(Citi Bike)
Feb. 19, 2020 By Kristen Torres
Citi Bike’s newest fleet of electric bicycles will be hitting the streets this week, officials announced Wednesday.
Nearly 900 pedal-assisted bikes will be available for rent throughout the city, according to Lyft officials—the company that operates Citi Bike.
It’s the second round of ebikes to be introduced to city commuters, after a break problem with the company’s initial launch forced the bikes to be pulled off the streets.
“We’re thrilled to power up Citi Bike rides as we launch our brand new ebike fleet,” said Carolina Samponaro, Operator of Citi Bike. “With the Citi Bike ebike, riders can conquer hills and cross the East River bridges without breaking a sweat.”
The ebikes can be rented at any Citi Bike station or via the Lyft app. Members will pay an additional dime a minute to use the new ebikes, while non-members will pay an added 15 cents.
The bikes are part of Lyft’s $100 million plan to double the size of the Citi Bike network, with additional plans to expand into upper Manhattan and the South Bronx later this year.
“It’s great news that Lyft has reintroduced the very popular pedal-assist bikes that Citi Bike first introduced into the fleet in 2018,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner, Polly Trottenberg.
“We are confident that the return of these sought-after bikes will allow our partners at Lyft to build on the record-breaking ridership Citi Bike saw last summer.”
One Comment
I even have usually enjoyed cycling. Now that I am older I just do now not have the strength to go 50 miles or extra. But with my Bike Observer it makes it a great deal easier and exciting.