has a 500W motor and a large battery capable of a 60-mile range. The bike is monitored by a system of sensors designed to send out alerts when there’s an issue with the battery or brakes.

Ebike ridership records

Lyft's new e-bike is setting ridership records, with a dramatic rebound from the declining rides the company saw during the pandemic. In May 2021, Lyft's Citi Bike saw more than 1 million e-bike rides in a single month for the first time, with 10.6 rides per bike per day. This is a significant increase from the 2.8 rides per bike per day for the company's classic, non-electric bikes. The new e-bike has a 500W motor and a large battery that is capable of a 60-mile range. It also features a system of sensors that monitor the battery and brakes, sending out alerts when there is an issue.

The popularity of e-bikes has been growing in recent years, with electric bike usage surging since the US lockdown in early 2020. Ebike sales grew by 137% in 2020 over 2019, according to the NPD Group. This trend is also reflected in bike-share programs, where ebikes are in higher demand. Samantha Herr, executive director of the North American Bikeshare Association, notes that ebikes are being used more intensively than traditional bikes in these programs.

However, the availability of e-bikes in fleets is currently restricted by city regulations. For example, New York City allows only 20% of Lyft's fleet to be electric, which is about 4,300 out of 22,000 bikes. As e-bikes gain popularity, these limits may increase.

Lyft's new e-bike is a significant addition to the company's bike-share programs, offering a refined riding experience and contributing to the growing popularity of e-bikes. With its advanced features and the increasing demand for e-bikes, the new Lyft e-bike is likely to continue setting ridership records and shaping the future of micro-mobility.

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