Citi Bike Rival JoCo Launches E-Bikes in NYC | Shared Mobility

A New Electric Bike Share Arrives in New York City

A fresh competitor has entered the New York City bike-sharing market. JOCO, a new, fully electric, docked bike service, is set to launch next week. It will be the first shared operator in the city to utilize a network of e-bike stations exclusively on private property.

Initial Launch and Expansion Plans

The service, leveraging the shared mobility platform Vulog, will begin with 30 stations and 300 e-bikes strategically positioned throughout Manhattan. By June, JOCO intends to expand its reach to 100 stations and a fleet of 1,000 bikes.

This launch follows recent announcements regarding e-scooter pilots in the Bronx. However, unlike Bird, Lime, and Veo, which are confined to a specific Bronx area, JOCO faces no geographical restrictions.

Strategic Station Locations

Initially, JOCO’s bikes will be located at parking garages, including those operated by Icon Parking, the city’s largest parking provider. The company envisions future expansion to residential and commercial buildings.

This model involves compensating landlords for providing space, while relieving them of operational and maintenance responsibilities.

Differentiating Factors from Citi Bike

“Our primary distinction from Citi Bike lies in the fact that our bikes are 100% electric and represent a premium experience,” explains Jonathan “Johnny” Cohen, a New York-based co-founder. (The company has two co-founders both named Jonathan Cohen).

Reservations are possible in advance, and the private property locations offer benefits like hand sanitizer and protection from the elements, resulting in cleaner and more accessible bikes.

A map of JOCO’s 30 launch e-bike dock locations in NYC. Image Credits: JOCO

Charging and Range

While Citi Bike’s electric fleet comprises approximately 30% of its total bikes, requiring manual battery charging, JOCO’s vehicles are charged directly at the stations. Both services offer a range of around 30 miles per charge.

“This range is sufficient for multiple trips across Manhattan,” states London-based co-founder, referred to as London Jo. “We aim to ensure our vehicles are consistently charged and ready for use. Utilizing a gas-powered vehicle to swap batteries undermines the sustainability of an electric bike.”

Pricing and Membership Options

JOCO, founded in 2019 and backed by investors with technology and real estate expertise, offers pricing comparable to, and potentially competitive with, Citi Bike. Riders will pay $1 to unlock a bike and $0.25 per minute, making a 10-minute ride $3.50.

An electric Citi Bike currently costs $3.50 to unlock and $0.18 per minute, totaling approximately $5.30 for a 10-minute ride.

Neither company imposes unlock fees for members. JOCO’s monthly membership is $49 for unlimited use, while Citi Bike’s is $20 per month, with per-minute charges applying to monthly members.

Complementing Existing Infrastructure

“Citi Bike has significantly contributed to cycling adoption in NYC since 2013,” notes Monica Wejman, North America managing director at Vulog. “JOCO, powered by Vulog, aims to complement Citi Bike and address the growing demand for e-bike access, empowering mobility operators to scale their programs.”

Navigating City Regulations

While JOCO will not require permits for docking stations on private property, the company is proactively engaging with the NYC Department of Transportation. Initial reports suggested a potential misunderstanding regarding authorization requirements, which JOCO’s counsel, Matthew W. Daus, is working to resolve.

“JOCO proactively informed NYC DOT about this private EV bike rental initiative last fall and again recently, to support the city’s sustainability goals,” states the company. “This initiative is permitted under NY State law and operates exclusively on private property, potentially negating the need for DOT permits.”

Safety and Reliability

London Jo emphasizes the safety features incorporated into JOCO’s bikes, including concealed cabling to deter vandalism, puncture-resistant airless tires, and bike-tracking technology provided by Vulog.

“Operating on private land also alleviates sidewalk congestion concerns for the city,” adds the British Cohen. “The city avoids the challenges of accommodating 50 new bikes on public streets, and we maintain greater control over our operations.”

This article has been updated to include information from the NYC DOT and JOCO regarding operational requirements.