Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Download the Drift Cycle app, set up your profile, located a Drift station, and scan the QR code on the back of a bike to rent!

Question 2

I'm having trouble ending or unlocking my rental.

Accepted Answer

• Make sure the app is open and you are near the bike.  
 • Make sure you have a stable wifi connection; to troubleshoot try turning wifi on and off or close out of app completely and reload.  
 • Make sure the Drift Cycle app has permissions for Bluetooth, Photos, and Location in your devices settings.  
 • Reinstall the app (a new update might be required) or turn your mobile device's Bluetooth off and on.
Remember, you can always call the drift service number if you encounter an issue you cannot manage yourself!

Question 3

Can I rent multiple bikes at a time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, users can rent up to 4 bikes at a time! 
After renting your first bike, click on "Add Ride" to add more bikes to your rental!

Question 4

What does it mean to "Pause my rental"?

Accepted Answer

Pausing your rental allows you to securely lock up the bike while you do something else (i.e. grabbing groceries), and prevents other users from renting the bike.   You can pause a rental at any location, but it must be outside a Drift Cycle station boundary.  Please note that you will be still be charged while your rental is paused.

Question 5

How can I apply a promo code?

Accepted Answer

In the app menu, select the "Promos" page and click the "Enter code" in the upper right hand corner to apply a promo code.

Question 6

How old do you have to be to rent a Drift Cycle bike?

Accepted Answer

You must be 18 years of age or older to register an account and accept the terms and conditions.  Children 14 years or older must be supervised by a parent or guardian while using a rental.

Question 7

There isn't room at the Drift Bike rack station, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Find the nearest bike rack or secure location and end your rental as usual.

Question 8

I was charged a penalty fee and I don't know why.

Accepted Answer

You may have received a penalty for ending your rental outside of a station's geofence or for damaging a bike during your rental.  If you believe this was an error go to "Help" then click "Report Issue" in the Drift Cycle app menu.

Question 9

How do I apply the 50% off discount for sponsor affiliate organizations?

Accepted Answer

Register in the app using your organizational email with the corresponding domain (i.e. @sponsor.com). This will automatically apply the 50% off discount on all pricing in the app.  If you already signed up with a different email, simply update your email in your profile (Click on "profile" in the menu and click the pencil in the upper right hand corner to edit).

Question 10

What are the hours for rental?

Accepted Answer

5am - 10pm daily during the season.  
December through February is our "off-season" where the bikes are placed into storage for maintenance (this may be altered based on weather conditions)

Question 11

What do I need to rent a bike?

Accepted Answer

Users need a mobile device, the Drift Cycle app, and credit card to rent a bike.

Question 12

Where do I find a bike?

Accepted Answer

There are 16 stations located around the La Crosse area.  You can find them in the Drift Cycle app, or here on our website on the "Stations" page.  Each station has a bike rack and signs with instructions!

Question 13

Can I lock my personal bike to the Drift bike rack?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Our mission is to promote biking in our community; providing much needed secure and visible racking is an important aspect of that goal.

Question 14

Will there be additional hubs or bikes in the future?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Drift Cycle has identified additional priority locations using past studies, research, sponsor interest, and user needs that we will expanding on in the future.  We welcome additional funding and sponsor support to make expansions of our bikes and stations possible.

Question 15

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Accepted Answer

While Drift Cycle does not provide or require helmets, it is encouraged by us and The WI Department of Transportation that all users wear helmets for protection.  Donors to Drift Cycle have made helmets available on a limited basis: If you are unable to acquire a helmet on your own, please contact us at Driftlax@gmail.com.

Question 16

Can I ride the bike when it is dark out?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The bikes are equipped with a front running light and rear reflectors on the pedals and fender.  These improve rider visibility and meet the State of Wisconsins laws.  
But please remember that Drift bikes can only be rented from 5am-10pm.

Question 17

Can I rent a bike for under 30 minutes, repeatedly, by returning it to a hub and checking it back out at a hub?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are currently no restrictions for "cool off" periods. Drift Cycle reserves the right to adjust the system to meet the goals of the program at any time.

Question 18

Can my organization or business sponsor a bike or hub?

Accepted Answer

Yes! there are many ways to support the program with your time, talents, and funds. Please contact driftlax@gmail.com (driftlax@gmail.com)for more information on pricing and availability.

Question 19

Where are the trikes and how do I use them?

Accepted Answer

We have two trikes that we keep at our Myrick Park and Riverside North stations. We try our best to keep them at these stations, but they may end up at other stations occasionally. Contact us for information on trike locations.

Our trikes are different than our regular bikes by having three wheels and a rear coastal brake that is activated by lightly pedaling backwards in addition to the front brake on the handlebar.

When getting on the trike, we recommend holding the brake on the handlebars to ensure the bike does not move. When using the trikes, start out slow until you are comfortable with the bike. Slow down for turns to ensure stability.

Check out our "Videos" section of our FAQ for a video with more information on using the trikes!

Frequently Asked Questions