Skip to main content

There's a new bike-sharing platform in town, and this one is dockless

bluegogo dockless bike share 15167691 1815638825376204 4243390000426249553 o
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Your transportation ought to be every bit as mobile as you are, especially if you’re renting it. Luckily, there’s a new bike share platform that agrees. Meet bluegogo, the first smartphone-enabled, dockless bike share platform to launch in the U.S., which makes its official debut in San Francisco Monday. Heralded as “the most convenient, efficient, and healthy option to navigate cities and campuses,” bluegogo sets itself apart from other similar bike sharing platforms with what it doesn’t have — a parking station for all those rental bikes. Instead, thanks to the platform’s smartphone, GPS, and solar technology, users will be able to search, reserve, unlock, and pay for bluegogo bikes wherever they are (and wherever the bikes are), all from their mobile devices.

“Like other bike sharing companies, we’re providing the convenience of cycling without the hassle and worry of bike ownership,” said Ilya Movshovich, the company’s VP of Operations. “We stand apart by offering a supply of great bikes with no membership fee with no pre-determined pick-up or destination. We can quickly adapt our supply to meet consumer demand while reducing traffic on the streets.”

Recommended Videos

At launch, the bikes (which are manufactured by global cycling brand SpeedX), will be located in public bike racks around San Francisco. But once they’re taken, they’ll be spread out all over the city, and users will simply find the nearest one when they’re in need of a bike ride. Users are charged a dollar every 30 minutes — there are no overage charges for extended journeys, and no membership fee required.

And don’t worry — just because this is a dockless system doesn’t mean it’s any less safe. Rather, the bikes all come with a smart lock, unique frame and tires, security screws, and a built-in alarm system to guard against theft. The bike’s companion app will also give you the history on your own bike riding habits, including your distance traveled, routes taken, carbon emissions saved, and calories burned.

“We implement high-end professional bicycle standards in our design and manufacturing, a great improvement from the everyday bike. We believe the outstanding quality of our bikes provides the best possible experience for our users,” said said Ye Sun, bluegogo’s Chief Operations Officer. “bluegogo will be the most convenient and affordable bike sharing platform ever seen in the US. We believe being able to park our bikes anywhere within city regulations, starting in San Francisco, is going to change how we all navigate urban areas,” he concluded.

So if you’re in the San Francisco area, go ahead and take one of these bikes out for a spin.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Cruiser? Cargo? Commuter? How to choose the right e-bike for you
Blix Packa cargo e-bike

While it's true that most types of e-bikes are viable for riding on paved trails or commuting around urban environments, certain styles are also specialized for things like portability, off-roading, or carrying considerable cargo. As I learned when I became an "e-bike guy," this means that you'll want to consider what you plan to do with your e-bike beyond the basics.

Do you intend to take it on mountain trails? Do you have limited space and need something compact? What about looks?

Read more
This GoTrax e-bike has a top speed of 20 MPH, and it’s $150 off today
The GoTrax Z4 Lite.

E-bikes are some of the coolest low-cost commuter vehicles from getting to point A to point B. Designed for a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride, brands like GoTrax have been releasing exceptional two-wheelers for years on end, and the fanfare is warranted. As such, we came across an awesome promo while looking through Best Buy deals that we just have to dish about:

Right now, you’ll be able to purchase the GoTrax Z4 Lite Folding eBike for $650. At full price, this model goes for $800.

Read more
Get a cordless electric push mower from PowerSmart for $120 off right now
A person using the PowerSmart 40V Battery Push Mower in a backyard.

While summertime is the prime season for grass growth, that untamed greenery won’t just disappear come fall. That’s why it’s important to invest in a lawnmower that you can rely on for several months at a time with minimal maintenance. And when it comes to noteworthy brands, there are certainly no shortage of options. This week though, we came across an awesome mower offer while looking through Walmart deals: 

For a limited time, you’ll be able to purchase the PowerSmart 40V 17-inch Electric Push Lawn Mower for $180. At full price, this model goes for $300.

Read more