If you’ve been relying on MoGo bikes to get around Detroit, you’ll need to find an alternative.
The bikeshare system, which operates docking stations for its bikes around parts of Detroit and Oakland County, announced on Thursday, Oct. 22, that it’s closed for the season, a change that’s likely to catch some riders by surprise.
The system posted a notice on its website and social media accounts. It also sent this note to riders:
“MoGo is closed for the season. Bikeshare operations are paused, and all stations and bikes are currently unavailable. We are working with the City of Detroit and other partners on MoGo’s next chapter, including system and technology updates and the addition of more e-bikes. Thanks to the support of Henry Ford Health, Health Alliance
Plan (HAP), and all that continue to support MoGo, we plan to build a smarter, more sustainable bikeshare system. Thank you for your support and for the more than 728,000 rides so far!”
Bikeshare, which is offered in cities around the world, is different from bike rental because it is geared toward short trips and can help plug gaps in public transit coverage. Riders can purchase a variety of passes.
MoGo was established as a nonprofit affiliate of the Downtown Detroit Partnership in 2015, according to a memo in April to the city’s Downtown Development Authority, or DDA. It launched in May 2017 with 430 red and black bicycles at 43 stations in 10 Detroit neighborhoods, with the help of a federal grant as well as corporate and nonprofit sponsors and expanded from there.
The system has grown to 80 stations and provides about 275 rides per day.
Representatives for MoGo and the DDP did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The City of Detroit provided a statement about the closure from Ryan Michael, the city’s acting chief of mobility innovation:
“We are aware that the DDP has decided to pause Mogo service and collect the bikes for the season. The city and many partners and supporters will continue evaluating options for the future of the bike share system, and how it can support the shared objectives for accessible mobility in the region.”
The Detroit Free Press reported in May, based on the April memo, that the system was expected to transfer this year to the Detroit Transportation Corp., the entity that operates the Detroit People Mover.
The story noted that MoGo had been facing financial challenges.
“MoGo operates as a nonprofit affiliate of the Downtown Detroit Partnership and has reported a string of operating losses in recent years, including a nearly $170,000 net loss in 2024 and a $706,000 net loss in 2023,” according to the story.
The DDA memo noted that “once the MoGo transfer happens, the DDA can give $350,000 in funding for maintenance and improvements to MoGo bikes and docking stations.”
Staff writers JC Reindl and Christian Romo contributed to this report.
Eric D. Lawrence is the senior car culture reporter at the Detroit Free Press, and he also writes about recreational vehicles, boats and bikes. Send your tips and suggestions to elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MoGo bikeshare hits pause in Detroit; bikes, stations 'unavailable'
