New electric bike rental program: ‘It seems everyone has been waiting for a system like this’
Oct. 18, 2024
Two longtime friends were inspired to bring electric bikes to Sioux Falls after trying them out elsewhere.
Samantha O’Neil and Kallie Larsen saw the model for electric-ride sharing while traveling and decided to make it work for Sioux Falls – in the form of electric bikes for rent.
Electric Jaunt was launched in August and has 50 bikes active in the downtown community.
“Rides are started through the app and the bike is scanned on the QR code,” Larsen said. “It’s that simple, once the ride is started you just pedal and go.”
The owners said they formulated their electric ride-sharing business to fit the needs of Sioux Falls.
“The concept behind Jaunt came as a community-based model of the big name ride share companies,” O’Neil said. “Ours is a cleaner system that involves the ebikes being left at bike racks instead of just littering the sidewalks. Also a system that drives local business economy giving the riders better access to stores in car congested areas.”
O’Neil said the bikes will cover many areas of Sioux Falls so will be practical for both residents and visitors. Early response has been positive, she said.
“It seems everyone has been waiting for a system like this for Sioux Falls and travelers are excited about another way to explore the city,” O’Neil said.
“It has been exciting and rewarding to see people with disabilities that may have not been able to ride a bike for a long time able to get out there and enjoy riding again with the pedal assist.”
The owners said people who previously didn’t have access to electric bikes can enjoy this healthy activity.
“What is unique about Jaunt is that we keep the community at heart when we operate. We don’t just flood the streets and sidewalks the way big ride share does,” Larsen said. “We try to direct a flow from hotels and visitor areas to local businesses. We look to partner with businesses to better our local economy.”
In the upcoming weeks, they plan to participate in community events and fundraisers.
“We are participating in DTSF events such as the Trick or Treat, and have safety training events coming together where we will provide helmets for our riders to keep,” O’Neil said.
“We are also looking at fundraisers to benefit building special needs bikes and equipment for disabled children.”
Larsen said they plan to hand out candy from baskets on bikes during the DTST Treat or Treat event on Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Currently, the bikes are available downtown but can be taken anywhere in Sioux Falls, as long as they are returned to the downtown bike racks.
