The City of Toronto plans to enhance its bike share program by introducing more e-bikes this year following a surge in ridership in the previous year. Bike Share Toronto experienced a 40% increase in individual ridership in 2025 compared to 2024, as outlined in its annual operating plan presented to the Toronto Parking Authority board of directors. The total number of rides taken also rose by 10%, reaching 7.8 million trips in 2025, with approximately 231,000 first-time riders.
In 2025, e-bikes facilitated over twice as many trips per day compared to regular bikes. To meet the rising demand, the city intends to add 200 new e-bikes, 350 e-docks, and 750 regular bikes to its network this year. Additionally, 1,200 new solar stations will be installed. According to Raktim Mitra, an urban planning professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, e-bikes are gaining popularity due to their ability to make longer rides more feasible for novice cyclists, enabling them to cover distances of five to seven kilometers with less physical exertion.
The number of first-time riders in Bike Share Toronto increased by 39% in 2025 from the previous year, reaching approximately 231,000 individuals. The program anticipates a further rise in the total number of trips to about 8.6 million this year. Michael Longfield, the executive director of Cycle Toronto, described the bike share program as a catalyst for individuals to explore cycling and expressed satisfaction with its success and expansion.
Professor Mitra emphasized that adequate infrastructure is essential for the growth of the city’s bike share program and cycling in general. The program’s expansion coincides with Toronto City Council’s approval of a plan to install 20 kilometers of new bike lanes. Meanwhile, the provincial government is challenging a court ruling that invalidated a law aiming to remove 19 kilometers of protected bike lanes in Toronto.
With the upcoming FIFA World Cup expected to bring increased traffic to the city, the expansion of Bike Share Toronto could alleviate congestion and provide a faster mode of transportation. The program’s expansion is estimated to cost slightly over $10 million, with revenues reaching $17.1 million in 2025, surpassing the initial projection by $2.3 million.