Seattle has a turnover deal with Jump and Lime, because out-of-service e bikes wastefully occupy public space in the city. Seattle Department of Transportation permits require at least 70% must be in good working order and available for rental. A local newsroom blew a whistle on conformance. This is one of the first times we have seen Seattle media challenging rental e bike numbers openly.
Why Are Seattle Media Challenging Rental E Bike Numbers?
Seattle Times reported some potentially disturbing news on September 12, 2019. It hired Traffic Lab to carry out tests on Lime bicycles. According to reports the majority “couldn’t be unlocked due to low battery power or ‘under maintenance’ warnings”.
This report caused a ripple of protest in the industry. In fact, this may be the first example of Seattle media challenging rental e bike numbers this openly. “We’ll figure out how to check ebike batteries in a transparent, clear way,” Seattle Department of Transportation spokesman Ethan Bergerson assured reporters.
Lime Blames ‘Heavy Labor Day Ridership for the Problem
E bicycle renters Lime were quick to respond with a rational explanation. They had enjoyed high Labor Day demand, but their crews were working to replace low charge batteries with fresh ones. Moreover, previous Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) audits suggested this was an exception.
They said, and we quote SDOT’s spring audit of e-bike-rental programs. “94% of Lime and 96% of Jump bikes complied” with the standard it said. This appears to suggest Seattle media challenging rental e-bike availability could be a flash in the pan. Seattle authorities say they will make more comprehensive audits in future. “I wouldn’t call it changing the methodology,” a SDOT spokesperson said. “We’re just going to go out and do a bigger sample size.”
Someone also needs to bottom out on a Seattle Times finding “17% of e bikes obstructed sidewalk corners, bus zones or building fronts”. The SDOT target is 3% so watch this space.
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Preview Image: Seattle Skyline-on a Summer Day
