BCAA’s Evolve E-Bike Share program is rolling into Comox Valley, extending its operations across Vancouver Island

May 16, 2024, Comox Valley – BCAA Evolve E-Bike Share is now available in Comox Valley, a first for the community.

With its rapid growth and expansion strategy, the Evolve program recently launched on Vancouver Island in Nanaimo and is now extending its reach further to include Comox Valley. In partnership with the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), with support from the City of Courtenay and Town of Comox*, 75 Evolve E-Bikes are now available in Courtenay and Comox, across over 20 Parking Zones, with more to come later this summer.

"We're excited to announce the expansion of Evolve E-Bike Share into the beautiful Comox Valley, following our successful launch in Nanaimo earlier this month,” says Leanne Buhler, Head of Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share. “With Courtenay and Comox's dedication to cycling infrastructure, including plenty of bike lanes, introducing a public e-bike share program here is a perfect next step. We're looking forward to expanding to more communities on the Island when there's an opportunity.”

Evolve Parking Zones span across downtown and key residential areas, including local landmarks like the Comox Valley Art Gallery, Courtenay District Museum, Filberg Park, and more.

As a purpose-led organization committed to safety and protection, BCAA is working closely with the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition (CVCC) in organizing bike safety courses and supporting its development of cycling maps.

“As a region, we have a goal to reduce our greenhouse gases by 50% from 2007 levels by 2030. Encouraging active transportation by improving cycling infrastructure and introducing a public e-bike share program is part of our strategy and we are pleased to join forces with BCAA to bring Evolve E-Bike Share to the Comox Valley Regional District, Comox and Courtenay,” says Mike Zbarsky, Manager of Transit and Facilities of the CVRD. “We know this program has worked in other communities – to get people out of their vehicles for short trips around town and establish a new active transportation habit and we can’t wait to offer this opportunity here.”

^{*The Evolve E-Bike Share program is entirely self-funded by BCAA, without financial contributions from the CVRD, City or Town.}

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How Evolve E-Bike Share works

Evolve E-Bikes can be booked through the Evo App. After a free sign-up, new members can use the Evo App to see where their nearest e-bike is and book it by selecting a pin or scanning a bike’s QR code—starting and ending each trip at the push of a button. Each Evolve E-Bike includes complimentary use of a helmet, should members not have their own with them.

Ride for $0.35 per minute or $12.99 per month, plus an unlock fee of $1.25 per trip. A Monthly Subscription for frequent riders is also available, encouraging residents to replace more car trips with active transportation. With only $9.99/mo, members can reduce the per-minute rate from $0.35 to $0.10. Members can easily opt into the program in-app, click here to learn more.

Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced rider, there’s safety information, riding tips and advice available on the app and at evo.ca/evolve.

About Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share

Evolve is a turnkey, zero-emission micromobility share program that offers e-bike and e-scooter share services in British Columbia. Created by BCAA and operating alongside Evo Car Share, Evolve is operating public e-bike share programs at Nanaimo, Comox Valley, Whistler, SFU Burnaby and New Westminster. Evolve is also available to private businesses in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Whistler. Businesses, organizations, or municipalities interested in learning more about Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share can reach out to evo.ca/evolve.