Brookline, Boston, Somerville BlueBike Stations Get EBike Infusion

BROOKLINE, MA — The Blubikes municipal bike-sharing program is getting a jolt in five communities with the introduction of next-generation ebikes to supplement the fleet of traditional bicycles.

Bluebike stations in Brookline, Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and Everett will have 50 ebikes available for rent this week with another 700 joining the fleet over the next couple of months.

"Today marks an exciting milestone as we usher in the next wave of transportation in Greater Boston with the introduction of state-of-the-art ebikes," Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said. "Partnerships such as our Bluebikes alliance with Blue Cross are crucial in ensuring our residents have access to healthier, more sustainable, and affordable transportation options.

"We look forward to continued collaboration with Blue Cross and all our municipal partners as we elevate our bike share system."

Funding for the initial purchase of the ebikes came from a combination of municipal investment from Boston and Cambridge, state funding, federal funding by the Boston Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and support from Blue Cross's sponsorship of the bikeshare system."

"Bluebikes have become an integral part of so many communities in and around Boston, and we are thrilled to continue supporting the system," said Blue Cross President and CEO Sarah Iselin. "We're looking forward to the next chapter of partnership with the cities and towns through the renewal of our Bluebikes sponsorship.

"Biking is truly one of the best ways to get around, benefiting the environment as well as our mental and physical health. And adding ebikes to the Bluebikes system is an important step toward making biking more accessible to more people."

Lyft's ebike features a long-lasting battery with a 60-mile range, a user-friendly interface LCD screen, a smoother ride and numerous safety upgrades. Massachusetts legalized Class 1 ebikes, which have no throttle and a maximum speed of 20 MPH, as part of the Transportation Bond Bill
last year.

"Somerville takes great pride in our regional, public-owned Bluebikes system, which is already one of the most successful bikeshare systems in North America," Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said. "Bikeshare is public transit, and I believe that affordable, pedal-assist ebikes can improve travel choices for people across the metro region."

Bluebikes ebikes will be available at 10 cents per minute for Bluebikes members, 25 cents per minute for Adventure Pass holders, and seven cents per minute for low-income residents enrolled in Bluebikes’ Income-Eligible Program.