U Bike

Operating under UWild Adventures, U Bike is a bicycle library program that provides University of Washington Seattle Students quarter-long bicycle rentals. This program is designed to give students an experience of bicycle ownership. By understanding how a bicycle can fit into a user’s everyday life we believe our program is the best way to influence a user to purchase a bicycle in the future.

Application Process

1. Follow the link below and read through the eligibility standards
2. Application are accepted on a rolling basis
3. Recipients will be contacted via email
4. We strongly recommend applicants to attend a Commuting By Bike class.

The U-Bike Program is currently on HOLD. We hope to restart the program starting Autumn 2023.

Pricing

Bikes may be rented by the month and quarter.

Monthly Rental – $30* (+ Tax)

Quarterly Rental – $75* (+ Tax)

Optional Theft and Damage Insurance – $25 ($200 deductible)

Lost keys – $25

*Regularly scheduled maintenance is included with the rental cost. Ask about a maintenance schedule at the time of check-out.

History of Program

This program is the result of Cole Laush, who developed and worked on the implementation of this program as part of his senior project for Community Environment & Planning, and in collaboration with UWild, The Campus Sustainability Fund, UW Sustainability, and EcoReps. U Bike is a bicycle library program that encourages bicycle ridership by providing long term bicycle rentals to UW students. Unlike bike share, which provides short term bicycle rentals between two hubs, and regular bike rentals, which facilitate daily or weekend use, a long term rental gives users an experience of bicycle ownership. The experience of ownership teaches users about the various ways a bicycle can fit into one’s everyday life as well as the responsibility that stems from maintaining and preventing bicycle theft. It is our view that providing an experience of bicycle ownership is the best way to demonstrate the value of a bicycle to a user and foster a desire to purchase a bicycle after completing the program. It is our goal to do more than just increase bicycle ridership on and to campus. We hope that providing this service will encourage sustainable cycling habits that persist into the rest of a user’s life.

Bike Details

The Dew Plus is manufactured by Washington based Kona Bicycles.

Each bike comes with:

• ABUS folding lock
• Helmet
• Fenders
• Front and rear light
• Bell
• Front Grocery Basket (optional)
• Ant-theft wheel skewers
• All-weather disc brakes

Questions About Accessibility?

UW Recreation’s programs, operations, and facilities are intended to be inclusive and accessible. If at any time, you have a need or concern please contact us, we encourage everyone to participate in our department offerings. For accommodation requests connected to a disability or health condition contact us at (206) 543-4590 or at recinfo@uw.edu. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance as possible, preferably at least 10 business days.

Insurance

UW Recreation does not provide accident or medical coverage for participants. It is recommended that participants obtain their own personal coverage. Students may obtain additional information on student accident/sickness insurance by contacting:  Insurance & Cost | Husky Health & Well-Being (uw.edu)

Questions About Refunds?

For questions about program or membership refunds check the Registration page or contact recinfo@uw.edu.

Contact Us