Exciting new e-bike share program coming to Nanaimo

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 3, 2024 10:00 AM

Summary

On May 1, the City of Nanaimo launched its first e-bike share program in partnership with BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share. The 2024 pilot program aims to improve transportation in Nanaimo by providing residents with a new, convenient, sustainable, and affordable mobility option.

Beginning with 16 Parking Zones strategically located throughout Nanaimo's downtown area, in the Old City Quarter, recreational spots like Maffeo Sutton Park and Bowen Park, as well as key commercial and residential centres, the program will gradually expand to cover more areas such as Vancouver Island University and the Hospital. BCAA plans to expand the service to the BC Ferries Terminal and Hullo Ferry Terminal by summer.

With a fleet size of 100 e-bikes planned for launch this year, residents can easily access these electric bicycles through the free Evo app. After downloading the app, simply sign up, locate an available e-bike, unlock it by scanning the bike's QR code, don a helmet (available in each Evolve E-Bike basket), and start riding. Whether for a quick trip or a leisurely ride, riders can pay by the minute or hour, or opt for a monthly subscription to enjoy reduced rates.

To kick off the program with a bang, the City of Nanaimo, in collaboration with BCAA, will be offering an exciting launch promotion. Starting May 8, the first 1,000 new Evo members will receive 30 free minutes of e-bike ride time by using promo code NANAIMO when signing up on the Evo app or at www.evo.ca.* This promotion underscores the city's commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and encouraging residents to embrace eco-conscious commuting habits.

*Offer is valid for the first 1,000 new Evo memberships only, on a first come, first served basis. Free minutes expire 30 days from the time of membership approval.

Link to Strategic Plan: Taking a leadership role, focus on our environmental impact and climate change contributions.

Key Points

The Evolve E-Bike share program launched on May 1, running as a 2024 pilot program.
Initially starting with 16 Parking Zones across Nanaimo, including downtown, recreational areas, and key commercial centres, with plans to expand coverage to additional areas by summer.
Users can easily access e-bikes through the Evo app, pay by the minute ($0.35) or hour ($12.99), and return the bikes to any Evolve Parking Zone in town.
To ensure accessible transportation costs, frequent riders can choose a monthly subscription ($9.99) for a significantly lower per-minute rate of $0.10.

Quotes

"The launch of the Evolve E-Bike Share program marks a significant step forward in our city's journey towards sustainable transportation solutions. By providing residents with accessible and eco-friendly mobility options, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also enhancing the overall livability of Nanaimo. I commend the collaborative efforts of all involved in making this initiative a reality and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"We're thrilled to expand Evolve E-Bike Share to Nanaimo, with further plans to reach more communities across the Island. In collaboration with the City of Nanaimo, we're proud to support the city's goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, promoting active transportation as a key solution. It’s exciting to bring Nanaimo residents an affordable and convenient e-bike share option as a new and more eco-conscious way to commute and get around. Nanaimo is a major milestone in our journey to expand e-bike share service into Vancouver Island communities, reaffirming our commitment to building a brighter, cleaner future for British Columbians on the go."

Leanne Buhler

Head of Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share

BCAA

Images

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Contact:

Communications

Media Requests

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

MediaRequests@nanaimo.ca

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