The popularity of e-bikes isn’t slowing down in Whistler, and last year’s surge in riders has Evolve E-Bikes pedalling more options to the community.
Evolve E-Bike Share, run by British Columbia Auto Association (BCAA), is expanding its local fleet to 110 e-bikes and adding parking options in key locations this summer. BCAA partnered with Whistler Blackcomb to get real estate at Creekside parking lot and outside staff housing at Blackcomb, Brio and Westside. E-bikes are also rolling out in some of Whistler's picturesque parks.
Whistler Blackcomb locations were top of mind for BCAA, with surveyed riders saying these locations would be very helpful for seasonal workers who may not have a vehicle. They’re also spots with dense population pockets that make e-bike ride-sharing work well from an economic standpoint.
“It's really connecting a lot more residents with some of those very key destinations like shopping centers and grocery stores,” said Leanne Buhler, head of Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share.
Increased ridership last year meant the program operators felt comfortable gearing up for an expansion of services.
“We're seeing a lot of ridership which means that people are wholeheartedly adopting the program,” Buhler said. “That gives us confidence that there is a greater demand for the bike-share program in general, which is really helpful for us to know that expanding to these locations will be a successful move.”
Whistler Blackcomb locations roll out May 3, and Rainbow Park and Lakeside Park options are estimated to start in June.
Belinda Trembath, chief operations officer for Whistler Blackcomb, said in a press release the expansion aligns with the resort’s goals for net-zero emissions by 2030.
"We are excited to partner with BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share to promote a more sustainable future for Whistler,” Trembath, said. “By integrating e-bike parking zones into our properties we can connect neighbourhoods like Creekside and offer our staff convenient, eco-friendly transportation options. This partnership reflects our commitment to achieving zero net emissions by 2030.”
The service started in 2022 when the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) first authorized it as a pilot program, and expanded in 2023 due to demand. In 2022, the program had 60 e-bikes with eight zones, while 2023 included 70 bikes and 12 zones. With 110 bikes on the road this summer and 23 zones, the service has almost doubled in three years.
In a press release from BCAA, Jack Crompton, Mayor of RMOW said the service is in line with climate goals to reduce transit-related emissions and the increase in ridership.
“I was truly inspired by the growth we saw in our e-bike share pilot program last year and I'm excited for the positive shift this is making on our transportation landscape," he said. “As we introduce additional e-bike parking zones this summer—extending to Creekside, lakes, and park areas—I am optimistic we’ll see an even greater community impact. We will continue to monitor this program, and any adjustments made, to respect our community partners."
To use the service, riders need to download and sign up with the Evo app.
