CapMetro temporarily removing some e-bikes after dealing with theft, battery failure
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- CapMetro announced on social media earlier this week that it would be temporarily removing some e-bikes that are part of its MetroBike program after dealing with theft and battery failure.
The transportation provider said it would remove the bikes to charge them securely, and that new equipment coming in July will provide a long-term solution to the issues.
A spokesperson with CapMetro said the thefts are a "recent development" and the rate is rapid enough that it has resulted in a change to their daily operations. CapMetro said the future equipment will have "significant design improvements limiting access to the bike battery."
The transportation provider said it was removing about 20 bikes at a time to limit the impact on riders.
CapMetro also said it's having the equipment provider, PBSC Urban Solutions, Inc. refresh the system, and that their experience in other cities like New York, Chicago, Toronto, and others has "resulted in equipment design that limits bad actors."
CapMetro said this would not impact the planned MetroBike expansion and all equipment would be swapped out with brand-new equipment provided by PBSC.