Tulsa Electric Bike Sharing Program Reports Dozens Of Stolen And Vandalized Bikes

This Machine, a Tulsa nonprofit that oversees an electric bike-sharing program, told News On 6 it has had dozens of bicycles stolen and vandalized in the last year.

Executive Director, Katie Sawicki, said the program has 50 bike stations around the metro where people can check out and return the electric bikes, but only half the bikes are currently available because of theft and vandalism. Sawicki took News On 6 inside the bike shop near Route 66 and Peoria, where dozens of bikes are waiting to be fixed, damaged from vandalism.

"It's really hard because it affects our ability to operate, and it affects people to have confidence in our system," said Sawicki.

Sawicki said thieves also stole seven bikes in the last two weeks and 35 in the last year and a half.

"Somebody will steal the bike, they'll think this is a great option, and then they'll slowly start to take it apart and then maybe use the parts for their bike and then realize the bikes are not compatible,” explained Sawicki. “The parts don't work."

Sawicki said the bikes cost $2,000 each, but thieves who sell the parts for scrap may get only $5 to $10.

As for tracking down the bikes or bandits, Sawicki said it is tough.

"So, we can track it four ways, but if they smash it, then it makes it so we can't find the bikes, but also in smashing the GPS unit, it smashes the bike as well, so the bike's not operational," explained Sawicki.

This Machine said it has provided 20,000 rides this year and will not let criminals put the brakes on its mission.

"And we're just trying to be operational for you to make your lives healthier, to make transportation easier, and to be an environmentally friendly option," said Sawicki.

This Machine plans to expand to North Tulsa and other stops in the spring.

You can donate to the non-profit on its website here