Vall-ebike
WELCOME TO
VALL•EBIKE
A New Way to Explore Boise!
Vall-ebikes Are Here
Electric bike share in Boise!
Valley Regional Transit is pleased to announce that Vall-ebike, a pilot electric bike-share program based on downtown Boise, went live on July 13th. The scheduling app is available in both the Apple and Google Play stores (listed as Boise Vall-ebike).
Vall-ebikes
Vall-ebike is live, and the first rides are FREE!
The long-awaited return of a shared bicycle rental program in Boise is here. Vall-eBike, Valley Regional Transit’s innovative approach to micro-mobility, launched a 50-bike pilot electric-assist bike-share program on July 13.
The pilot, which will run through the end of October, aims to demonstrate the benefits and popularity of electric-assist bike-share as an additional mobility solution. Bikes will be available for rental 24 hours a day at various price points, from Pay as You Go, to monthly memberships and day passes. VRT is also offering an equity program for low-income residents and reduced rates for its City Go program members. For details, visit the system website RideValleBikes.com.
Throughout the pilot program’s duration, the first 30-minute ride will be free. To take advantage of the free ride promotion, users must download the
Vall-ebike App from either the Apple app store or the Google Play store, and enter the promo code ‘ridevallebike.’
The 50 electric-assist shared bicycles are the product of Drop Mobility, a company that won a VRT bike-share request for proposal more than two years ago. Drop offered a low-cost lease of the demonstration bikes to generate interest in the new system and attract sponsors for a more extensive system next year.
Electric-assist shared bicycles have transformed the bike-share industry. Cities that have adopted the technology routinely see a dramatic increase in ridership because users can more easily get to their destinations with the added electric boost. Plans for the bike-share system include more bikes but also efforts to distribute the bikes more equitably throughout the community.
Valley Regional Transit operated the Boise GreenBike system from April 2015 until September 2020. VRT closed the system because of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of title sponsors, and equipment technology issues.
Capital City Development Corp. (CCDC) has committed $50,000 to support the launch of the new bike share pilot program. In addition to their initial investment in the program, CCDC is matching the next $50,000 in sponsorships. VRT has secured $10,000 from the Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition, $5,000 from the Idaho Advocates for Community Transportation, and $5,000 from KeyBank, which CCDC will match. The match offer from CCDC will expire on September 1, 2022. Interested sponsors should contact Dave Fotsch, Programs Director with Valley Regional Transit, at [email protected] or by phone at 208-331-9266.
PRICING
Vall-ebike is the fun new way to get around Boise
Whether you’re heading to work, meeting friends for dinner, or exploring Boise, Vall-eBike offers a convenient, fun, and healthy way to experience the city you love.
$0.15 / min
$1 to unlock. Prorated to the minute. No commitment.
$8 / day
Take unlimited trips (up to 4 hours total).
$0.15/minute after exceeding 4 hours.
No unlock fee (even after free time is used up).
$39 / month
Up to 60 min of FREE ride time per day (can be multiple trips).
$0.15/minute after the initial 60 minutes.
No unlock fee (even after free time is used up).
FOR EVERYONE
$4 per month (60 minutes of FREE ride time per day) + 15 cents per minute.
Do I Qualify?
DETAILS
• $4 per month
• 60 minutes of FREE ride time per day (can be multiple trips)
• $0.15 per minute after free time
• No unlock fee (even after free time is used up)
Eligibility
An equity membership is available to anyone experiencing financial hardship. Proof of financial assistance is required to apply. Examples include:
• TANF
• SNAP
• Medicaid
• Unemployment verification letter
How to enroll
Download the Vall-ebike app and enter your phone number, name, and email address.
1. Tap on the “?” icon on the bottom of the screen to contact customer support.
2. In the form provided, enter ‘Equity Pricing’ in the subject line.
3. Select “Add Image” and take a photo of your S/Nap or Medicaid card.
4. Hit submit. You should receive confirmation of your submission within 24 hours.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].
HOW IT WORKS
1) Register
Choose your plan and sign up for Vall-ebike.
2) Release
Tap Scan and scan the QR code on the handlebar.
3) Ride
Remove the lock tether and secure it to the hook under the seat. Put on your helmet and enjoy the ride.
4) Park
Park correctly within the service area. You can check the app for instructions.
5) Return
To end your ride, lock your bike at a Vall-ebike rack. Use the tether to secure the bike to the rack and loop it over the lock. Secure the lock and then use the app to end your trip.
GET THE APP NOW!
The Vall-ebike mobile App for iPhone and Android is the perfect companion when you’re out and about.
Park Respectfully
Please be respectful when you lock up your Vall-eBike. Do not block sidewalks or lock to buildings, balcony posts, or fences.
Explore all of Boise
As long as you bring the bike back into the system to lock up there is no additional charge. Out of system fee (locking up your bike outside the system): $25
Park Outside a Hub
Want to park closer to your destination? For a $2 convenience charge, Vall-eBikes can be locked at any public rack or other appropriate bike parking space within our service area. Make sure to always lock the bikes to a fixed structure and end your ride in the app.
Pay as you go
Your payment method will be charged automatically based on your usage. Payments are non-refundable once you ride.
SAFETY
Follow the rules
Yield to pedestrians. Stop at all red lights and stop signs. Ride in the direction of traffic. Use the grip bell to signal your presence. Do not wear more than one earphone while riding. Obey traffic laws at all times.
Plan a sensible route
Plan your route before you ride to follow the safest route to your destination. You can use our app to find your way to a bike you’ve reserved or to a hub when you want to end your ride.
Do a pre-ride check
Adjust the seat height; try the grip bell; and if you’re riding at night, check that the front and rear lights are illuminated.
Be predictable
Make it easy for the traffic around you. Don’t make unexpected turns that put yourself and others in danger. Ride at a steady pace so other vehicles can anticipate your movement.
Wear a helmet
Whenever you ride, wear a helmet. Always buckle the strap. Replace your helmet after any crash and whenever you see signs of damage.
Tips for turns
Use hand signals to let drivers and other cyclists know your intention to turn or to stop. Don’t turn or change lanes without knowing the position of the cars and bikes around you.
Vall-ebike is here!
Get out and ride. We’ll even give you a first 30-minute ride for free!
Enter the promo code ‘ridevallebike’ to get your FREE ride!
View Video
CONTACT US
Bus Stations & Offices
We have three Help Desk locations: the Valley Regional Transit Administrative Offices in Meridian, Main Street Station, and Happy Day Transit Center. Passes are sold at all three facilities. More information about passes, fares, and payment methods can be reviewed here. There are three major bus transfer centers across the valley: Main Street Station (Downtown Boise), Happy Day Transit Center (Caldwell), and Boise Towne Square Mall (Boise). Each location is listed below with its services, schedule, and contact information.
• Main Street Station
• Happy Day Transit Center
• Administrative Offices
• City Go Headquarters
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