In a partnership with Spin and Lime, 215 electric-assist bikes are coming to downtown Raleigh to replace Cardinal Bikeshare and provide a new, flexible transportation option. Unlike Cardinal Bikeshare, these e-bikes can start and stop anywhere within downtown Raleigh and don’t need a docking station. Here’s what you need to know before burning some rubber.
Before hitting the streets on your sweet new ride, you’ll have to pass an in-app safety quiz and add a payment method.
- Lime bikes: $2 for the first 10 minutes, $0.20 per minute after
- Spin bikes: $1 to unlock, $0.35 per minute
When you’re done cycling, park your bike on a planting strip, on a sidewalk with at least four feet of room for pedestrians, on private property (with owner’s permission), or at a micromobility corral in Glenwood South.
If you’re looking to get even more involved with local cycling, check out our full list of local cycling resources.
Let’s burn some rubber
Editor Allie here. I took a one of Raleigh’s new dockless e-bikes for a spin to see what all the fuss is about. Here’s what I learned.
When you’re downtown, a bike is never far away. I wanted to ride from west downtown to Dix Park and back and found a Spin-brand e-bike across Boylan Bridge, near Rebus Works. Just to make sure no one took my trusty steed, I reserved the bike in advance.
Once I got to my bike, I hauled my bag and picnic blanket into the basket, strapped on my helmet, and activated the bike from my phone. Setup was easy, and I was off in no time.
Pro tip: Don’t be like me and try one of these for the first time on busy roadways with plenty of pedestrians, cars, and other obstacles; try riding at a park to get your bearings. If you’re used to a standard bike, e-bikes are much heavier, and you’ll have to adjust how you brake and make your way downhill. I learned this the hard way — Boylan Heights to Dix Park is all downhill.
Once I was finished, ending the ride was just as easy as starting it. I left the bike upright on a planting strip, flipped the kickstand, reinserted the wheel lock, and left it for the next rider. If I can give you any advice, it’s to be a smart rider and use a helmet, watch out for others, and, as cheesy as it sounds, have fun. These bikes are a great way to explore Raleigh sans car, and I’m excited to keep riding.
