THE RECAP
In partnership with, and funded by, the City of Aspen and the Town of Basalt, the small pilot of 6 bikes was intended to improve uphill commuting and accelerate rides between more distant stations. The pilot was aligned with WE-cycle's and both jurisdictions' collective vision to reduce local Co2 emissions, congestion, and vehicle miles traveled.
WE-cycle community-supported e-bikeshare was designed to provide safe, reliable, and low-carbon transportation in the Roaring Fork Valley.
The E-Pilot provided valuable learnings as to the strong interest in e-bikes, potential magnification of impacts, and areas for refinement. The following key findings are captured in the report:
- High demand: the e-bikes were ridden 3 times more per day than the regular WE-cycle bikes.
- New ridership patterns: the e-bikes facilitated uphill and longer distance commuting.
- Barriers due to scale: the e-bikes represented only 2% of the entire WE-cycle fleet, as such they were more of a novel find rather than a reliable service.
- Charging limitations: the e-bikes were recharged in the shop which limited their availability and hence e-charging stations would be of value.
- Pricing structure: the E-Pilot's pricing structure (20-minutes versus 30-minutes on the regular WE-cycle bikes) accomplished it's goals but brought unexpected challenges to the rider experience.
As we assess next steps, we welcome your insights and reactions to the E-Pilot.
Please send comments to ebike@we-cycle.org.
PRICING
* Developed in partnership with bike shops.
- To find an available e-bike, open Transit and look for stations marked with a lightning bolt icon.
- Tap station to see how many e-bikes are available.
- Open Transit, tap station for an Unlock Code and enter code at e-bike dock.
- If using a key card, insert at e-bike dock.
- Check battery status by pushing the power button on the stemcap.
- Pedal to activate the electric assistance.
- BE READY for take off!
- Check bike into any docking point at any WE-cycle station.
- GREEN light confirms end of ride.
E-BIKE ETIQUETTE
- RIDE in the same direction of traffic.
- FOLLOW the Rules of the Road.
- RING bell to signal presence.
- RESPECT local e-bike guidelines. WE-cycle e-bikes are a class 2 pedal-assist bike with a max speed of 20 mph.
- NO riding on sidewalks or pedestrian malls or trails.