Mayor Elorza, Uber Announce Launch of JUMP Dockless Electric Bike Share in Providence

Dockless, pedal-assist bikes will provide access to transit options for residents starting September 6

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge Elorza and Uber today announced that dockless, electric bike share service JUMP will begin its rollout in Providence on September 6, with limited bikes available across the city, ramping up to 400 bikes by September 15. Rides cost only $2 for every 30 minutes of riding. JUMP bikes are electric and provide a boost with every pedal, making it easier for riders to get up hills and across town without breaking a sweat. The launch is possible with the support of the City of Providence, Lifespan, Tufts Health Plan and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).

“The JUMP bike-share program offers Providence residents and visitors an affordable, eco-friendly and healthy way to explore or commute,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “We’re thrilled to welcome the innovative e-bikes that will allow more people to experience a new way to explore our vibrant neighborhoods. We encourage everyone to rent a bike, go on a ride and see what the excitement is all about.”

“Our mission at JUMP is to get more people on bikes, so they have affordable and convenient ways to move around without needing a car,” said Ryan Rzepecki, Co-founder and CEO of JUMP bikes. “We’re excited to bring our bikes to Providence and offer residents a new way to move around the city.”

“Lifespan is proud to bring JUMP to Providence by serving as a founding sponsor of this innovative program,» said Timothy J. Babineau, M.D., president and CEO of Lifespan, which includes Providence-based Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital. «It’s a perfect fit for us on so many levels. As Rhode Island’s largest health care system and largest employer, we eagerly support initiatives that make Rhode Islanders healthier – and JUMP, in very practical and symbolic ways, will promote healthy active lifestyles. For example, enabling a healthy mode of transportation around Providence and to our many locations. This initiative is consistent with our commitment to the wellbeing of our patients, employees and the larger community. We are pleased to contribute toward improving the quality of life and transportation infrastructure of the state’s capital, home to many Lifespan facilities.”

«We are thrilled to join forces with the City of Providence and JUMP to bring the first ever bike share program to the city,” said Tom Croswell, Tufts Health Plan president and CEO. “Not only does the bike share promote health through physical activity, but it also contributes to the health of the environment by supporting a green method of transportation around the city. Our participation is such a natural fit for our mission to improve the health and wellness of the diverse communities we serve. We hope the residents and visitors of Providence take advantage of everything the bike share program has to offer.”

In 2017, JUMP bikes launched the first ever dockless electric bike share system in the United States. In May 2018, Uber acquired JUMP as part of its mission to expand the menu of affordable, reliable transportation options available within the Uber app and make it even easier for residents to get across town without relying on their own personal vehicle. JUMP’s pedal assist bikes are available in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York City, Santa Cruz, Sacramento, Chicago, Austin, and Denver.

Dockless bike share expands transportation options for residents by making it easier to rent a bike anywhere within the community, instead of designated stations. There will also be more than 40 hubs around the city where riders can conveniently park their bikes. It costs just $2 to start, and $0.07 per minute after thirty minutes. JUMP offers both cash-based and low-income memberships through the Boost plan – just $5 for the first year, then $5 per month for qualifying residents. An interactive map of bike share hub locations is available here.

The bikes feature an integrated lock and GPS to ensure that bikes are locked within the pilot area to a physical feature like bike racks or street signs when done riding.  “Lock-to” technology helps ensure bikes are kept out of streets or crosswalks, and it prevents reckless, unsafe or inconsiderate behavior from riders that can create negative impacts on safety, the public way, and neighborhood aesthetics.  In cities where JUMP operates, less than 1 percent of JUMP rides resulted in irresponsible parking complaints.

How it Works:

With both the Uber and JUMP mobile apps, users can find and unlock JUMP pedal-assist e-bikes. It’s simple to use.

Via Uber:

• Tap Bike in the menu of the Uber app.
• You’ll see the available JUMP bikes around you, and can select one to reserve.
• The app will give you a pin so you can unlock your bike.

Via JUMP:

• Download the JUMP Bikes app to create an account.
• Use the in-app map to find and reserve bikes – or simply walk up to a bike and enter your phone number and four-digit pin.
• Once you’re finished riding, you must lock the bike to any JUMP hub or public rack in the service area shown on the app’s map.

To learn more about JUMP Bikes and pedal-assist technology, visit www.jumpbikes.com.