Dockless e-bikes return to the City, providing enhanced access to transit options for residents and visitors
Monday, June 14, 2021
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge Elorza today joined join Scott Williams, General Manager of Graduate Hotel, Liza Burkin, Organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition, Ashley Brown, Government Partnerships Manager, East at Spin and community members to announce the return of dockless, electric bikes in Providence via bike share service Spin, with 100 bikes available immediately across the City, and ramping up to 400 bikes by September. The e-bikes cost only $1 to unlock and $0.29 per minute to ride, and marks another step forward in cost-effective, eco-friendly transit options for residents and visitors alike.
“The return of e-bikes to Providence gives our residents and visitors another safe and sustainable way to get around,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Having the choice of an e-bike or an e-scooter gives riders the opportunity to pick a vehicle that best fits their journey while simultaneously improving transit efficiency in our city. We would like to thank Spin for their partnership in strengthening the Providence community’s mobility while also bringing jobs to the area.”
With the re-launch of e-bikes, the City of Providence furthers its goal of transportation equity, creating a safe, well-connected community with a variety of affordable transportation options. As with e-scooters, and through its program Spin Access, e-bikes and e-scooters will be available for people without smartphones, mobile location services, or credit cards. Spin Access also provides discounted fares for those receiving financial assistance through a state or federal program. Furthermore, Spin has a ground team in Providence focused on maintaining equitable micromobility distribution to all Providence neighborhoods.
In addition to convenience, low-cost and recreation, e-bikes allow for reduction in carbon emissions, contribute to traffic calming, and promote healthier lifestyles. Furthermore, cost-effective access to safe and reliable transportation supports employment attendance for those without other modes of transportation.
“We applaud the work that Providence is doing to expand transit offerings while creating a more efficient public transit network,” said Ashley Brown, Government Partnerships Manager, East at Spin. “Spin e-scooters and e-bikes offer options so riders can pick the vehicle that best fits the needs of their journey. We look forward to expanding our e-bike offering to other cities over the course of 2021.”
Dockless bike share expands transportation options for residents by making it easier to rent a bike anywhere within the community, instead of designated stations. There are also more than 40 hubs around the city where riders can conveniently park their bikes. An interactive map of bike share hub locations is available here. Alternatively, riders may also lock their e-bike to a publicly accessible bike rack, street sign, or parking meter, but should avoid locking it to trees, benches, and park signs. Additional information, requirements and safety rules can be found on the City’s website.
How it Works:
With the Spin mobile app, users can simply find and unlock Spin e-bikes and e-scooters.
- Download the Spin app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Use the app to find and unlock a bike or scooter near you.
- Park and relock your bike or scooter when you finish your ride.
Additionally, Spin provides options for riders without a smartphone, credit card or both. Riders will just need a mobile phone with the ability to text. For further instructions or to ask questions, please contact Spin Support at 1-888-262-5189, support@spin.pm or by visiting https://www.spin.app/spin-access.
To learn more about the City of Providence’s Micromobility Program, please visit www.providenceri.gov/planning/e-scooter-share-pilot-program. For more information about Spin, visit www.spin.app.