South Central Power Up Expands to 500 E-Bikes, Advancing Community-Led Mobility in South Los Angeles
Light Transit supports the expansion with custom-integrated e-bikes and technology developed in collaboration with local partners.
SOUTH LOS ANGELES, CA — South Central Power Up, a community-led electric bicycle lending library, is preparing to double its fleet from 250 to 500 e-bikes. Since launching in 2024, the program has recorded approximately 19,000 trips and more than 34,000 miles across seven community hubs in South Los Angeles.
With another 250 e-bikes in production, the expansion builds on a collaborative effort to improve transportation access. Working alongside Ride On! Bike Shop and Co-Op and People for Mobility Justice (PMJ), Light Transit is supporting the next phase with custom-integrated bicycles, connected technology, and technical expertise.
Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), in partnership with community organizations, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), and funding from California Air Resources Board (CARB), officially launched the first E-bike “lending library” pilot in South Central Los Angeles to expand access to sustainable transportation. This image was taken in 2024 at the launch.
Built by the Community, for the Community
South Central Power Up was developed through collaboration among PMJ, Ride On!, and a network of local organizations committed to improving transportation access in South LA.
Through community outreach, local partnerships, and input from residents, these organizations helped shape a program designed around neighborhood needs.
PMJ brings community organizing and mobility education expertise, while Ride On! contributes bicycle operations, maintenance, and technology collaboration. Local Community Management Partners connect residents with bicycles, provide training, and support riders.
The program launched with support from the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) and Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), with initial funding from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) through California Climate Investments.
Unlike traditional bike share, South Central Power Up allows eligible residents to borrow an e-bike for up to 30 days, free of charge. With hands-on training, loaner helmets, and neighborhood-based support, participants can use the bicycles for commuting, errands, and everyday transportation.
Technology Shaped by Real-World Experience
Supporting a community lending library requires technology that accommodates extended borrowing periods, connected bicycles, and day-to-day fleet operations.
Working alongside Ride On!, PMJ, and other partners, Light Transit's team developed and integrated hardware and software solutions tailored to these needs, bringing together e-bike technology, IoT connectivity, electronic locking, and fleet management software.
The development process included user groups to test technology and connectivity, direct operational feedback from Ride On!, and collaboration with community partners to understand the rider experience.
These insights helped shape the integration of the original fleet and inform improvements to durability, serviceability, and reliability for the next generation of bicycles.
Rather than relying on a single off-the-shelf system, the partners worked together to create a technology solution designed around how the program operates.
Expanding Access Through Collaboration
For the next phase, Light Transit is supplying 250 additional e-bikes, integrating connected hardware and fleet management technology, and providing commissioning, replacement parts, and technical support.
The expansion reflects a shared commitment to building a reliable, sustainable program that can continue serving South LA residents.
Community partners include RideWitUs, SCOPE, T.R.U.S.T. South LA, Esperanza Community Housing, Labor Community Strategy Center, and Community Services Unlimited.
South Central Power Up's growth demonstrates what's possible when community organizations, experienced operators, public agencies, and technology partners combine their expertise.
As the program moves toward 500 e-bikes, its continued success remains rooted in community leadership, practical innovation, and a shared goal of making everyday transportation more accessible.
Get in Touch
If you’re a local government or organization looking to expand micromobility in your community, please get in touch!
We’re always up for sharing needs and resources so that we can work together towards lighter transit as a society.
