MEDIA ALERT
North Kansas City to allow RideKC E-Bikes and Scooters:
City Council updates Bike Share Operating Agreement
Kansas City, MO | November 8, 2019: At its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 5, the City of North Kansas City’s City Council reviewed a proposal to update its current operating agreement with Bike Share KC / RideKC Bike and Scooter to allow for the deployment of electric-assist bikes (e-bikes) and scooters at locations other than its current three bike share stations. Following a review of the features and amenities provided by the new e-bikes and scooters, along with proposed additional docking/parking locations, the Council voted unanimously to update the Cooperative Agreement.
The current bike share kiosk locations at Armour and Iron, 18th and Swift, and 29th and Swift will remain as parking hubs. Additional hubs will include all existing bike racks located on public property in the City of North Kansas City. RideKC e-bikes and scooters feature exclusive “lock-to” technology that requires a rider to use the built-in lock on the bike or scooter to secure it at a bike rack or bike share kiosk. This ensures that bikes and scooters are parked responsibly and out of the public right-of-way. RideKC e-bikes and scooters are powered by Drop Mobility and feature on-board GPS, which notifies local operating staff when the equipment needs servicing, charging, or is improperly parked. Locations for all e-bikes, scooters, and parking hubs are provided through the Drop Mobility smartphone app.
“Welcoming new active transportation modes from RideKC Bike and Scooter is the next logical step in North Kansas City’s work to be a bike-friendly community,” says Councilmember Bryant DeLong. “These electric modes increase access to those interested in biking or using scooters in a healthy and fun way without the stress or expense of maintaining the equipment themselves. We are excited to partner with RideKC Bike and Scooter to give residents and visitors to North Kansas City more sustainable, healthy transportation options.”
“Shared mobility continues to evolve, and North Kansas City remains a leader in the region for welcoming innovative ways to connect the community to amenities that benefit all who live, work, and play there,” says Eric Vaughan, director of bike share and business services for BikeWalkKC / RideKC Bike and Scooter. “We look forward to working together to continue to advance safe, healthy options for enjoying all that North Kansas City has to offer.”
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About: RideKC Bike and Scooter is a partnership of BikeWalkKC, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, and Drop Mobility. The system provides a unique integration of public transit and shared use mobility. Three fleets of traditional pedal bikes, electric-assist bikes, and scooters provide residents and visitors with healthy, sustainable transportation options. The bike share and scooter program is a part of the RideKC regional transit family of mobility services, including Bus, MAX, Streetcar, and now shared-use bikes and scooters. For more information, please visit www.ridekcbike.com.