The City of St. Augustine and Flagler Health+ teamed up with Bolt Mobility and launched the city’s first e-bikeshare program in August 2021.
Now, they plan to celebrate the launch of the e-bike program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8, in the Promenade, located at the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center, at 10 W. Castillo Drive.
Parking for those who wish to attend the ceremony in person will be available free of charge between 12:30 and 2 p.m. at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility, located at 1 Cordova St., adjacent to the Visitor Information Center. When entering the parking garage, notify the gate attendant that you are attending the e-bike ribbon cutting ceremony.
Representatives of Flagler Health+, Bolt and the City of St. Augustine will speak briefly and then Bolt will give away bicycle helmets and gift cards for the Gotcha Powered by Bolt mobile app, while supplies last.
Users of the mobile app can load the gift cards into their account and use the bicycles for free using the credit.
The e-bike program is made possible with support from Flagler Health+, without any cost to the city. In addition, the Bolt Forward program offers reduced rates to veterans, qualified individuals on government assistance and Flagler Health+ staff.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with the City of St. Augustine and Bolt to bring this health and mobility solution to the area,” said Jason Barrett, president and CEO of Flagler Health+. “This program supports our vision to advance the physical, social and economic health of the communities we serve, by promoting active living while also positively impacting mobility for local residents.”
There are 110 all-electric-assist e-bikes available to residents and visitors throughout the city’s downtown and nearby neighborhood locations. The e-bike program offers an alternative solution and increases access to transportation across the city.
“Our commitment to improving mobility options has led us to this exciting launch,” said Reuben Franklin, City of St. Augustine public works director. “We look forward to residents and visitors using this affordable, safe and fun transportation option to commute, run errands and explore our beautiful city.”
The e-bikes are available to those age 18 and older and are similar to standard bicycles but with an electric motor that provides a subtle boost. These bikes include a spacious basket for errands, a cable lock and security features, such as pedal-assisted acceleration rather than a throttle and a no-ride or park zone in Plaza de la Constitución and on St. George Street.
In the interest of public health and safety, the bikes will come equipped with a small bottle of hand sanitizer and also will be sanitized daily by Bolt personnel.
Riders can access and return the e-bikes at 13 conveniently located transportation hubs, which are designed to prevent the e-bikes from cluttering streets. Hub locations can be found across the city, including downtown, West King Street, San Marco Avenue, Lincolnville and Davis Shores.
“While St. Augustine is the Nation’s Oldest City, they are very forward-looking,” said Bolt CEO Ignacio Tzoumas. “As a Florida company, it’s thrilling to see St. Augustine leverage our vehicles and technology to help reduce pollution and congestion, as well as expand access to this beautiful area.”
Helmets, while not required, are strongly encouraged. Bolt will have helmets available, free of charge, upon request for e-bike users via the app.
Riders will be required to download the new "Gotcha Powered by Bolt" app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play store. A full map of all docking stations, pricing and other information is available on the app, as well as ridegotcha.com/locations/staugustine.
