20 million journeys! The e-bike boom and its challenges in North America.

Micromobility continues to grow in North American cities, driven by innovation and post-COVID adaptation. Despite a difficult period that saw about one-third of bike-sharing systems close, the sector has  seen a strong recovery.

In the United States and Canada, e-bike trips have significantly increased. Between 2021 and 2022, bike-sharing trips saw a 38% increase, reaching 20 million (NACTO)​​ (Electric Ride Lab)​.

This revival is supported by an increase in the integration of e-bikes into bike-sharing systems. Three-quarters of docked bike systems in the US and Canada have increased the number of e-bikes in their fleets in 2022 (NACTO)​.

The rise of e-bikes in bike-share systems

E-bikes are growing in popularity and use in major cities such as New York and Vancouver, and in smaller towns such as Omaha and Lincoln. In Vancouver, the introduction of e-bikes has helped to push the number of annual trips past the one million mark for the first time in 2023. In New York, almost half of the trips made with the Citi Bike system are made on e-bikes, which make up only 20% of the total fleet.

Credits: Mobibikes.ca

Although these bikes are more expensive to buy (around $3,000 per bike) and maintain, they are considered a worthwhile investment because they attract a larger number of users. In Omaha (Nebraska), where the hilly terrain favors their use, e-bikes are chosen almost exclusively when they are available. This is also the case in Lincoln (Nebraska), a relatively flat city, where e-bikes account for more than 75% of journeys, even though they represent only 20% of all bicycles.

Despite their popularity, the main problem with e-bikes sharing fleets remains the cost to the city.

Challenges and solutions for financially sustainable schemes

Financing remains a major challenge for bike-share systems. 

Philadelphia's bike-share systems were launched with significant investment from the city, which retained ownership of the majority of the bikes and stations. The city hired a company to manage and maintain the facilities. This mixed public-private model allowed Philadelphia to maintain strategic control over the service while benefiting from the operational expertise of the private sector. 

Credits: rideindego.com

In Vancouver, a public-private partnership was established. In 2016, the city signed a contract with Mobi by Shaw Go to start the program. The city invested $5 million in return for a five-year operational guarantee. In Omaha, the equipment is co-owned with ROAM Share (a non-profit organisation that aims to improve health, quality of life, and promote sustainable and equitable forms of transportation); but all revenue is retained by the organisation. 

Approaches to managing bike-share systems vary, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and sound investment. 

However, these schemes face substantial challenges, particularly  regarding their financial viability. This is reflected in the need for subsidies and financial support at both local and federal level. 

One notable example of the financial challenges facing bike-share programs is Nebraska's LB1250 bill to provide subsidies for bike-share systems. Senators highlighted the financial challenges by indefinitely suspending the bill despite initial discussions in the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. This demonstrates the ongoing challenges that bike share programs face, particularly regarding public funding and legislative support (trackbill.com).

The financial aspect is not the only one to consider when developing a bike-share system. 

Integration with public transport and the social aspect: the key of success

Integrating shared bikes with public transport is vital to increasing their usefulness. Cities such as Pittsburgh and Las Vegas have developed unique applications to facilitate multi-modal travel, making bike-share systems more accessible and easier to use.

The social dimension must also be at the heart of management's concerns. Over 18% of pass holders in the Philadelphia system are low-income residents, benefiting from significantly reduced fares. Efforts are also being made to ensure that cycle stations are widely distributed across urban areas, not just in city centers or near universities, but also in less-served neighborhoods. Similar efforts are being made in Vancouver to integrate different sections of the population. The city offers reduced-price passes for low-income residents. It also offers discounts to young people to build loyalty.

E-bike systems are also victims of their own popularity, so it is vital for managers to think about the safety issues associated with e-bikes. 

Safety

Battery safety is a crucial issue, frequently raised by skeptics and users. Fires and accidents caused by inadequate battery management have damaged the reputation of these bikes. However, these incidents are generally the result of incorrect use of e-bikes. Measures such as remote battery monitoring in Omaha, and electric charging stations in Vancouver and Chicago, are improving management and increasing the availability of the e-bikes.

Credits: Heartland Bike Share

To reduce the risks associated with speed, some cities, such as Vancouver, have set speed limits at 15 km/h for e-bikes, while others, such as Philadelphia and Omaha, allow slightly higher speeds. New York, on the other hand, has lowered its speed limit from 20 km/h to 18 km/h. 

In addition to battery security and speed, theft is the major challenge for bike-share systems, particularly for the more expensive e-bike systems. Systems with docking stations improve security, but losses still occur. In Omaha, the installation of tracking devices on bikes has greatly reduced the number of thefts, from several a month to just one over several years. In Philadelphia, the use of GPS tracking combined with a dedicated recovery team is helping to secure shared bikes.

In conclusion, e-bikes are revolutionizing the urban mobility landscape, offering sustainable and efficient solutions that address environmental and public health challenges. But to ensure that these programs reach their full potential, a coordinated approach involving judicious investment, strategic planning and a commitment to social equity and safety is essential. 

Cities that embrace these principles can not only improve urban mobility but also foster a more liveable environment for all their citizens. 

To find out more about e-bikes and the choice between electric or mechanical bikes adapted to a local context, read our article “ Mechanical or electric bike-share systems: what type of bike should you choose to meet the needs of your town?".