It’s not your imagination, there’s a new influx of bike share bikes on Seattle streets.
As part of the city’s pilot program, both Spin and LimeBike were allowed to double their fleets to 1,000 bikes on Aug. 6, and both companies chose to do so.
But that’s not the only changes each are making as they adjust to the market.
Along with the additional bikes, Spin has also rolled out a new program called, “Spin Local,” partnering with retailers and restaurants to credit the cost of the ride to those locations back to users, plus other special offers. Riders can access the credit and discounts by making a purchase at a participating business, and scanning a QR code located near the register.
Meanwhile, LimeBike reported 10,000 rides in its first week in the city, and has updated its bikes to include a cellphone mount, with plans to adjust the seat post as well. Last week, the company also began distributing free helmets (1,000 in total), starting with the first 100 riders to sign up for the “LimePrime” promotion for 100 rides per month for three months for $39.95. Those to log at least seven rides with the service can also qualify to receive a helmet on a first-come, first-serve basis, by posting their trip history with the hashtag #LimeBikeSeattle on Twitter or Facebook.
But Spin and LimeBike won’t be the only competitors for long, with a third bike share company on the way. Beijing-based Ofo has had its permit approved to operate in the city, and is expected to roll out a fleet of yellow bikes in the coming days.
To learn more about Spin, go to www.spin.pm. To learn more about LimeBike, visit www.limebike.com. To comment on this story, write to QAMagNews@nwlink.com.