Have you found yourself eBike curious as of late? Well, if you live in California’s San Fransico Bay Area, Friiway might have a solution for you. Partnering with premium eBike companies like Stromer and Riese & Müller, Friiway is announcing that they are now offering premium eBike subscriptions in the Bay Area.
Friiway (pronounced free-way), is hoping that their combined efforts with Stromer will help this program be a catalyst for positive change. Through this eBike subscription service, they aim to reshape urban landscapes and reduce carbon footprints. In turn, it could build a sense of togetherness that transcends city limits.
“Stromer is extremely happy to partner with Friiway in this first-of-a-kind program in the U.S. Market, says Matti Rajakylä, Strommer’s General manager for N. America. “Leasing has been a great success for us in Europe, making our top-of-the-line eBikes available to more commuters.”
Rajakylä continues to say, “On top of that, many employers are now taking advantage of this model to support their employees toward healthier, more affordable, and more sustainable ways of commuting. We’re excited to expand these opportunities in the United States.”
Who is Friiway
Friiway was founded in 2023 by Joe Connors and Brett Thurber and is the first service in the U.S. to offer subscriptions of premium eBikes. They do this through local retailers, making the bike available on a month-to-month basis. There is no need to commit to purchasing the eBike to take advantage of the program.
Additionally, insurance and maintenance are built into the lease, every Friiway bike is covered against theft and damage. If you need repairs on the bike, that’s covered too, by the Friiway retailer. You can even apply 15% of the subscription to a bike purchase at your local Friiway retailer if you fall in love.
One of Friiway’s co-founders, Brett Thurber, says, “Local service is essential to support eBikes as vehicles that replace cars, and local business is also crucial for building a vibrant cycling culture and community.” He continued, “When developing Friiway we decided that working with local bike shops would be fundamental.”
The New Wheel is the brick-and-mortar customer service hub that Friiway has partnered with. The New Wheel is an “award-winning retailer serving the By Area eBike community for over 10 years the three locations, San Fransisco, Oakland, and Marin.
How Does it Work?
Okay, so to reiterate, the Friiway Subscription Program is “like a lease, but removes the commitment and adds services like insurance and maintenance”.
Step 1: Pick Your Bike
Browse the Friiway website (friiway.com). or head to your local Friiway dealer for a test ride.
Step 2: Pick Your Plan
Choose your subscription plan from a month-to-month plan, a 6-month plan, or even a 12-month plan. If you’re not sure what works for you, you can always extend your plan.
Step 3: New Bike Day
On the day that you receive your new bike, the Friiway retailer will give you a full orientation of the bike. Also, the retailer will make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your new ride.
Step 4: Ride Worry Frii
Your subscription will come standard with maintenance, insurance, and the ability to apply 15% of the cost towards a new e-bike at your retailer.
The other co-founder, John Connors has this to say, “For the eBikecurious, hesitation stems from poor infrastructure, upfront cost, and the commitment required it in their own lives. At Friiway, we’re here to cure the curiosity by making high-quality eBikes affordable and flexible for first-time riders“.
