Capital Bikeshare, a bicycle sharing system that serves the DC area, has announced that it is putting its dockless electric bikes back on the streets.
The network’s e-bikes will be relaunched across the Washington region on Wednesday, July 8. The vehicles were withdrawn by Capital Bikeshare last year after users reported braking problems.
“We are thrilled that Capital Bikeshare’s eBike fleet will offer residents, commuters, and visitors another affordable, convenient, and sustainable mode of transportation here in the District,” Mayor Muriel Bowser was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
“Capital Bikeshare continues to be a cornerstone of our transportation infrastructure planning and how we move people efficiently through the region.”
Riders will be able to unlock the new e-bikes for $1 and finish their ride at a docking station of their choice for free or lock to a public bike rack for $1, according to the DDOT.
To unlock the e-bikes, people can use a scannable, contactless QR code in both the Capital Bikeshare and Lyft apps, as well as a member key. If a user parks an e-bike at a tree or an accessibility ramp, they may face fines.
Starting tomorrow, ebikes will be rolling back out on the streets of Metro DC, making everyday trips that much easier! Go farther, faster on your own terms. Available on the Capital Bikeshare app.https://t.co/eAW15zFgCw pic.twitter.com/PgmG3if5Bf
— Capital Bikeshare (@bikeshare) July 7, 2020
Capital Bikeshare, operated by Lyft, is now making a fleet of 1,500 dockless electric bikes with pedal-assist technology in the DC area.
Residents may sign up for annual membership for $85 per year, and benefit from unlimited, 30-minute rides on classic bikes. Lower-income Metro DC residents can pay $5 a year for unlimited, 60-minute rides on classic bikes. They wouldn’t have to pay any additional e-bike fees throughout 2020.
DDOT also ensured residents in its statement that all high-contact surfaces on bikes are disinfected every time they arrive in the depot, and that employees who attend to the bikes wear gloves and face masks, as part of measures against the coronavirus.
Capital Bikeshare currently has over 5,000 bikes available at more than 600 stations in DC; Arlington, VA; Alexandria, VA; Montgomery County, MD; Prince George’s County, MD; Fairfax County, VA; and the City of Falls Church, VA.