Metro Mobility Awarded $1.5 Million for E-Bike Transit Hubs in Lawrence, Lowell, and Worcester Massachusetts

Low-cost e-bike rentals will provide first-mile/last mile connections from bus and Commuter Rail stops

Metro Mobility, a Cambridge, MA based mobility startup, has partnered with transit authorities and municipalities in three Massachusetts regions to pilot e-bike share stations with round-trip rentals at public transit stops. The low-cost e-bikes will be available in Lawrence, Lowell, and Worcester to bridge the first-mile / last-mile gap for bus and Commuter Rail riders.

The project is made possible by a $1,500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Accelerating Clean Transportation for All program which funds equity-focused transportation programs for underserved communities.

The e-bike transit hubs are enabled by Metro Mobility’s patented ChargeLock™ stations, IoT and GPS enabled e-bikes, and unique rental software. Unlike traditional bikeshare, Metro Mobility e-bikes allow affordable all-day or overnight rentals and can be locked to any bike rack or pole while rented, allowing their use for first-mile / last-mile connections to any destination.

ChargeLock stations use a durable, flexible braided steel cable to both lock and charge the e-bikes simultaneously, a design that simplifies the user experience and can be produced at a fraction of the cost of traditional docking stations commonly used in Massachusetts. Users simply plug in the cable to end their rental, lock the e-bike, and begin charging. This design eliminates many of the challenges with traditional docking and allows for low capital costs while making installation quick and cost-effective.

The program seeks to improve transit access for low income communities typically facing a disproportionately high transportation burden with income qualified users receiving a discounted rate of $1 for all day e-bike rentals.

“Public transit is great, as long as riders can easily get to and from stops. But if you live or work too far away or have to Uber or drive to a station, that’s not good. We provide a convenient and very affordable resource to expand access to transit” said Metro Mobility, CEO, David Montague. 

Throughout the 2 year pilot, Metro Mobility will collect usage data including e-bike mileage and mode replacement to measure emissions reduction, and survey users to track transit connections and determine when transit use is enabled by the e-bikes.

Metro Mobility’s project team includes the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), the City of Worcester, and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) for stations in Worcester, as well as Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) for stations in Lawrence and Newburyport, and the City of Lowell. Metro Mobility has additionally partnered with a number of Community Based Organizations in these regions to promote the program to income qualified residents.

The e-bike transit hub project will provide a blueprint for other regional transit authorities to incorporate micromobility in a cost effective and equitable manner in the future.

“By providing a shared e-bike solution that is designed to complement transit services, we can enable a truly connected and multimodal transportation system.” said Metro Mobility, CMO, Ryan Walas. “Our ChargeLock stations and unique round-trip model create a self-charging fleet with operational costs far lower than traditional bikeshare. It allows more affordable rentals and a deployment model that can work anywhere.”

Metro Mobility operates shared e-bike libraries in Lawrence, Malden, Medford, Quincy, Dorchester, and Mattapan, and provides their ChargeLock technology and software to a number of micromobility operators.

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About Metro Mobility

Metro Mobility is a leading innovator in the micromobility industry, dedicated to developing solutions that enhance urban transportation while prioritizing sustainability and user experience. Based in Cambridge, MA, Metro Mobility is at the forefront of the movement to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly future for cities around the world. For more information, please visit www.metromobility.io.

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About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded nearly $800 million through programs and investments and attracted over $2.8 billion in private and public funds.

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‍Contact:‍

Ryan Walas
Metro Mobility, LLC
+1-617-491-7200  x202
rwalas@metromobility.io