Electric Bikes To Invade Echo Park-Silver Lake

LOS ANGELES, CA — People looking for another way to get around downtown were given a new option Thursday, with Metro unveiling electric bicycles available for rent at stations in central Los Angeles.

More than 300 bikes will eventually be available at bike-share stations across central Los Angeles. More than 20 new stations will be added in locations such as Expo Park, University Park, Pico Union, Koreatown, MacArthur Park, Echo Park and Silver Lake. The installation of the new stations will be completed by the end of summer, according to Metro.

The bikes can be operated using old-fashioned pedal-power or, for those uphill climbs, electric power.

"Metro is introducing a new group of no-sweat bikes," said county Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Sheila Kuehl. "Now you can get off your train or bus, hop on a bike and pedal where you're going. Climbing hills and riding long distances are no obstacle because you've got an electric motor that will help you glide from the Metro station to your destination."

Metro worked with the city of Los Angeles to select station locations near major transit hubs and primary local destinations.

People who want to use the electric bikes can download the Metro Bike Share App to check bike and dock availability and find the nearest Classic Metro Bike Station to their location.

There is a $1 fee to unlock the bikes, but that fee will be waived until Aug. 31.

The e-bikes and new stations are funded with a more than $2 million state grant from the Active Transportation Program Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

City News Service