Divvy Becomes First U.S. Bikeshare System to Incorporate Ebike Charging Stations
The new Lyft ebike introduced in Chicago last December is the first fleet ebike in the U.S. capable of on-street charging in docks
Colin Wright 917.375.1834 | ColinWright@lyft.com
Susan Hofer 312.742.2006 | Susan.Hofer@cityofchicago.org
Chicago – May 5, 2022 - Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Gia Biagi, and Lyft, operator of Chicago's Divvy system, announced they have installed the first five electrified Divvy stations capable of charging the new Lyft ebike model, which was introduced last December. The first-in-the-nation charging stations will increase overall Divvy ebike availability for riders and will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with operating the Divvy fleet.
“Chicago continues to lead the nation in bikeshare and micromobility innovation,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi. “Divvy is the first bikeshare system in the country to have docking stations that charge ebikes, eliminating the need to swap batteries. This shows our commitment to innovation to drive better customer experience and reducing our carbon footprint.”
The new Lyft ebike is the first shared ebike in the U.S. capable of on-street charging. As more charging stations are brought on line, Lyft anticipates a significant reduction in the vehicle miles needed to maintain the fleet by reducing the number of ebikes that require manual battery swaps. The initial five charging stations are located at:
- Wilton Ave & Diversey Pkwy
- Lincoln Ave & Roscoe St
- Bissell St & Armitage Ave
- Green St & Randolph St
- Morgan St & Lake St
“Electrified charging stations are a game changer for Divvy and for bikeshare systems globally,” said Caroline Samponaro, VP of Transit, Bikes and Scooter Policy at Lyft. “Riders will appreciate finding more ebikes charged and ready to go when they want them. With the introduction of electrified stations, Lyft expects Divvy ebikes will be charged using fewer van trips to swap batteries––cutting the carbon emissions associated with operating the system. This is a win-win for the City of Chicago, the Divvy system, and Divvy riders.”
The Divvy system will bring Divvy service to all areas of Chicago later this year. In 2021, over 400,000 new riders tried Divvy, and a total of 5.5 million rides were taken, breaking every previous record. Meanwhile, CDOT and Lyft aim to make Divvy affordable for all Chicagoans through low-cost Divvy for Everyone (D4E) memberships for income-qualifying Chicagoans, which currently has over 5,400 members, an all-time high.
About Divvy
Divvy is Chicagoland’s bike share system. Divvy provides residents and visitors with a convenient, fun, and affordable transportation option for getting around and exploring Chicago. Divvy, like other bike share systems, consists of a fleet of specially designed, sturdy, and durable bikes that are locked into a network of docking stations throughout the region. The bikes can be unlocked from one station and returned to any other station in the system. People use bikeshare to explore Chicago, commute to work or school, run errands, get to appointments or social engagements, and more.
About Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 and is one of the largest transportation networks in the United States and Canada. As the world shifts to transportation-as-a-service, Lyft is at the forefront of this massive societal change. Its transportation network includes the largest shared mobility network in the United States and brings together rideshare, bikes, scooters, car rentals and transit all in one app. Lyft is singularly driven by its mission: to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation.