Electric Revolution: Citibike's New E-Bike Adventure

Citi Bike, New York City's bike-sharing program, has expanded its fleet to include electric bikes. The pedal-assist technology in these e-bikes makes it easier for riders to travel longer distances and across inclines, such as bridges, without the need to break a sweat. The addition of e-bikes to the Citi Bike fleet is part of a strategic expansion to meet the growing demand for this mode of transportation in the city. With the introduction of electrified charging stations, Citi Bike is not only improving e-bike availability but also contributing to the city's transition away from fossil-fuel-powered transportation.

Locating a Citibike ebike

Walk to the nearest station that shows an ebike available. If you arrive and there are none left, check the app again and head to the next nearest station. The app updates bike and dock availability in real time, so you can always find the nearest ebike.

You can also set your pedal assist preference in the app. Go to Profile > Bike key > Pedal assist preference. Here, you can choose between riding with full assist or low assist. Full assist will require more battery usage and will cost $0.17 per minute, whereas low assist is free for the first 45 minutes.

Citibike ebikes feature a motor on the rear, brakes on the front, and bells on each handlebar. They have a single, consistent speed, so there is no need to adjust the gearing.

The cost of riding a Citibike ebike

Membership Types and Their Costs

Citibike offers different membership options, each with its own pricing structure for ebike rides:

• Annual Membership: Annual members are charged $0.25 per minute for ebike rides. This rate is capped at $5 for rides of 45 minutes or less that enter or exit Manhattan. From January 2024, annual members will receive 60 free e-bike minutes with their membership.
• Non-Members: Riders without a membership pay $0.38 per minute for ebike rides.
• Reduced Fare Bike Share Members: This membership is designed for those who qualify for reduced fares and offers a discounted rate of $0.13 per minute for ebike rides.
• New Jersey Members: Members riding in New Jersey are charged $0.21 per minute for ebike rides, with an overage fee of $0.21 per minute.
• New Jersey Reduced Fare Bike Share Members: Reduced fare members in New Jersey pay $0.11 per minute for ebike rides, with an overage fee of $0.21 per minute.
• New Jersey Non-Members: Non-members in New Jersey are charged $0.32 per minute for ebike rides, with an overage fee of $0.32 per minute.

Additional Cost Considerations

There are a few other cost considerations to keep in mind when riding a Citibike ebike:

• Full Assist vs. Low Assist: Ebikes offer the option of full assist or low assist. Full assist requires more battery usage and is charged at a higher rate. From January 6, 2024, full assist will be charged at $0.17 per minute, while low assist will be free for the first 45 minutes.
• Rides Entering or Exiting Manhattan: Ebike rides that enter or exit Manhattan are capped at $5 for rides of 45 minutes or less. This cap applies to all membership types.
• Overage Fees: If your ride exceeds the allotted time, you will be charged overage fees. These fees vary depending on the type of bike and membership. For classic and ebikes, the overage fee is $0.25 per minute.
• Single Ride Pass and Day Pass: Citibike also offers single-ride and day pass options. From February 3, the single-ride pass will cost $4.99, and the day pass will cost $25.

Cost-Saving Opportunities

To make riding a Citibike ebike more affordable, you can consider the following options:

• Membership: Becoming a Citibike member offers cheaper rates compared to paying per ride. Annual memberships provide the most significant savings, especially if you plan to use the service regularly.
• Citibike Angel Program: Members can join the Citibike Angel Program to earn points by rebalancing bikes. These points can lead to membership extensions, e-bike credits, and even cash rewards.
• Alternative Transportation Options: If the cost of riding a Citibike ebike becomes too high, you can explore other transportation options, such as purchasing a personal ebike or using the subway.

The benefits of riding a Citibike ebike

Citi Bike, the largest bike-sharing program in the United States, offers a range of benefits to its riders, especially with its electric bikes or e-bikes. Here are some advantages of riding a Citibike ebike:

Improved Accessibility and Distance Coverage

Citi Bike's pedal-assist e-bikes enable riders to travel longer distances with ease. The electric assistance empowers riders to conquer inclines and bridges, making daily bicycling more accessible to individuals with varying fitness levels or physical abilities. This feature is particularly advantageous for commuters in New York City, where Citi Bike is based, as it simplifies the navigation of the city's unique topography.

Time Efficiency

The pedal-assist technology in Citibike ebikes allows riders to increase their speed without exerting additional effort. This feature is especially beneficial for commuters aiming to shave time off their journeys, making it possible to arrive at their destinations faster and more efficiently.

Enhanced User Experience

Citibike ebikes offer a seamless and enjoyable riding experience. The bikes are equipped with features such as continuous-gear shifting, bright LED front lights, and reflective paint for enhanced visibility during evening rides. Additionally, the availability of charging stations is improving, ensuring that riders can readily find charged ebikes at their nearest station.

Environmental Benefits

The use of Citibike ebikes contributes to a reduction in vehicle congestion and related emissions. As more riders opt for ebikes, there is a corresponding decrease in the number of cars on the road, leading to less traffic congestion and a positive environmental impact.

Cost-Effectiveness

While riding a Citibike ebike incurs extra fees, the introduction of charging stations and the expansion of the electric fleet are expected to lead to operational cost savings, which can then be passed on to riders. Additionally, the availability of passes and membership options can help make ebike rides more affordable for regular users.

The future of Citibike ebikes

The introduction of electric bikes has been a significant step forward for Citibike, making longer commutes possible and increasing the availability of bikes. The pedal-assist technology boosts riders' power, enabling them to go farther and faster without breaking a sweat. This is particularly useful for tackling bridges and inclines, making daily bicycling more accessible to a wider range of people.

To find a Citibike ebike, users can download the Citibike or Lyft app and look for the ⚡ symbol on the map. The app also allows users to set their pedal assist preference, choosing between full assist and low assist. The full assist option provides more power but uses more battery, while the low assist option is free for the first 45 minutes.

The rollout of electrified charging stations is expected to improve the user experience by increasing the availability of bikes with sufficient battery charge. These stations will also improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions by eliminating the need to manually swap batteries at the station.

With the popularity of Citibike ebikes continuing to grow, the company is committed to making strategic improvements to meet the needs of its riders. The expansion of the ebike fleet and the introduction of electrified charging stations demonstrate Citibike's dedication to promoting cycling and micromobility in New York City.

Charging Citibike ebikes

Previously, charging Citibike ebikes involved a complex process of manual battery swaps. The ebikes' batteries were charged in a warehouse, and Citibike technicians had to transport them to stations to replace depleted batteries. This system posed challenges in terms of operational efficiency and emissions from the vehicles used to transport the batteries.

However, Citibike has recently introduced charging docks for its ebikes, marking a significant improvement. On May 20, 2024, Citibike unveiled its first electric charging docks in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The new charging docks are connected to the power grid, allowing ebikes to be charged directly at the stations. This on-site charging capability is expected to enhance the availability of charged ebikes for riders.

The charging docks are located at 35th Street and 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, and at Meserole and Manhattan Avenues in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The Greenpoint station in Brooklyn features charging capabilities at all docks, while only three docks at the Hell's Kitchen station are currently equipped with charging technology.

Citibike plans to expand its charging infrastructure further. Lyft, the operator of Citibike, aims to have 20% of all docks equipped with charging technology. This expansion will reduce the need for manual battery swaps, streamline the charging process, and improve the overall efficiency of the ebike program.

To locate a charged Citibike ebike, users can utilize the Citibike or Lyft mobile app. By looking for the ⚡ symbol on the map, riders can identify stations with charged ebikes available. The app also displays the number of charged ebikes at each station, making it convenient for riders to plan their journeys.

Frequently asked questions