Electric bike share program in Northampton Mass

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Jun 25, 2010
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Northampton Massacchussets has an Electric bike share program!! I just downloaded the app, will test one tomorrow. Great way to introduce young people into Ebiking!! Anyone have experience with their bikes?
https://www.valleybike.org/about/e-bike/
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A population of 30,000 and you have ebike share program.
15 miles south is a town with a population of 40k.
$80 annual pass first 45 min included.
Switching to a new ValleyBike Share bike will reset the 45 minute ride time.

Overtime Charges are only incurred if you go over 45 minutes during a single ride.

each additional half hour is $2

Oh I see, looking at the station map its in the neighboring cities as well
https://www.valleybike.org/#full-map

OP - How did you enjoy the ride?
 
I strongly endorse bike share programs but after riding Valleybikes, very disappointed. Almost half the bikes had no power despite meter reading fully charged. Numerous bike riders also shared similar experiences. Really sad, because the infrastructure is in place and plenty of initial positive PR but the bikes are a disappointment. ValleyBikes are heavy, underpowered and no shifting capability. But I was impressed with the technicians working on the bikes, they were highly motivated and dedicated to the cause. I hope to see major improvements.
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Last evening I tested five Valleybikes. Three had power, two no power despite meters indicating charge. But the fob worked well and the included security cable is convenient for fast trips in a store or shop. The powered bikes were OK but hope Valleybikes work on quality issues. I met three people on the bike trail who rented Valleybikes with no power, and they weren't happy pushing heavy dead ebikes. Vallybikes needs to work on quality issues. I would hate to see it fail.
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It looks like Valleybikes is identical to Zyp Bikes in Alabama. Their bike program is two years old, wonder how it's working.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivt0sGFpxJU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmVtw1plcPg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cBqsITZuvA
 
georgefromvt said:
It looks like Valleybikes is identical to Zyp Bikes in Alabama. Their bike program is two years old, wonder how it's working.

Report from last November:
The Disruption That’s Putting Bikeshare Into a Higher Gear
("Dockless bikes are the hottest innovation in a booming urban industry."):
https://www.politico.com/magazine/s...ngton-dc-what-works-seattle-birmingham-215833

Includes:
Birmingham, Alabama: Sweating the details

Now in its third year, Birmingham’s Zyp bikeshare program has 400 bikes and 40 bike stations. “Being in the southeast, the stigma of using a bus, let alone a bike, is still palpable,” notes Zyp’s executive director, Keith Rawls, referring to a common perception in communities of color that taking the bus or riding a bike is for people who can’t afford to buy a car. “We’re coming out of that here, more so than any place I’ve seen.”

One thing that helps is Zyp’s fleet of more than 100 e-bikes, or pedal-assist electric bikes, which cruise along at about the same speed as an automobile in city traffic. That also means you can ride in the summer and show up at work relatively unscathed by Birmingham’s sweltering humidity. And though it’s electric, there’s still a cardio bonus. “You engage the motor by pedaling,” explains Rawls. “And people tend to ride longer, which keeps their heart rate up longer. But you don’t feel as taxed.”

:)
 
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