Bike Share Toronto Plans Major Expansion of E-Bikes and Docking Stations as Demand Surges

Bike Share Toronto is preparing for a significant expansion of its network in the coming year, with plans to introduce more electric bikes and docking stations as rising ridership continues to boost revenue.

The Toronto Parking Authority (TPA), which operates the city’s bike-sharing program, outlined the expansion strategy during its 2025 Business Review and 2026 Annual Operating Plan presentation to the board of directors. Officials say electric bikes are playing a major role in improving accessibility and attracting new users across the system.

According to the plan, the network is expected to record approximately 8.6 million rides in the coming year an increase of nearly 10 percent from previous projections. The growth is largely attributed to the rising popularity of e-bikes, which are generating demand at a faster pace than traditional bicycles.

“Electrification is creating additional demand beyond the system’s average growth,” the presentation noted.

Bike Share Toronto originally launched in 2011 under the name Bixi Toronto with just 1,000 bicycles and 80 stations, mainly concentrated in the downtown core. After the Toronto Parking Authority assumed control in 2014, the program was rebranded and gradually expanded into a citywide network.

Today, riders can access bikes through a mobile application or by purchasing passes directly at docking stations. The program offers several options, including pay-as-you-go rides, day passes and annual memberships that provide unlimited short-duration trips.

Ridership has increased dramatically in recent years. The program logged about 2.9 million rides in 2020, and that number climbed to 6.9 million by 2024. Last year alone, the system recorded roughly 7.8 million trips, including more than 231,000 rides taken by first-time users a 39 percent jump compared with the previous year.

Financially, the system has historically operated at a loss, but officials say revenue is now growing faster than operating costs. In 2025, the bike-share network generated $17.1 million in revenue $2.3 million more than initially projected. Expenses totaled approximately $20 million, slightly exceeding expectations by about $400,000.

A notable share of the revenue came from the seasonal bike-share program on the Toronto Islands. Between May 16 and October 15, the island network of 250 bikes and four docking stations generated more than 216,000 trips and brought in around $1.4 million.

Despite this growth, officials say demand for electric bikes continues to outpace supply. Currently, e-bikes make up only about 20 percent of the total fleet, prompting plans for a major electrification push.

Over the next phase of expansion, the authority intends to install 1,250 solar-powered docking points and 350 electric charging docks. The plan also includes adding 200 new e-bikes, 750 traditional bicycles and 1,500 pillar docking points designed to reduce docking errors.

Additionally, 100 next-generation electric bikes will be introduced as part of a pilot program with the system’s supplier. According to Jarrett McDonald, Vice-President of Operations at the Toronto Parking Authority, the new models are designed to be easier to ride and more accessible for a wider range of users.

“These bikes are much easier to operate and open the network to more people,” McDonald told the board during the presentation.

The authority is also working to improve the technology behind the system. Currently, users can see whether an e-bike is available through the mobile app, but battery levels are not displayed until the rider reaches the bike. Officials say they are collaborating with suppliers to add battery-status information directly within the app.

Looking ahead, Bike Share Toronto is also exploring new ways to strengthen its financial sustainability. Potential revenue streams under consideration include loyalty programs, premium features, advanced bike reservations, corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities. Fare integration with other city programs is also being evaluated.

The system may also launch special promotions tied to major events in the city, including Toronto Tech Week, Canada Day celebrations and the upcoming FIFA World Cup activities.

Officials emphasized that the current expansion plan is conservative and could grow further if demand continues to rise.

“For us, electrification is the key to future growth,” McDonald said. “Where the opportunity exists, we want to move faster and expand the system further.”