Ebikes in Bluebikes

Bluebikes now has ebikes, allowing riders to go farther while working less.

Page Sections

We want ebikes to bring new riders to Bluebikes and to encourage more people to try biking in Boston. Ebikes can make riding easier, particularly for people who cannot ride a traditional bike. By incorporating ebikes into our public bike share system we can reduce some of the barriers facing people who are interested in biking. To increase safety for everyone on our streets, we are providing clear guidelines and tips for people who use ebikes in Boston.

Still have questions? Contact:
Transportation

617-635-4680

Contact Information

1 City Hall Square
Room 721

Boston, MA 02201-2026
United States

Lower Common Barriers

Ebikes should be affordable, convenient, and safe.

Ensure Affordability

We have prioritized affordability of ebikes for residents and workers in Metro Boston. The City of Boston and other Bluebikes municipalities have provided subsidies to reduce the member price of ebikes.

Monthly and Annual Pass holders can ride ebikes for $0.10 per minute, and low-income residents enrolled in the Bluebikes Income-Eligible Program can ride for $0.07 per minute. Ebikes are available at $0.25 per minute for non-member riders who purchase a Single Trip or Adventure Pass. Learn more about discounted Bluebikes rates.

INCREASE ACCESS

Ebikes have the power to unlock biking for older adults and people with physical disabilities that may prevent them from riding a traditional pedal bike. Ebikes are seamlessly integrated into the bike share system, allowing riders to choose the best type of bike for the ride they are making. Going up hills or taking long rides is much easier, with less effort needed.

Ebikes can be ridden anywhere within the Bluebikes system and docked at any station. At least once per week, our operator redistributes ebikes so every neighborhood in Boston has some available.

Ride Responsibly

Obey Traffic Laws

You are required to follow all traffic laws and regulations, including stopping at stop signs and following all traffic lights, unless signs are posted otherwise. You must bike in the same direction of traffic except on specially marked streets. When you see a pedestrian walking with a white cane this indicates that the user is blind or visually impaired. You must come to a complete stop to allow them to safely cross the street.

Check Your Speed

Adjust your riding speed to match the situation. Be cautious around others, especially when approaching intersections, riding in bike lanes and paths, or riding close to parked cars. In shared spaces, be mindful of pedestrians and slower riders. Remember, there’s a speed limit on all ebikes.

Yield to Pedestrians

Always yield to pedestrians. Leave space for pedestrians to use curb cuts. People with disabilities need access to ramps to safely transition off the sidewalk. Those with visual disabilities rely on the yellow bumpy surface to know they are about to leave the sidewalk. They feel the surface with their cane or feet — or their service dog does! — so they know to stop until it’s safe to cross.

Avoid Riding on Sidewalks

Unlike traditional pedal bikes, ebikes aren’t permitted on sidewalks in Massachusetts. Plan your route so you stick to streets and bike paths. When you pass a person walking on a shared-use path, you need to ring a bell or give another polite, audible signal. You may not use a siren or whistle. Remember to slow down and always give pedestrians plenty of space!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do I get an ebike?

In the Bluebikes app, ebikes have an electric ‘bolt’ under the bike icon to identify them at a station. They will appear as a separate option and the number of available ebikes will be displayed. If you’re at a station, look for a silver bike with a screen.

You can unlock an ebike by using your key or the mobile app. Use your smartphone camera to scan the bike’s QR code. The QR code is between the handlebars. Wait for the green light and a “ding,” indicating that it is now unlocked. For now, riders cannot use their credit/debit card at the station kiosks to unlock ebikes.

Ebikes are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks in Massachusetts.

What features do ebikes have?

Ebikes feature a motor on the rear of your bike, brakes on the front along with bells on each handlebar, and a consistent, single speed so there's no need to adjust the gearing.

Bluebikes ebikes are class 1 electric bicycles. The motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling. Once the ebike gets up to 18 mph, the pedal-assistance turns off.

How much does an ebike cost to ride?

Ebikes are available at $0.10 per minute for Bluebikes members and $0.07 per minute for low-income residents enrolled in Bluebikes’ Income-Eligible Program. Ebikes are available at $0.25 per minute for non-member riders who purchase a Single Trip or Adventure Pass. All per minute ride prices are rounded up to the nearest minute. Please note that riding an ebike will incur extra fees, regardless of your membership or pass type.

How will I know if an ebike needs charging?

When you tap on a station in the Bluebikes app, you will see the number of available classic bikes and ebikes. Swipe up to see the list of available ebikes and their estimated range ranked from greatest to least. Select the ebike with the greatest range.

If you’re at a station, available ebikes will display their estimated range on the screen located between the handlebars.

Where can I ride an ebike?

You can ride ebikes on streets, in bike lanes, on bike paths, and on paved trails except where prohibited (check for signage!). Unlike traditional pedal bikes, you are not allowed to ride ebikes on sidewalks or natural surface trails in Massachusetts.

How fast can the ebikes go?

The pedal-assist motor on ebikes shuts off once the bike reaches 18 mph. Remember to adjust your riding speed to match the situation. Be cautious around others, especially when approaching intersections, riding in bike lanes and paths, or riding close to parked cars. In shared spaces, be mindful of pedestrians and slower riders.

Can I reserve an ebike?

You can reserve an ebike for up to 10 minutes. Each reserved minute costs the same as a minute ridden ($0.10 per minute for Bluebikes members, $0.25 per minute for non-member riders who purchase a Single Trip or Adventure Pass, and $0.07 per minute for low-income residents enrolled in Bluebikes’ Income-Eligible Program). The screen on the ebike will display “reserved.” Other riders will not be able to undock reserved bikes.

What is an “idle end fee” for ebikes?

Ebikes that haven’t moved for 45 minutes but are not locked in a dock will “idle end.” The ride will automatically end, and the bike will be unusable until it has been recovered by Bluebikes operators. The rider will be charged the total cost of the ride plus an “idle end fee” of $25 since it was not docked.