Bixi will be more expensive to operate
The Journal has never been Bixi’s biggest fan, and now has a story about how the system will be more expensive for taxpayers, both because of the decline in revenues due to the pandemic, and the higher price of the powered bikes it has been adding.
I’m not sure I’m 100% behind Bixi offering powered vehicles myself – yes, I know these are just power-assisted and not little putt-putts – but these vehicles do extend Bixi to people who otherwise aren’t able to cycle, or might not choose to cycle, so they can be defended on that basis.
Blork 11:51 on 2020-08-12 Permalink
Yeah. And electric bikes require more overhead in terms of maintenance and infrastructure. Not sure it’s the right move if they’re already struggling a bit. Introducing those was probably to compete with Jump bikes, but hey, that’s nothing but a pile of scrap now.
DeWolf 14:18 on 2020-08-12 Permalink
I was sceptical of the electric bikes at first but I have to say they are very useful for long or uphill trips, and they’re a great alternative to the metro. I tested them out a few times but going up as many hills as I could and while it’s not effortless on steep inclines, it’s much, much easier than on a regular Bixi, especially in the summer heat. I will be happy to see more of them but I wouldn’t want to reach a point where they dominate the network and you have no choice but to use one.
Jim 14:25 on 2020-08-12 Permalink
I think that the hope is that by using e-bikes there will be less need for van/cargo truck/trailer bike recirculation. A lot of people are happy to ride the regular Bixi bikes down the Plateau but I’d guess fewer want to ride back up. I’d be curious to see what their numbers/data say.
DeWolf 17:20 on 2020-08-12 Permalink
Yes but Jim, then the trucks will need to bring those electric bikes back downtown. It’s already a problem.