Three years after Oakland announced a plan to purchase electric bikes for a pilot rental program, the new bikes are finally available for rent.

In a press conference yesterday, Mayor Barbara Lee spoke of her excitement about the program. She was flanked by other community leaders, including councilmember Noel Gallo, whose district includes Fruitvale; at-large councilmember Rowena Brown; and Justin Hu-Nguyen, a co-executive director of the advocacy group Bike East Bay.

The group gathered in front of the Fruitvale Bike Station, the city’s bike repair and storage shop, which opened in 2004. The shop, located on the 12th Street side of the Fruitvale BART station, will now rent out 50 e-bikes bought with a $1.8 million, five-year state grant.

“This program expands Oakland’s commitment to a

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