East Bay E-bike Arrival Hailed

For the first time, new pedal-assist ebikes will be added to a bike share network in the East Bay, Ford GoBike announced Friday.

More than 500 bikes will be added. The ebikes, known as Ford GoBike Plus, feature motors that give riders a boost as they pedal, helping them to ride further and up hills with less effort. 

Ebikes require less physical exertion making cycling a more attractive option for a wider range of trip types. By making longer trips easier, ebikes can help shift travel patterns from cars to bikes, officials said.

“We are thrilled to be getting electric-assist, shared bicycles in Oakland, Berkeley, and Emeryville,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who also serves as a commissioner on the MTC. “GoBikes will be useful to people needing to go farther in less time.  Bikesharing already gives the Bay Area a non-polluting, affordable way to get around – but these ebikes will be useful to a wider range of people, including folks who maybe can’t pedal comfortably on their own.”

Ford GoBike Plus bikes can be located and unlocked using the Ford GoBike app or a Clipper card and docked at any of the 127 bike share stations in Oakland, Berkeley or Emeryville. Access to Ford GoBike Plus is included in the cost of a membership or pass. Memberships are available for $15 per month or $149 per year, with passes available at $2 for a single ride or $10 for a 24-hour access pass.

Bike Share for All memberships are available to low-income residents at the discounted rate of $5 for their initial year and include unlimited rides, on ebikes or classic bikes, of up to 60 minutes.