Forum Discussion

Gaffano's avatar
Gaffano
Casual Commenter
22 days ago

New 15MPH Limit in NYC? Reduced Charge?

NYC just programed the pedal assist Citibike e-bikes to a max speed of 15MPH (down from 18-20?). I used them this weekend and clocked the max speed on my Strava at 15.5MPH on a flat road. Felt a lot slower. I used the regular blue CitiBike on the same routes and clocked speed at 13-15MPH. For me I do Bike Angels primarily to earn e-bike credits. Now that the ride is fairly similar I probably will not use the ebikes as much given the cost difference. Especially since it seems harder to earn points these days. Also Lyft should (but probably wont)reduce the per minute fee for ebikes since you are getting a lesser service.

citibike

2 Replies

  • Jess's avatar
    Jess
    Bike Angels Team
    22 days ago

    Hi there, thanks for your post. Your assessment is correct that Citi Bike ebikes are slower now as of 6/20. Read our blog post here.

    Regarding your questions about rates, I want to assure you that Citi Bike is committed to providing riders with a smooth, safe ebike. There is no adjustment to ebike pricing at this time. 

    • Gaffano's avatar
      Gaffano
      Casual Commenter
      22 days ago

      Thanks Jess! I understand the political pressure that Lyft has faced with a growing discontent for "e-bikes" as one of the chief quality of life complaints these days. However, most people I talk to around the city are usually mainly concerned about the mopeds/motorcycles  with pedals that are commonly used by delivery workers. These go in access of speeds of 25MPH+, and very rarely pedaled. They also use bike lanes, sidewalks, etc., and commonly ride the opposite way on streets. These motor vehicles should be classified and regulated as similar vehicles like mopeds/motorcycles: road use only, license/insurance required, speed limits, etc. They should not be considered an e-bike and even in the same class as CitiBike peddle assist e-bike. As I rode my Citibike e-bikes around the last couple of days, I watched these vehicles, other non human powered devices, and most traditional bikes breeze past me. It would have been nice if Lyft pushed back and pointed out the reality and overall ineffectiveness of limiting their bikes to 15MPH. Like I said the value add of Citibike e-bikes continues to decline for me (remember when they had 3 speeds!). I normally take them instead of subway because they get me from point A to B the fastest most reliable way. For most use cases, that is no longer the case.