E-bikes join city’s public bike-share program

Last week, 10 shiny prototype e-bikes were placed at downtown bike-share stations to assess residents’ enthusiasm for electric bicycles. The e-bikes are pedal-assist models, which means the electric motor engages only when the rider pedals forward. The bikes can be easily identified by their red handlebar baskets emblazoned with a white lightning bolt. B-cycle pass holders can use the e-bikes at no additional charge, or find their location by using the B-cycle app or viewing the online map at AustinBcycle.com. The three-month pilot program is a public-private partnership operated by the city, the nonprofit group Bike Share of Austin and B-cycle, the maker of the bikes. So if you need to get somewhere fast, you have a hill to climb or you don’t want to sweat in your work clothes, jump on an e-bike and ride like the wind.