Solar-Powered E-Bike Rentals Launch at Davis Square MBTA Station
Low-cost e-bike rentals will provide first-mile/last mile connections from bus and Commuter Rail stops
Cambridge, MA — Metro Mobility, a Cambridge-based micromobility technology startup, has teamed up with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to launch the state’s first solar-powered e-bike charging and rental station. Funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) ACT4All program, the station is now open at the Davis MBTA stop in Somerville, offering a groundbreaking model for clean, affordable, first-mile/last-mile transit.
To commemorate the launch, Metro Mobility held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the morning of August 21, with key public and private stakeholders. Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert, leaders from Metro Mobility, and a coalition of state and local officials celebrated this milestone for clean transportation in the Commonwealth.
The Davis Square ChargeLock Solar station offers round-trip e-bike rentals that are 100% off-grid, providing power from integrated solar panels and a storage battery that keeps e-bikes charged regardless of weather. With discounted $1 per day rentals for income-qualified riders, the station supports both environmental and transportation equity goals, helping to eliminate barriers to sustainable travel.
The system is built on Metro Mobility’s patented ChargeLock™ technology, which uses a single smart cable to simultaneously lock and charge e-bikes. While ChargeLock has already powered numerous grid-connected stations for micromobility fleets in Massachusetts and California, this new solar-powered installation marks a major leap forward for the industry. The ChargeLock Solar model removes the need for costly and time-consuming electrical infrastructure, allowing e-bike charging stations to be deployed virtually anywhere with adequate sunlight.
“This project demonstrates what’s possible when public transit, clean energy, and innovation come together,” said Metro Mobility CEO David Montague. “The ChargeLock Solar station is not just a pilot, it’s a scalable blueprint for how we connect communities to transit in a clean and equitable way.”
“This launch shows what we can achieve when climatetech innovation meets everyday transportation needs,” said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “Metro Mobility’s solar-powered station in Somerville demonstrates how we can cut pollution, reduce energy usage, and expand mobility access at the same time. It’s a practical, scalable solution that can be deployed in more communities—and we’re proud to help make it happen in Massachusetts.”
Strategically located at a busy MBTA subway station, the new e-bike hub helps close the first-mile/last-mile gap, offering transit riders an easy and green way to get to and from home, school, or work. The pilot supports the MBTA’s broader efforts to improve multimodal access and increase ridership by expanding the reach of its core transit lines.
“Massachusetts is leading the way in creating a transportation future with more choices, fewer emissions, and bold innovations in solar energy,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We are expanding bike lanes, improving pedestrian safety, and investing in micro-mobility options that make it easier and safer to get around. The launch of our first solar-powered e-bike charging and rental station at Davis Square in Somerville reflects our commitment to bringing innovative, sustainable solutions directly into communities—offering residents a cleaner, more affordable way to connect to local businesses, transit hubs, and key destinations.”
In addition to delivering service, the Davis Square station will also generate critical operational insights. The ChargeLock Solar station and the IoT-enabled e-bikes it supports will continuously collect data on power generation, battery use, trip distance, and ridership trends. Riders will be prompted to complete short surveys in the Metro Mobility app, allowing the company and its public partners to track trip purpose, mode shift, and equity impact.
The resulting dataset will offer a first-of-its-kind look into the performance and potential of fully off-grid micromobility programs, providing MassCEC and the MBTA with real-world evidence to guide future deployments across the Commonwealth.
As cities across Massachusetts and beyond grapple with how to decarbonize transportation while improving access, the ChargeLock Solar station represents a bold, practical step toward a greener, more connected future.
About Metro Mobility
Metro Mobility is a leading innovator in the micromobility industry, dedicated to developing solutions that enhance urban transportation while prioritizing sustainability and user experience. Based in Cambridge, MA, Metro Mobility is at the forefront of the movement to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly future for cities around the world. For more information, please visit www.metromobility.io.
Contact:
Ryan Walas
Metro Mobility, LLC
+1-617-491-7200 x202
rwalas@metromobility.io