, 
, 
, 
The city of Luverne is launching an e-bike rental program based at the East Main Street trailhead property (former Casey’s) at the Blue Mound Avenue corner.
At their Monday morning meeting, members of the Luverne Economic Development Authority were introduced to electric bicycles that will be available to the public June 1.
LEDA Director Holly Sammons walked them through the process from downloading the Koloni app on their smartphones, scanning the QR codes to unlocking the bikes to initiate rentals.
The e-bikes are equipped with locks that have both Bluetooth and GPS capabilities, so they can be locked and unlocked through the Koloni software platform.
Riders return bikes to a “geo-fenced” drop zone at the trailhead to end their rental, at which point the transaction is charged to the accounts that are set up with the app.
“This is an exciting new addition to the community as our trail system continues to grow and more people are enjoying outdoor activities,” Sammons said.
“Electric bikes are also increasing in popularity and offer people a way to enjoy biking regardless of their age, fitness level, or physical abilities. Electric bikes break down barriers to riding.”
Specifically, the battery-powered motors assist pedaling on uphill climbs or when riding against the wind.
“On pedal assist e-bikes, you control the amount of power the drive system provides and the assist only kicks in when you pedal,” Sammons said.
“The motor amplifies the power behind each of your pedal strokes, providing a natural riding feeling that makes it seem like your legs are supercharged.”
The bikes travel up to 20 mph and have a battery that lasts for roughly 25 miles.
“They’ll be able to ride to the Blue Mounds State Park and back — or anywhere they want to ride,” Sammons said.
They’re currently available for rent between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Sammons presented an hour’s worth of information Monday — including trouble-shooting tips, some frequently asked questions, and shared full-color power point, all of which will be available on the city’s website, cityofluverne.org.
“Most importantly, they are incredibly fun,” Sammons said. “Residents and visitors are able to ride farther, see more and explore the possibilities that come with a little extra power through the pedal-assist technology.”
She said the Luverne e-bike rental program will complement the existing "Roll on Luverne" bike loan program that allows riders to borrow traditional bikes for free from the GrandStay hotel.
The e-bikes are a pay-per-use rental program that is available at the trailhead.
Sammons and LEDA members discussed the fact that there will likely be hiccups as e-bikes are first used in the community, but she said the app allows users to request help if there are problems.
The e-bikes cost nearly $2,000 apiece and were paid for by LEDA. There are currently six on hand and four more are on back order.
Sammons developed the e-bike rental program in Luverne in collaboration with city zoning administrator Chad McClure, who is a bicycling enthusiast and is familiar with the app and the equipment.
The bikes will be parked outside at the trailhead at 601 E. Main Street. By utilizing the Koloni app, the program is designed to be self-service so it does not need to be staffed daily. Riders can follow the instructions posted on the sign, brochures, and on the City’s website.
The trailhead building is currently housing city fitness center equipment so that members can continue working out while the Luverne Area Aquatics and Fitness Center construction is underway.
At Monday’s meeting Sammons also updated the LEDA on final construction segments of the Luverne Loop Trail and presented a to-scale map that shows the Loop in relation to the Blue Mound Trail.
The Loop will be completed in its entirety by early next year, so Sammons said it’s good to introduce the bike rental programs ahead of the trail completion.
Mayor Pat Baustian said the Loop and bike rentals are an economic development tool as well as a quality-of-life amenity for residents.
“When you look at visitors coming to town, the more that we expose them to these types of things, the more it exposes them to our community,” he said.