Whether commuting or shopping, getting around a big city can be a hassle.
Driving in gridlock is no fun and public transportation is a pain.
Recently, companies like Wheels have set out to make local travel easier with their rental e-bikes.
How do e-bike rentals work and are they right for you?
Today, we’ll cover the basics of the Wheels App and its pros and cons.
Let’s get started.
Table Of Contents
What Is Wheels?
Wheels offer electric bike rentals.
They offer safe and reliable electric bikes for rent in many major cities.
You download an app to your smartphone to locate bikes in town.
You then rent the e-bike from the app.
Renting is easy and Wheels provides everything you need for your ride.
How Does it Work?
To rent a Wheel bike, you download an app to your mobile device.
From there, the app helps you find the closest bike rental.
Once you locate the bike, you rent it from inside the app and this activates the bike.
Once activated, the app charges you by the minute to ride the bike.
Once your ride is complete, you can leave the bike in almost any public location.
Simply finish the ride in the Wheels app and leave the bike.
Post-rental, transporters pick up the bikes and deliver them to local charging stations so other riders can use them in the future.
Where are Wheels E-bikes Available?
Wheels are available in many major cities in the United States.
They are also an integral part of several major American universities.
Finally, Wheels is also available in Berlin, Germany, and has plans to launch in many other European cities.
You can find Wheels e-bike rentals at the locations below.
- Austin, TX
- Culver City, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Miami, FL
- Miami Lakes, FL
- New York City, NY
- Orlando, FL
- San Diego, CA
- Santa Monica, CA
- Seattle, WA
- West Hollywood, CA
- St. John’s University
- UCLA
- University of Massachusetts, Boston
- The University of Texas at Austin
How Much Do Wheels Bike Rentals Cost?
Wheels is a bike rental service.
You pay an unlock service to activate the bike and then a per-minute fee.
Unlocking the bike in the app costs $0 to $1 depending on your market.
Rental fees also vary between 29 cents and 35 cents per minute while riding.
The minimum charge for a bike rental and ride is $3.49.
Are you looking for a more permanent option?
Wheels also offer monthly subscription services that let you ride as much as you want all month.
Monthly e-bike rentals start at $89.99 a month.
For this price, you get unlimited rides and miles.
Once you sign up for a monthly plan, a bike is delivered to your location.
A bike charger and lock are also delivered.
If you plan on daily riding, the monthly rental service is a bargain compared to daily rentals.
How Does Wheels Compare to Other Bike Rental Companies?
In many cities, you’ll see several e-bike companies competing.
How does Wheels compare to Bird, Uber, and Lyft e-bikes and scooters?
- Rental fees are between 30 cents and 38 cents for all providers.
- All e-bike providers charge a $1 unlocking fee.
- Wheels offer a sit-down bike compared to the stand-up scooters of competitors.
- Wheels bikes offer higher speed and more mileage on a single charge.
What Is the Wheels App?
To rent a bike you’ll need the Wheels App.
This app lets you rent, reserve, and return e-bikes.
The app is available for iOS and Android smart devices.
How to Use the Wheels App
Once you’ve downloaded the app, it’s time to register and find a bike to rent.
The first time you open the app, you’ll need to enter your phone number.
Enter your number and hit submit.
You’ll receive a verification code by text.
Simply enter the code to start using the app.
Next, you’ll need to enable location services and agree to terms of use, privacy notice, and rental agreement.
Hit the “Ride” button to accept and you can start to book your first ride.
Pros and Cons of the Wheels Mobile App
The wheels app makes renting a bike quick and easy but there is room for improvement.
Pros of the Wheels Mobile App
- The simple interface is easy for anyone to rent a bike.
- The e-bike is state-of-the-art and looks amazing.
- The bike is fully electronic and requires no pedaling.
Cons of the Wheels Mobile App
- There is no cash option to pay for bike rentals.
- Registering requires a valid local phone number. This can make it difficult for travelers to rent.
- You are responsible for any damage to the bike or if you lose the bike.
How Can I Find a Wheels Bike Using the App?
Once you’re in the app, a local map appears showing e-bikes within 20 miles of you.
A bike icon shows the location of all bikes in your area.
You can zoom in and move the app to find the closest bike to your location.
Once you find a bike, you can walk to it to start the rental process.
Promo Codes for Wheels App
Wheels do offer promo codes that you can redeem for a discount on a ride.
When booking a ride, you can enter a promo code by tapping the menu icon in the upper left corner of the app.
Here you’ll find promo code options underneath the payment methods selection.
How to Rent and Ride a Wheels e-Bike
Once you’re registered, you are greeted with a map of your local area showing bikes near you.
Travel to the closest bike and you can begin the rental process.
In the app, click the “Scan to Ride” button and then scan the code on the e-bike.
This unlocks the bike.
There is also an option to “Reserve” the bike to put it on hold until you reach the bike.
Using this feature can help you plan out your day.
If this is your first ride, you’ll also need to enter your payment information.
Wheels accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards for payment.
There is no cash option for renting.
Starting your Bike Ride
After payment, the bike unlocks and activates.
From here, you can disengage the kickstand and hit the power button to start the bike.
You use the right handlebar to accelerate and start the motion of the bike.
Both handlebars have brake levers for stopping.
Enjoy the ride.
Bike Features
Wheels offer modern sit-down bikes for rent.
The bikes have plenty of safety and convenience features you won’t find on other e-bike or scooter rentals.
- High-intensity LED lights keep the road lit.
- 18 mph top speed and 30-mile range.
- Connect your smartphone to the Bluetooth sound system and built-in speakers.
- Dual-disc brakes have incredible stopping power.
- The Wheels App integrates with the bike giving you a connected experience.
- Anti-tipping technology helps keep the bike upright.
- The self-diagnostic system helps the Wheels team diagnose bike issues.
What To Do Once you Have Finished your Ride
Dropping off a Wheels e-bike is simple.
When you reach your location, dismount the bike, park it, and swipe in the app to finish the ride.
The app will then ask you to take a photo of the dropoff location.
You can also leave a review or report any issues with the e-bike at this time.
You can drop the bike off in any outdoor public location.
While not required, Wheels suggests leaving the bike at a bike rack or on a public sidewalk.
You should be aware when dropping the bike off.
Please do not block driveways, loading areas, or pedestrian paths.
You cannot drop the bike off in gated areas, private property, or underground garages.
Do I Need my Helmet?
Safety is a top priority for Wheels and every e-bike comes with a dedicated helmet.
Where Can I Ride?
The Wheels App shows no-go zones or areas where you cannot ride your e-bike.
You should also pay attention to no-end zones.
This is an area where you cannot leave the bike for returns.
If you are in a no-end zone you will need to travel out of the zone to return the bike.
You also cannot ride the bike on sidewalks or pedestrian-only areas.
Finally, do not bring a bike on public transportation.
How Long Can I Ride For?
A fully charged e-bike can travel up to 30 miles at up to 18 mph.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know everything about e-bikes, it’s time to get out and rent your first bike.
A Wheels bike rental can give you a new view of your hometown or can be a great way to tour a city while visiting.
If you’ve been looking for a safe, quick, and easy way to get around town, check out the Wheels App today.
