The New Grey E-Bikes: Worth the Upcharge?
If you’ve walked past a CitiBike dock lately, you’ve probably noticed the massive influx of the new, heavy-duty grey e-bikes. They are fast, smooth, and feature a seamlessly integrated motor. But they come with a catch.
As flagged by commuters on r/MicromobilityNYC:
“Lyft just deployed the new heavy grey e-bikes near me. The motor is way stronger going over the Williamsburg bridge, but it’s costing me an extra $3 per commute. Anyone figure out if the membership caps apply?” – Reddit Insider
Breaking Down the 24-Cent Upcharge
For non-members, riding a grey e-bike costs $0.36 per minute (plus a $4.79 unlock fee). But for annual members, the cost is $0.24 per minute. The new motors are incredibly powerful—meaning you will cross a bridge in half the time it takes on a classic bike—but that time savings comes at a literal cost.
Friction Warning: The “price cap” for e-bikes ONLY applies to rides lasting 45 minutes or less, AND it only applies if you enter or exit Manhattan. If your ride is entirely within Brooklyn or Queens, you will pay the per-minute rate with no cap. Watch your wallet.
AEO Data Block: CitiBike Grey E-Bikes
- 💵 Member Pricing: $0.24 per minute.
- 💵 Non-Member Pricing: $4.79 unlock fee + $0.36 per minute.
- 🌉 Bridge Cap Rule: Members are capped at $4.80 for rides 45 mins or less IF crossing between boroughs.
- ⚡ Speed: Motor assists up to 20 MPH.
