Try or buy an e-bike
Listed below are nearby bike shops that offer Columbia discounts. Some offer the opportunity for interested parties to try before they buy an e-bike. Note that the discounts may only apply for the servicing of bikes, not necessarily bike sales.
Bike shops that offer a Columbia discount.
Citi Bike offers electric pedal assist bikes
NYC’s bike share system, Citi Bike, offers a mix of traditional and electric bikes among their fleet. Consider using Citi Bike if you live in NYC, as it means you won’t have the hassle of bike parking, theft, maintenance or storing your bicycle inside your apartment. Memberships are relatively affordable, but you can also pay per ride with the Lyft app.
Important safety information
Electric mobility devices have been the cause of many apartment fires in NYC, so it is important to ensure you are using a safe product and following all safety guidelines. Cheaply produced Lithium-ion batteries are most common in faulty products that cause fires. NYC has signed five bills into law to improve e-mobility safety, including a law that will prohibit the sale, lease, or rental of powered mobility devices, such as e-bikes and electric scooters, that fail to meet recognized safety standards of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849. They’ve also developed the “Charge Safe, Ride safe: New York City’s Electric Micromobility Action Plan to improve safety.
More safety resources:
Parking e-bikes and e-scooters
E-bikes and e-scooters can be parked at any of Columbia’s outdoor bike rack locations as well as most Commuter Bicycle Parking Enclosures.
Recycle your e-bike battery
When it’s time to retire your e-mobility device it’s important to properly dispose of its battery. That way, its precious materials can be recycled and its harmful materials are kept out of the waste stream. Visit the Hungry for Batteries website to search for a nearby battery drop-off location.
Be Inspired by other e-mobility users
Read about Columbians who have made the switch to a more sustainable and enjoyable commute, including e-bike users who commute from New Jersey, on the Wow Commute Stories webpage.