Do we need another e-bike company in NYC?

In my previous series signals, I mainly talked about the issues that the dockless bike-sharing system are facing and suggested the approaches to solve. Early this year, Uber announced to purchase Jump, an electric bike-share startup. Right now, the Jump bicycles officially launched in NYC in particular pilot areas. According to news, there are already some damaged bikes appearing in the pilot areas.

Back in April, New York relinquished the ban on electric-assist bicycles. Uber, however, brings JUMP bikes into NYC right now and the launch in pilot areas, which is not operating positively. Since Jump bicycles are battery-based, one of the two main complaints is that the bikes lost their charges. Another complaint is that it is hard to find the JUMP in the pilot area even there are 200 bicycles operated in every pilot area. The issues happen in the pilot areas not only appear for the Uber to solve, but also let the audience consider whether we need that extra option when there are too many destructions or even becoming inconvenient. Transportation service companies are continually looking for ways to bring various transportation ways for people to choose the fastest or most conventions or affordable way to get their destination, whether its cars, bicycles or even rental scooters. They are trying to put anything that moves into operation. However, do residents need another e-bike within the completed public transportation system and four bike-sharing companies’ city? Sometimes, more options don’t mean a good choice.

Reference:

Furfaro, D., & Attanasio, C. (2018, August 09). Dockless bikes are already clogging NYC sidewalks. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2018/08/06/dockless-bikes-are-already-clogging-nyc-sidewalks/