Chicago, July 27, 2020 – The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Lyft today announced the introduction of new pedal-assist ebikes into the Divvy bike-share system will begin in Chicago on July 29. The addition of ebikes follows CDOT’s recent announcement kicking off expansion citywide, with more bikes and stations, bringing Divvy to every Chicago neighborhood. 

By boosting riders’ own pedal power, Divvy ebikes will make it easier for people of all riding abilities to ride and help people make longer trips with ease. The ebikes can be unlocked using a scannable, contactless QR code in both the Divvy and Lyft apps, or by using a member key. Divvy ebikes have “hybrid” technology, making it possible for the bikes to be parked at designated Divvy docking stations — including new e-stations for ebikes-only — as well as at public bike racks. Parking is made easy by using a built-in cable lock, which will give riders more flexibility and options when biking around the City. 

"I'm excited about the addition of ebikes to the Divvy system. This will be a game-changer for bike-share in Chicago, enabling residents to go further, faster with more flexibility,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi. "It is critical in these times that we provide as many convenient options for Chicagoans to get around, and I believe ebikes offer an entry into biking that will open up new opportunities in a healthy and fun way, putting more of Chicago within reach.” 

Divvy riders will have the option to choose a classic blue pedal bike or upgrade to an ebike as part of the program. Ebikes will be priced the same as classic pedal bikes across two-thirds of the Divvy service area, where there is greater distance between stations. In the remaining areas of the service area, where the Divvy station network is already robust, ebike fees will have a per minute fee associated with usage. The cost of the annual memberships, including the Divvy for Everyone equity program, remains the same. 

Ebike Pricing for Zone 1 (in yellow on map): 

• Annual Membership: $99 per year for unlimited, 45-minute rides on classic bikes. Members who choose to upgrade to an ebike will pay $.15 per minute.  
• Divvy for Everyone: Chicagoans who qualify financially can enroll for $5 for the first year of unlimited, 45-minute rides on classic bikes. Members who choose to upgrade to an ebike will pay $.05 per minute. 
• Casual Passes: $3 per ride for any single 30-minute trip on a classic bike or $15 for a Day Pass inclusive of unlimited 3-hour trips on a classic bike. If these riders choose to upgrade to an ebike, they will pay an additional $.20 per minute.  
• Parking: There is no parking fee for ebikes locked and parked at Divvy docking stations or new e-stations. However, if an ebike is not parked at a Divvy docking station or e-station, $2 will be charged for annual members and casual pass riders, and $1 for Divvy for Everyone members. Fees may be assessed for improper parking (such as locking to trees or blocking accessibility ramps).  

Ebike Pricing for Zone 2 (in blue on map):  

• Ebikes are priced the same as classic bikes  
• For members, 45 minutes of free ebike riding  
• For casual riders, 30 minutes of free ebike riding is included in the $3 price  
• Overage fees are assessed for rides that exceed the included minutes  

“We are thrilled to introduce ebikes into the Divvy fleet in order to expand bike-share access citywide,” said Caroline Samponaro, Head of Micromobility & Transit Policy at Lyft. “We’re proud of the partnership with the City of Chicago that has made the Divvy citywide expansion possible as a means to provide more Chicagoans with another affordable, reliable transportation option” 

To allow all Divvy members to try an ebike, for a limited time CDOT will be offering a $5 credit that can be used for up to 30 minutes of free ebike riding or other usage fees. This credit will be automatically applied to their account. New Divvy members that sign up before year-end will also receive the same credit. 

As part of the expansion plan, Lyft is making a $50 million investment in new bikes, stations and hardware and is also providing the city with an additional $77 million in direct revenue for transportation improvements over a nine-year period. 

When the Divvy expansion is complete, it will include 16,500 bikes and 800 stations. The growth of the system is estimated to create over 200 additional jobs with Divvy in Chicago. Since launching in 2013, Divvy has undergone two major expansions to cover a service area of more than 100 square miles, the largest bike share system by area in North America. The City Council in 2019 approved plans to expand the sponsorship agreement with Lyft. 

Divvy has increased cleaning protocols and disinfects all high-contact surfaces on bikes each time they arrive in their depot. Staff wear gloves and face coverings when handling bikes in the depot and at valet stations, and high-contact surfaces on vans used to transport vehicles are also disinfected at the start of each shift. 

Divvy is the latest system where Lyft has partnered with cities in an effort to offer ebikes nationwide. This launch follows rollouts in Columbus, Minneapolis, San Francisco, San Jose, New York and Washington D.C., with more cities in the coming months. For more about Divvy pricing and service area, visit divvybikes.com.  

Downloadable Lyft E-Bike Fact Sheet

About Divvy
Divvy is Chicagoland’s bike share system, giving Chicago and Evanston residents and visitors access to thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations across the region. Intended to provide additional options for getting around and exploring the city, Divvy is convenient, fast, fun and affordable. Divvy is North America’s largest bike share system based on service area, and will grow to serve all 50 wards of the city by 2021. For more information and a map of station locations, visit www.DivvyBikes.com.