Ford GoBike Announces Launch of Ebikes in the East Bay

Ford GoBike is introducing more than 500 new pedal-assist ebikes to its bike share network in the East Bay for the first time. A launch event and inaugural ride was held on Friday, December 14 beginning at the Ford GoBike station at 23rd Street and Telegraph Avenue in Oakland with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, Emeryville Vice Mayor Ally Medina, Oakland DOT Director Ryan Russo, and representatives from Bike East Bay, Ford GoBike and Lyft.

The ebikes, known as Ford GoBike Plus, feature motors that give riders a boost as they pedal, helping them to ride further and up hills with less effort. Ebikes require less physical exertion, flatten uphill trips, and offer a sweat-free ride — making cycling a more attractive option for a wider range of trip types. By making longer trips easier, ebikes can help shift travel patterns from cars to bikes.

“We are thrilled to be getting electric-assist, shared bicycles in Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who also serves as a commissioner on the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission. “GoBikes will be useful to people needing to go farther in less time – and with less sweat! Bikesharing already gives the Bay Area a non-polluting, affordable way to get around – but these ebikes will be useful to a wider range of people, including folks who maybe can’t pedal comfortably on their own.”

“I’m excited that Ford GoBike will soon be offering electric bikes to Berkeley and other East Bay cities,” said Berkeley Mayor Arreguin. “Ebikes will allow residents of all ages to get around town, and provide assistance up hills and over longer distances. This will help us realize our Berkeley Bike Plan goals to create a low-stress biking network, and improve livability and reduce congestion.”

“Adding ebikes to the Ford GoBike system will improve and complement our existing network of active transportation options,” said Medina. “We are excited to have them in our community.”

“The future of mobility is shared and electric,” said OakDOT Director Ryan Russo. “Bikes like these allow Oaklanders to keep their transportation costs low and reduce costly wear and tear on our roads.”

Ford GoBike Plus bikes can be located and unlocked using the Ford GoBike app or a Clipper card and docked at any of the 127 bike share stations in Oakland, Berkeley, or Emeryville. Access to Ford GoBike Plus is included in the cost of a membership or pass. Memberships are available for $15 per month or $149 per year, with passes available at $2 for a single ride or $10 for a 24- hour access pass. Bike Share for All memberships are available to low-income residents at the discounted rate of $5 for their initial year and include unlimited rides, on ebikes or classic bikes, of up to 60 minutes.

This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.