A glitch in the system
As i rebalance bikes for citibike, sometimes i end up being charged for taking an ebike when there are no available classic bikes. For short rides this doesnt amount to much money. But every now and then i take the trouble to call in or write to let them know and to ask to be credited the mistaken charge. Here is my response to lyfts latest response: Oss Youre missing the point. Im letting you know that your program is not working as it should. If a bike angel takes an ebike when there is no classic bike available, they're not supposed to be charged. I am well aware of the low assist option. If you had checked my profile you would have seen i had selected that option last year. Yesterday and today i rebalanced bikes for you but your system is not keeping track of it. I'm really not concerned about the $1.12 i was charged incorrectly. You are nickle diming me instead of thanking me for making you aware of a glitch in the system. So now i will consider forgetting about being your bike angel. I have taken time to write you and call you about this situation. That i would calculate as worth $20 of my time. I dont think ill make the effort for you any longer.
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.
Bike Angels Motivation?
I just do Bike Angels to get points to pay for expensive e-bike minutes and extend membership. I dont go to much out of my way to get points. I also work so dont have much time to devote. Seems many here might be doing this for income. Seems you need to put in the time but good workout and you are your own boss. Gig economy. Curious, what's your motivation?Capping Citibike ebikes Charge at $2.90?
I personally prefer to take an ebike sometimes instead of the subway, especially if going somewhere far. From my experience it is the fastest and most predictable way to get from point A to B. This was also demonstrated in a NYT article on getting from Time Square to LGA. However, the biggest negative is the charge. A 20+ min ride is $5+. It would be great if the ebike fee was capped at the same rate as the subway, $2.90 as long as under a certain time frame. I understand that Lyft needs to cover their costs, but the MTA just generated $159 million in the 1st quarter of 2025 from congestion pricing. I am not sure if any of these revenues are planned to help fund Citibike, especially ebikes. If not might be a good idea to help cap the ebike fee. Thoughts?
