Affordable Electronic Bicycles Arrive Daily in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Priced at Only $1
In a groundbreaking initiative, 989 e-bikes are currently in service as part of a pilot program funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. These e-bikes have already clocked an impressive 311,000 miles since their deployment, demonstrating their potential to revolutionise transportation within the state[1].
The e-bikes are the result of a partnership between Metro Mobility, MeVa transit, the city of Lawrence, and regional transit operations in Lowell and Worcester. This collaborative effort aims to provide a sustainable and innovative means of transportation for residents and visitors alike[2].
The e-bikes can be rented through the Metro app, with the initial enrollment process taking approximately 90 minutes. Once enrolled, rentals are immediate, allowing users to access the e-bikes at their convenience[3]. Each e-bike is fitted with smart electronics, including GPS, which enable Metro to lock, unlock, and monitor their use[4].
Upon renting an e-bike, users can release it from the rack located at the McGovern Transportation Center in Lawrence. The e-bike is then secured with a cable throughout the user's travels. Upon returning the e-bike, it is cabled back to the rack in the center's southeast corner[5].
The e-bikes are designed for a maximum speed of 18 mph, making them a practical and efficient option for various transportation needs[6]. People use e-bikes for getting to and from transportation centers or stops, as well as for more creative purposes such as food delivery services like DoorDash[7]. One such individual, Luis, has successfully used an e-bike for DoorDash deliveries in Lawrence, highlighting the versatility and practicality of these e-bikes for both personal and commercial needs.
The convenience of the e-bikes extends beyond their practicality. Luis benefits from the ability to park wherever he goes and take the bike home at night, eliminating the need for a traditional parking space[8].
The e-bike rental cost is $1 for 24 hours for income-qualifying customers, and $12 a day for others[9]. This affordable pricing makes the e-bikes an accessible option for many residents and visitors.
It's worth noting that the MeVa fleet of buses is primarily diesel powered, but includes a number of hybrid diesel/electric vehicles. The addition of the e-bikes to the transportation mix further enhances the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the overall system[10].
David Montague, CEO of Metro Mobility, is responsible for building bike share stations and fitting out the e-bikes with smart electronics. In his words, the e-bikes are "almost smarter than your average car"[11]. Jonathan Vandenberg, operations manager for Metro Mobility, demonstrated how a customer rents and uses an e-bike, providing a hands-on demonstration of the ease and convenience of the system.
This pilot program is a testament to the success of integrating e-bikes into the transportation landscape. As the e-bikes continue to prove their worth, it's likely that we'll see more of these sustainable and practical transportation solutions in the future. For now, residents and visitors in Lawrence, Lowell, Worcester, and beyond can take advantage of the e-bikes for their transportation needs, whether it's for a quick trip to the grocery store or a day of food deliveries.
[1] https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/06/electric-bikes-are-revolutionizing-transportation-in-massachusetts-a-pilot-program-success-story.html [2] https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2021/06/21/electric-bikes-massachusetts-pilot-program/ [3] https://www.boston25news.com/news/local-news/electric-bikes-now-available-in-lawrence-for-public-use/ [4] https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/06/22/electric-bikes-massachusetts-pilot-program [5] https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/06/electric-bikes-are-revolutionizing-transportation-in-massachusetts-a-pilot-program-success-story.html [6] https://www.boston25news.com/news/local-news/electric-bikes-now-available-in-lawrence-for-public-use/ [7] https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2021/06/21/electric-bikes-massachusetts-pilot-program/ [8] https://www.boston25news.com/news/local-news/electric-bikes-now-available-in-lawrence-for-public-use/ [9] https://www.boston25news.com/news/local-news/electric-bikes-now-available-in-lawrence-for-public-use/ [10] https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2021/06/21/electric-bikes-massachusetts-pilot-program/ [11] https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/06/electric-bikes-are-revolutionizing-transportation-in-massachusetts-a-pilot-program-success-story.html
The e-bike pilot program, in addition to offering a sustainable and innovative transportation solution, could potentially expand to include rail services, further diversifying the means of transportation available to residents and visitors. As technology advances, smart-home devices and gadgets could also be integrated with the e-bike system, enabling users to track their journeys, lock their bikes remotely, or even pay for rentals using voice commands.
