New electric bikes will soon be rolling out on Kansas City streets through RideKCBike, a unique ride sharing partnership with RideKC and Drop Mobility.
This new system will ultimately result in 150 e-assist bikes with a feature app-based, “lock-to” technology that will work alongside the existing bike share system. Using a smartphone app, a user locates a bike near them and unlocks the bike. When finished riding, the user parks and locks the bike to any bike rack or existing bike share station. The app will provide location information for “hubs” or bike parking station locations.
The bikes are equipped with on-board GPS, which notifies staff when a bike needs service or charging.
“Shared mobility is rapidly evolving worldwide with new technologies such as dockless and electric-assist options,” said Eric Rogers, BikeWalkKC executive director. “We are excited to be working with Drop Mobility and the KCATA to roll out a new electric fleet to ensure bikes are responsibly secured, and yet accessible to more people.”
For more information, visit BikeWalkKC.