FAQs
What is Truckee BCycle?
Truckee BCycle is an electric bike share program and a great way to get around town, explore the city, and have fun!
Using the BCycle App, members can unlock a bike in seconds from any station. Returning a bike is even easier - just roll it into any open dock and walk away.
Who can use BCycle?
Anybody 18 years or older! The bikes easily adjust to any adult’s size. Sign up for a membership and get ready to ride.
What are usage fees and how do they work?
Usage fees apply when any ride has elapsed over the initial ride time for the respective pass or membership purchased. The billing date for usage fees varies. For single ride users, usage fees are billed the following day after the initial ride is taken. For members, usage fees are billed as a total sum on the 1st of every month. If you are noticing a charge on a day you did not ride or on the 1st of the month, you likely accrued usage fees.
For Truckee BCycle, there are two pass options:
The Single Ride Pass includes 1 trip charged at $7+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Trips over 30 minutes are billed an additional $7+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Docking the bike will end your trip and you will need another pass to check out another bike.
The Explore Truckee 3-Day Pass includes unlimited 30-minute trips for $30+tax. This pass is activated upon first trip and is valid for 72 hours. Trips over 30 minutes are billed an additional $5+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Reset your trip timer by docking the bike at any dock and checking it out again, or checking out a different bike. End your trip by returning the bike to any available dock.
The Monthly Pass includes unlimited 60-minute trips for $40+tax. Trips over 60 minutes are billed an additional $5+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Reset your trip timer by docking the bike at any dock and checking it out again, or checking out a different bike. End your trip by returning the bike to any available dock.
The Season Pass includes unlimited 60-minute trips for $180+tax. Trips over 60 minutes are billed an additional $5+tax per 30 minutes of riding. Reset your trip timer by docking the bike at any dock and checking it out again, or checking out a different bike. End your trip by returning the bike to any available dock. Pass expires when BCycle closes for the season.
Please call Customer Service with any questions or concerns regarding usage fees charges at 530-453-0509.
How Does BCycle Work?
Our bike share service operates predominantly via the BCycle app and is a dock-based system. This means that bikes can only be checked out of our docks and MUST be returned to any of our docking stations to end your ride.
Unless previous communication has been made, failure to return the bike to one of our docking stations subjects users to a $2500 bike replacement fee if the bike is stolen/damaged.
Riding BCycle
How do I adjust the seat?
There is a lever where the seat post meets the frame of the bicycle. Open this lever to freely move the seat post up or down to your desired height. Firmly push the lever back into the closed position before beginning your ride.
Do the bikes fit everyone?
Truckee BCycle e-bikes are designed to be easy to ride. They have a step-through frame, pedal-powered front and rear lights, baskets, three speeds, and comfortable, easily adjustable seats to comfortably fit heights 5′ to 6′ 5”.
How do the lights on the bike turn on and off?
The front and rear facing lights are Dynamo lights which are powered by the rotation of the wheels. Start pedaling and the lights will turn on automatically. They’ll turn off shortly after you stop riding.
What if a station is empty?
Our team works diligently and does our best to make sure the entire system is balanced and there is an even ratio of bikes to docks. However, as a bike share service we do acknowledge that there might be occasions where bikes are not available at your nearest station, especially during peak riding times. If you notice this is a common issue at your local station, please contact us.
What if a station is full when I want to return my bike?
Considering the nature of our bike share service, we acknowledge that returning a bike to a full station might happen. In this case, we ask that you try finding the next nearest station. If you are pressed with time and/or all nearby stations are full, we ask that you take the bike with you or place it somewhere safe and call Customer Service at 530-453-0509 with a detailed description of the situation. We will pick up the bike as soon as possible at no additional charge to you. We will also adjust your trip time. Please keep in mind that users are fully responsible for the bike until it is properly docked. Abandonment of a bike is considered negligence and is subject to theft/damage. Users are liable for stolen/damaged bikes and are subject to a $2500 bike replacement fee.
What if I have a flat tire?
If the bike has a flat tire or you’re experiencing another issue with it, please return the bike to the nearest station and submit a repair request under the Support menu in the BCycle app. You may also call/text our Customer Service number at 530-453-0509. If you elect to text, please include a detailed description of the issues you are experiencing. We appreciate your support in helping keep our bikes maintained!
What if I'm involved in an accident?
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. You should also call the police department in the jurisdiction the crash took place and file a report with an officer. This will help assure all important information is documented.
Contact our Customer Service at 530-453-0509 at the earliest appropriate time to notify us of the facts of the crash.
What if my bike is lost or stolen?
Immediately call Customer Service at 530-453-0509. Please keep in mind that accounts will be suspended until the bike is retrieved and users are subject to a $2500 bike replacement fee for theft/damage.
BCycle Electric
Why electric bikes?
Electric bikes have taken the cycling industry by storm, and now they're doing the same for bike share. They take you farther and faster, making your ride easier. Pedal assist makes a longer ride sweat-free. They open up the possibility of biking to individuals who may not have considered riding before. And most of all, they're fun!
We have seen our ridership more than double since the introduction of e-bikes to BCycle systems. Our goal is to change the world by getting more people on bikes, and e-bikes help us do that.
How does the e-bike work?
When you check out an e-bike, turn on the power assist on the left side of the handlebars. You can turn the power off at any time during your ride if you don't want it. However, we would advise against this as the bikes are heavy. The power assist only works when you pedal. It gives you a boost as you pedal, so you feel like the wind is always at your back.
What should I know before I ride an e-bike?
First and foremost--wear a helmet!
Check out our map via our app or website to see your nearest BCycle station. Check for open docks at your destination to avoid usage fees.
How fast does the e-bike go?
The BCycle electric bike is a Class 1 e-bike with pedal assist that amplifies your pedaling power and your ability to do and see more. It features a Bosch system that provides support up to 17 mph. Designed for comfort on commutes, daily cruises, and recreational rides. BCycle electric brings no-sweat bike share to your community; no hills, no sweat, all smiles. For more information on e-bike classification, click here.
How long will the battery last?
The Truckee BCycle team will take care of charging the e-bike batteries for you. They last about 25 miles per full charge. You can check the battery life on any e-bike before checking it out by turning on the display on the left side of the handlebars. If your battery dies, you'll still be able to ride--the assist will just stop boosting your ride. The good news is that it is still a great ride even without the pedal assist.
What if I just want to ride an old-fashioned BCycle?
Great news—our pedal assist is optional. You can choose to leave it off, and you’ll still have an awesome ride. The bike itself is a sleeker ride and still has 3 speeds, just like a pedal bike.
Customer Service
Are you having issues with your account or concerns about charges/usage fees?
Please contact us via text/call at 530-453-0509. We are available 7 days a week from 7:00am to 8:00pm PST. If you are contacting us after hours, we will respond the following day. You can also email us at truckee@bcycle.com with any concerns, feedback, questions, and/or suggestions you may have. Our email inbox is regularly monitored Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm PST. If you are contacting us via email after hours, we will respond within 24 hours.
How do I get a station near me?
We are continuously working with the city and surrounding areas to expand our system so we can better serve the community. Please do not hesitate to send us any station location suggestions or recommendations via email at truckee@bcycle.com.