It’s official Ofo and Spin Bike will be leaving Seattle. With Seattle Department of Transportation’s updates to their permit rules, both companies have decided to not front the bill. Operators are charged a flat fee of $250,000 to continue service in Seattle. This fee breaks down to be roughly $50 per bike. Ofo and Spin Bike have noted the high cost being the reason to leaving Seattle. More information on the permit requirements can be found here.

 

LimeBike is the only preexisting bike share program that has applied for a new permit. They will continue to serve the Seattle area. Jump has confirmed applying to a permit as well. The Uber-owned company will allow you to rent electric assist bikes directly from the Uber application. If allowed they will deploy bikes within the next few months.

 

In other news, Limbike will expand their discount program. People will be able to pay in cash, unlock bicycles for 5 cents with a text. Electric assist bicycles will be available for half the price at 50 cents to unlock and 7 cents per minute. Their program will be available for income qualified users. To sign up for this service, email access@limebike.com with the following information:

 

1. Full name
2. Phone number
3. Valid government issued photo ID
4. Proof of low income status (EBT, Apple Health, Provider One Services Card, or Discounted Utility Bill)  
   1. ORCA LIFT can also be used to verify income

 

More information can be found here.

If you already have an ORCA LIFT, great! This is an easy way to verify income with LimeBike. See if you qualify for ORCA LIFT by checking out our upcoming events.

Every Wednesday

Young Adult Drop In

4:00 PM – 5:45 PM at University Branch Library

5009 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

 

Sept 6

Community Lift: ORCA LIFT & Regional Reduced Fare Pass enrollment

2PM – 4PM at University District Food Bank

5017 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

 

Oct 10 (Arbora Court APTS residents only)

Neighborhood LIFT: ORCA LIFT enrollment

5PM – 7PM at Arbora Court Apartments

4750 15th AVE NE

 

Nov 14

Happy Hour: ORCA LIFT & Health insurance open enrollment

4:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Sureshot Expresso

4505 University Way NE

 

See all our upcoming events at udistrictgo.org/events