UB Parking and Transportation Services and Reddy Bikeshare introduced a new UB Bikeshare fleet of 75 bikes, including 25 pedal-assist bikes, Wednesday in front of the Student Union.

This addition marks the first time low-speed pedal-assist bikes have been available through the UB Bikeshare program. The bikes provide a gentle electric assist that reaches 15 mph while users are pedaling, making it easier to travel around campus.

Students, faculty and staff joined Parking and Transportation Services and Reddy Bikeshare on Wednesday to test out the new fleet.

“Parking and Transportation Services is thrilled to introduce a new fleet of Bikeshare bikes, including 25 bicycles with pedal-assist, to the UB community,” says Matthew Reitmeier, associate director of parking services. “We have worked with our partners at Reddy Bikes to expand the size of the fleet and help Bikeshare at UB reach more students, faculty and staff.’”

“Students, faculty and staff have a new, convenient way to move around campus with our new pedal-assist bikes,” adds Johnny Garcia, mobility manager for Parking and Transportation Services. “As we continue to expand mobility options at UB, we’re excited to partner with Reddy Bikes to make getting where you need to go easier, more accessible and more enjoyable.”

Last year, UB students, faculty and staff logged a combined 44,809 bikeshare trips, an all-time record of pedaling. The number of trips this year is expected to break a new record when the season wraps up in mid-November.

UB Bikeshare first debuted in 2013 and has since provided thousands of students with transportation to, from and around campus. The annual membership rate for UB members is $10 for 12 months plus an additional $2 per hour to ride the pedal bikes. Pedal-assist bikes will be offered at a special introductory rate of $9 per hour throughout September before increasing to $12 per hour effective Oct. 1. These rates are consistent with pricing at peer university bikeshare programs in the United States.

In 2012, UB hosted the nation’s first pilot of a GPS-based bikeshare system, which served as the foundation for Reddy Bikeshare. The program paved the way for the rollout of smart bike-sharing models now used across the globe today.

“Bikeshare in Western New York was born through this partnership with UB and we’re excited to see it advance with more micromobility options,” says Reddy Bikeshare marketing and communications manager Simon Husted. “UB students have proven the vital role bikeshare plays in helping folks safely and effectively move to where they want to go. Adding pedal-assist e-bikes to the fleet allows more students of varying physical abilities to benefit from bikeshare.”

In addition to the 75 bikes on campus, students, faculty and staff can also unlock the 490 standard and pedal-assist bikes throughout the Reddy network service in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and the City of Tonawanda. The bikeshare system, supported by Independent Health, is owned and operated by Shared Mobility Inc., a Buffalo-based non-profit organization that was formed by UB graduates.