E-Bikes are fun to ride and make traveling longer distances, pedaling up hills, and arriving to work sweat-free easy. That is why we are very excited that Capital Bikeshare has added new pedal-assist e-bikes, known as Capital Bikeshare Plus, to their fleet. Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) has answered your FAQs below so you are ready to roll.
What is Riding an E-Bike Like?
Riding a Capital Bikeshare Plus e-bike is similar to riding a classic bikeshare bike, but easier. They are pedal-assist bikes, which means the motor kicks in when you start to pedal and adds power to your stroke. When you stop pedaling the motor also stops. The motor on these bikes will boost you up to 18 mph before shutting off. To access the motor, press the ‘Power’ button on the middle of the frame.
Same but different: brakes, gear shift, and the bell
While the brake and bell are similar enough to classic bikeshare, the gear shift on the e-bike appears and feels slightly different. Instead of clicking into first, second, or third gear as you would on a red bike, the gear shift on a Capital Bikeshare Plus is more seamless and is just a rotation with no click. As on a regular bike, the gear shift makes pedaling easier or harder, and does not increase your speed. To increase your speed, pedal faster—as you would on any bike.
Do I Pay More to Ride Capital Bikeshare Plus?
Starting April 15, 2019, there will be an additional $1 per ride charge when you upgrade your ride to an e-bike. These fees will not apply to members who are part of Capital Bikeshare Financial Assistant Programs. Learn about ways to optimize your Capital Bikeshare membership and how to bikeshare like a pro.
How Can I Find Capital Bikeshare Plus E-Bikes?
The black e-bikes are docked the same as the red classic bikes, so you can find and return them to any Capital Bikeshare station in Washington, DC; City of Alexandria; and Arlington, Fairfax, Montgomery, or Prince George’s County. You can find the e-bikes through the Capital Bikeshare app—look for a lightning bolt next to a station to find the e-bikes. Note, Capital Bikeshare Plus e-bikes are black; instead of the classic red bikeshare color.
Why Should I Try an E-Bike?
Riding an e-bike is guaranteed to make you smile. It can also make trips that seem long or strenuous on a traditional bike completely doable. E-Bikes also help alleviate the worry about showing up to a meeting or your friend’s house sweaty—especially in this summer heat.
Start Riding
We hope you hop on a Capital Bikeshare Plus e-bike and share your experience by tweeting @ATPCommutes. If you are an Arlington Resident who has never had a Capital Bikeshare membership, we can help you out with a discount. Contact ATP and request your discount to start riding.
Editor's Note: This blog was updated in April 2019 with new information written by Sheila McGraw.
Photo Credit: Sheila McGraw for Arlington Transportation Partners
