New York City demands that Lyft enforces ID verification for Citi Bike e-bikes to minimize rides by minors
In a move aimed at enhancing safety and reducing underage use of electric bikes, Lyft has agreed to implement an age verification system for Citi Bike riders within the next three months. This decision comes following a formal request from First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, who has expressed concerns about the surge in e-bike collisions citywide and the associated safety risks.
Michael Brous, Lyft’s Urban Solutions president, acknowledged in a letter to Mastro that implementing age verification would be complex, involving vendor evaluations, negotiations, engineering work, and privacy protections. However, Lyft has committed to comply, albeit without finalising which age verification method will be used.
The call for age verification is supported by various entities, including Tusk Philanthropies and Council Member Justin Brannan, who view it as a critical step towards safer cycling and reducing e-bike injuries among minors.
The dangers of underage use are compounded by these riders' frequent failure to use proper safety equipment, according to Mastro. The city can alleviate a public safety emergency by "removing, replacing, reinstalling, or locking" Citi Bike bikes and adjacent equipment if there is a threat to life or property.
Discussions on the topic have been ongoing between Citigroup, a Citi Bike partner, and Lyft. Ed Skyler, Citigroup’s Head of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs, met with Lyft in June to request enhanced verification procedures. Citigroup supports the age limit and has warned that the city would take "appropriate steps" if Lyft does not act promptly.
The suggested age verification steps include requiring proof of a driver's license or learner's permit. The minimum age allowed for Citi Bike's electric bicycles, according to the company's terms of service, is 16.
The implementation of the age verification system is likely to impact the usage patterns of Citi Bike riders. In June, Citi Bike riders took 4,856,367 trips, averaging 161,879 rides a day. Of these rides, annual members accounted for 3.87 million, while casual users accounted for about 982,000.
Pricing for Citi Bike rides varies for members and non-members. Annual members pay 25 cents per minute for e-bike rides, capped at $5 for trips 45 minutes or less that start or end in Manhattan. Non-members are charged 38 cents per minute for e-bike rides, while Reduced Fare Bikeshare members pay 13 cents per minute.
Lyft agreed to reduce Citi Bike e-bike speeds to 15 mph last month, following an emergency mandate from Mastro on June 5. Citi Bike's fleet includes over 20,000 bikes, with over 4,000 of them electric.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Lyft is currently reviewing the letter from the First Deputy Mayor. The details of the implementation process and the chosen age verification method are yet to be announced. However, Lyft's commitment to safety and compliance with the city's requirements is clear.
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