Bend, OR – After a successful two-year pilot program, the City of Bend is set to introduce a permanent electric bike (e-bike) program, with a new vendor expected to be in place by this summer. The city council is poised to approve the first reading of a code change this Wednesday, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the popular bike-sharing initiative.
The pilot program, which featured the iconic electric blue bikes provided by Bird Bikes, concluded this year, providing valuable insights into the use and management of shared e-bikes across the city. While the original program saw a peak of 25,000 rides in 2022, ridership dropped to 15,000 in 2024. Despite the decrease in numbers, city officials say the data collected was crucial in understanding how and where the bikes were used, helping to shape the new, more permanent program.
Tobias Marx, the city’s parking manager and supervisor of the bike-share program, explained that one of the most important lessons from the pilot was the use of technology to track and manage bike usage. “We were able to better understand where they are used, how they are used, and how long they are used,” Marx said. “That helped us to see what adjustments need to be made moving forward.”
The new program will see between 100 and 500 e-bikes distributed across the city, and Marx emphasized that managing where the bikes are placed and ensuring they don’t block sidewalks or become eyesores is a top priority. In response to these concerns, the city has implemented new digital policies that will provide real-time data to the vendor, ensuring bikes are placed appropriately and consistently maintained.
Local residents have expressed enthusiasm about the expanded e-bike program, noting that Bend offers numerous bike-friendly routes that allow riders to avoid busy roads. “There’s so much to see in Bend, and you don’t necessarily need to be on the roads to enjoy it,” said Arielle Ocel, a local rider.
However, safety remains a primary concern for some. Travis Neumen, another local cyclist, pointed out that the speed of e-bikes can pose a risk, particularly for less experienced riders. “Safety is my main concern, especially with the speed these bikes can reach,” Neumen said. “It’s important that people are responsible and wear helmets.”
Marx assured residents that the new vendor would be required to follow state regulations, including rules about helmet use and age restrictions depending on the type of e-bike. “We want to make sure that riders are safe, and that includes enforcing safety standards for the bikes themselves,” he said.
The city is optimistic that the new permanent program will offer a sustainable and convenient transportation option for both locals and visitors. The new vendor, which will not be Bird Bikes, will pay the city for the service, providing the city with a revenue stream while improving the overall transportation infrastructure.
With the new e-bike program slated to begin this summer, Bend is looking forward to a greener, more accessible way for residents and tourists to navigate the city.
