Austin B-cycle launches e-bike pilot

In response to increasing demand for assisted mobility options, Austin’s public bike-share operator, Austin B-cycle, began a three-month e-bike pilot program today to test the idea with the public ahead of production models set to launch in spring 2019. The e-bikes are also being tested in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Madison and Fort Lauderdale through January 2019. For now, riders can find the docked e-bikes online at AustinBcycle.com by looking for the lightning bolt symbol on the map, and they will be able to see the locations on the B-cycle app as early as next week. Austin B-cycle is a city-owned system that purchases its bikes from BCycle LLC, which is making the e-bikes using Bosch pedal-assist technology. The e-bikes will add to the 550 bikes now available at 76 B-cycle stations in the downtown area.