UNCW Transportation

Bike Share Bikes on Rack - Bike Share Logo

UNCW Hawk Wheels Bike Share

Bike Share is a convenient and cost effective way for you to use a bicycle without having the responsibility of owning a bicycle. Hawk Wheels Bike Share is the solution to getting around campus in a quick and healthy way for any student, faculty, or staff member!

This video highlights the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Hawk Wheels Bike Share Program! Learn all about the SoBi bikes, how to sign-up, how to reserve, how to ride, special features, locations and more!

Select video link if video is not loading on the webpage: https://youtu.be/G0abrtyLK2Y 

VIDEO BY: NICK CANNON/UNCW AND SEAN HENNESSEY/UNCW

How does it work?

  • Register

Download the Social Bicycles App on your smartphone or go to gotchabike.com/uncw to register with Hawk Wheels Bike Share. You will need a debit or credit card number to register. Choose your desired plan based on what works best for you to utilize the bike share program. 

  • Release

When you register, you get a personal six digit account number and a four digit PIN code to enter on the bicycle keypad every time you check out a bike. You may use the App to reserve a bike up to 10 minutes prior to when you need it. Users can also see what bikes are available at any of the station locations. 

  • Ride

Hawk Wheels users may ride directly from one station on campus to another OR make a stop between stations by putting the bicycle on "hold." Your hold time depends upon which ridership plan you choose. Each ride must begin and end at a Hawk Wheels Bike Share Station on campus.

  • Return

Simply lock the bike to a rack at a Hawk Wheels Station and "end the ride." Users can see how far they rode and the duration of the ride.

Bike Maintenance 

All of the Hawk Wheels Bike Share bicycles are maintained by a bike mechanic. Please use the feature on the Social Bicycles smartphone app or the keypad on the bicycle itself to report any maintenance a bike may need. Every bike is inspected regularly but to ensure the safety of the users and the quality of Hawk Wheels Bike Share we are counting on you to report when maintenance is needed. 

Hawk Wheels Bike Share (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does Hawk Wheels Bike Share cost?
  2. How do I pay for Bike Share?
  3. Do I have to enter my payment information even if I choose the free plan?
  4. How long does my membership last?
  5. Where can I return my bike?
  6. Can I reserve a bike ahead of time?
  7. Can I put a bike on hold?
  8. Where am I allowed to ride the bike?
  9. Where are the Hawk Wheels Bike Share Stations?
  10. What is the penalty for not returning the bike to a station?
  11. Is it possible to see how many bikes are available before going to the station?
  12. What if I want the bike longer than the allotted free time?
  13. What if I damage a bike?
  14. Can I check out more than one bike at a time?
  15. Can I go off campus?
  16. Who do I contact with questions and concerns?

How much does Hawk Wheels Bike Share cost?

There are two membership options for riders: 

  1. The Point-to-Point plan offers riders one hour worth of free rides every day and is free to sign up. The Point to Point plan is a convenient way to get from your residence hall, to class, to the dining hall, and is intended for short rides. 
  2. The Lifestyle Plan offers riders four hours worth of free rides every day and is $25 a year. The Lifestyle Plan is for riders who may not have a car or prefer to bike to their destination. For either option, the cost is $2 for every hour after the rider's daily free time has been used. 

How do I pay for Bike Share?

Payments for bike share will be made online with a credit or debit card. Riders can also pay through the Social Bicycles smartphone app.

Do I have to enter my payment information even if I choose the free plan?

Yes. If you use the bicycle longer than your allotted free time that comes with your membership plan, you will be charged $2 per hour. Users will also be charged $10 for ending a ride outside of a station and $50 for ending a ride off campus.

How long does my membership last?

All memberships are valid through one year from date of purchase.

Where can I return a bike share bike?

Bikes must be returned to any designated Hawk Wheels Bike Share Station. It does not need to be returned to the same station from which the bike was initially checked out.  

Can I reserve a bike ahead of time?

Yes, with the Social Bicycles app, Hawk Wheels users will be able to reserve a bike up to 10 minutes prior to a ride.

Can I put a bike on hold?

Yes, you can put a bike on hold. With the Point-to-Point Plan you can put a bike on hold for 30 minutes. With the Lifestyle Plan you can put the bike on hold for two hours. The hold feature should be used only when you need to make sure the bicycle is there available when you are finished with your task. Bikes should not be put on hold during class, while eating, etc. The time a bicycle is on hold counts towards the daily free time in your plan.

Where am I allowed to ride the bike?

Hawk Wheels Bike Share bicycles may be ridden anywhere in Wilmington. However, it is the rider's responsibility to return the bike to the Hawk Wheels Stations on campus. Failure to return a bike or failure to end the ride at a bike share station on campus will result in charges.

Where are the Hawk Wheels Bike Share Stations?

There are currently four station locations at Randall Library, Osprey Hall, Wagoner Hall, and Belk Hall. Three additional stations at K Lot, the Amphitheater, and Cornerstone Hall will arrive in January 2017. 

What is the penalty for not returning the bike to a station?

Every bicycle must be returned to a bike share station on campus after every ride. Failure to end the ride at a Hawk Wheels Bike Share Station will result in either an Out of Station Fee or an Out of Zone Fee. If a ride is ended on campus but not specifically returned to a Bike Share station, the charge is $10.  If the bike is left off campus, completely out of the bike share program's zone, the rider will be charged $50. 

Is it possible to see how many bikes are available before going to the station?

Yes, on the Social Bicycles app you will be able to see how many bikes are available at each Hawk Wheels Station. 

What if I want the bike longer than the allotted free time my plan allows?

You can still use a bike share bicycle after your daily free time runs out. However, after the free time expires you will be charged $2 per hour. The maximum charge per day is $18.

Reminder: Hawk Wheels Bike Share bikes are not intended to be used as a personal bike. 

What if I damage a bike?

It is important to remember that safety is Hawk Wheels' first concern. We want all of our riders to be safe by following traffic laws and practicing safe cycling habits. We understand that accidents do happen, but in cases where the bike is damaged due to negligence you will be charged. The charges will be determineed by the severity of the damage.

Can I check out more than one bike at a time?

No, only one bike per customer at a time.

Can I go off campus with a Hawk Wheels Bike Share Bike?

Yes. You may take a Hawk Wheels Bicycles off campus as long as it is returned to a station on UNCW's campus when you are finished using it.

Who do I contact with questions and concerns?

uncw@gotchabike.com