Say bye-bye to Zyp bikes. So what’s next for micro-mobility in Birmingham?

Zyp bikes were dope. Now they’re a nope. It was recently announced that the Zyp Bikeshare program is coming to an end in Birmingham. Did your jaw drop? Because mine did! The green bikes were introduced by REV in 2015. They’ve become a staple among the city’s landscape. So now what? Here’s everything we know (so far) about what to expect.

Zyp bikes are peacing out! By the end of the year, you’ll no longer see those cute little green bikes zooming around town. No worries though!

Hold the phone! No Zyp bikes? So now what?

An unnamed vendor will be replacing the docking station system with their own electric vehicles. The transition will take time, but the new vendor plans to introduce their fleet of vehicles in March just in time for the spring.

What’s replacing Zyp bikes?

Birmingham City Councilman, Darrell O’Quinn, says that the transition will offer more vehicle options to the city. Remember that 2 month period when Bird scooters took over Birmingham and then disappeared almost as fast as they appeared? Well, electric scooters may be making their comeback! Sign me up ASAP!

Be on the lookout for electric bikes, e-scooters, and mini mopeds! Not only will there be more types of vehicles, but they’ll also be safer. The e-scooters will have a maximum speed of 15 MPH. Geofences will be established in certain areas so that the maximum speed automatically lowers as soon as the vehicle enters the boundaries.

“REV, as a place-based economic development and revitalization nonprofit, was intentional in leading a planning team with the Regional Planning Commission and the City of Birmingham to design the future of micro-mobility. These partners successfully advocated for state legislation allowing the use of scooters and e-bikes on city streets and conducted a request-for-proposals process to identify private vendors to enter the market.”

Julie McKinney of REV Birmingham

Although the Zyp bikes are departing from Birmingham, REV is excited and fully supports the new provider! Rather than seeing this transition as a loss, it’s clear that the city is making moves. This is a MAJOR step towards innovation. So get ready Birmingham!

What micro-mobility vehicle are you most excited to see in Birmingham? Let us know on social @BhamNow!