MoGo bike share adds 50 e-bikes to fleet

MoGo, Detroit’s bike ride-share system, announced that it will be adding 50 electric bikes, or e-bikes, to its fleet. The new “Boost” bikes, which are painted jet black, are interchangeable with the other 430 bikes in the system. Users can rent or return them to any of the 44 stations within the city of Detroit.

E-bikes use an electric motor to determine how much “boost” is needed based on the amount of power being generated by the rider. MoGo’s e-bikes can reach a maximum speed of 15 mph.

Boost bikes are intended for those who may have difficulty with standard bikes, like older riders, or those with longer rides.

“Our mission is to serve a wide range of people and needs through bike share,” said Lisa Nuszkowski, founder and executive director of MoGo, in a release.

Eric D. Lawrence of the Detroit Free Press took a spin on a Boost bike and came away impressed by the experience:

This version is an electric pedal-assist bike—no shifting, just a bike that automatically adjusts to the pressure on the pedals. It gives a boost that lessens what your legs need to do. On another bike, you might be tempted to stand up while pedaling up a hill. ...

I took a slow ride up the hill from the [Dequindre Cut] and then spun around to try it again at a faster pace. The incline isn’t what I’d call steep, but for those who might struggle pedaling a standard bike up a hill or people with physical challenges, this would likely help them avoid hopping off and walking the bike, or might give them the confidence to give bike riding a try.

MoGo launched in Detroit in 2017 and has been steadily expanding its options and reach since. In May 2018, it began offering a variety of “adaptive” bikes, like recumbent bikes, adding options for riders of all abilities. This year, it plans on expanding into several cities in Oakland County.

According to the Free Press, MoGo ridership has been up as well, increasing increased 6.5 percent in year-over-year membership sales in June.