Bluebikes Ebikes
Bluebikes ebikes are coming to Cambridge starting in the month of December, 2023. Enjoy a new, fun, and eco-friendly way to get around Cambridge and the Metro Boston area. Bluebikes ebikes provide power assistance to make pedaling easier. A small number of ebikes will be available during the winter months and more will enter the system in the spring of 2024.
About Bluebikes Ebikes:
- Pedal-assist motors: Motors are active only while a rider is pedaling. They make it easier to pedal and help bikers accelerate, but do not power the bike on their own.
- Battery capacity: A fully charged Bluebikes ebike has a range of up to 60 miles.
- Smooth ride: Bluebikes ebikes do not require riders to change gears and feature a single-gear transmission.
- Easy to use: Bikes feature built-in LCD screens with simple instructions to help all riders – even new ones – feel confident.
Safety Features:
- LED lights: Each bike has a bright blue neon LED light on the front. Lights on the front and back help riders see their path and be seen by others on the road.
- Bright reflective paint: Every ebike is coated in custom reflective paint so bikes are easily visible at night.
- Multiple seat heights: Bluebikes ebikes have seats that are easy to adjust to a wide range of heights.
- Safe speed: Bluebikes ebike can only reach a maximum speed of 18 miles per hour (most Cambridge streets have a speed limit of 20 mph).
Rules of the road:
- Stick to lanes: Ebikes are NOT permitted on sidewalks. This is important to remember because it is different from the rules for traditional bikes. Ebikes are allowed in bike lanes or on roads.
- Share the path: Most multi-use paths allow ebikes, but signage will indicate exceptions. On multi-use paths, share the path responsibly and give pedestrians and slower riders plenty of space.
- Check your speed: Adjust your speed according to what is going on around you. Be cautious around others, when approaching intersections, or riding in narrow bike lanes or close to parked cars, and around other bikers and pedestrians.
FAQ:
Q: Do Bluebikes members have to pay to ride ebikes?
A: Yes. Everyone who rides a Bluebikes ebike will pay small fees that cover the cost of maintaining and charging the bikes. This applies to only to ebikes within the Bluebike system, not traditional bikes. The cost to ride an ebike differs based on membership and other factors:
- Regular Bluebikes members: ebikes cost $0.10 per minute
- Income-Eligible members: ebikes are $0.07 per minute
- Casual Riders: ebikes are $2.95 to unlock plus $0.25 per minute
Q: I’ve never ridden an ebike before. Can I safely ride a Bluebikes ebike?
A: Yes. Ebikes have built-in LCD screens that provide clear guidance on how to start, stop, and power your ride. Review the “Rules of the Road” above as another precaution.
Q: Where can I find a Bluebikes ebike?
A: The Bluebikes app will show you which stations have available Bluebikes.
Q: Can I return my ebike to any Bluebikes station?
A: Yes. You can dock your ebike at any of the 400+ Bluebikes stations. Just be sure to wait for the green light after you return the bike to make sure it’s locked.
Q: Will I run out of battery in the middle of my trip? How do the batteries get charged?
A: The LCD screen on your bike will tell you how much battery power you have and how far it will take you. Bluebikes ebikes are maintained by Lyft. They recharge and replace ebike batteries when the battery is around 20% full. You will not be able to undock a Bluebike ebike with remaining battery power of 20% or less.
Q: Are the rules and rights the same for ebikes and standard pedal bikes?
A: No, there is one important difference. You cannot ride ebikes on sidewalks. There are also some mixed-use bike paths that do not allow ebikes so please look for posted signs. Otherwise, ebikes are afforded the same rights and privileges as traditional bicycles.
For more information, including about membership, visit Bluebikes.com.