Vancouver's Mobi bike share expands coverage, reduces age restrictions

Vancouver's Mobi bike share expands to Commercial Drive, reduces age restrictions

Vancouver Mobi Bike Share (Shutterstock)

Vancouver’s public bike share system has completed the first phase of its expansion to reach deeper into the Eastside neighbourhood.

Mobi announced today that it has extended its coverage area with the addition of 25 new bike share stations within Mount Pleasant and Strathcona districts – right up to Commercial Drive.

A further 25 stations will be added in the area later this summer, increasing the total number of stations to 150. By then, the system’s capacity will also increase to 2,000 bikes with the addition of 500 new bikes.

Additionally, to encourage more ridership, the minimum age to be able to use Mobi has been reduced from 16 years old to 12 years old. However, a parent or legal guardian is required to purchase the pass for the child, confirm that the rider meets the minimum height requirements, and is capable of riding an adult-sized bike.

Mobi also says it is engaging in a partnership with Vancity Credit Union to launch the Vancity Community Pass, which is a one-year pilot program to provide a “365 Day Plus” pass program at a rate of $20 per year – a significant discount from the regular price of $159.

A total of 300 passes will be provided to individuals and community partners that are eligible for the program. If it proves to be a success, it could become a permanent part of the bike share system.

Beyond 2018, the municipal government plans to allow Mobi to expand across the city through the usage of private land for stations.

Launched in 2016, the municipal government claims Mobi is a success, with over 57,000 users completing 795,000 trips in the city to date.

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