Big Issue eBikes removed from parts of Bristol due to vandalism

Three weeks into the launch of Bristol’s new electric bike scheme, concerns have been raised over the level of vandalism directed at the fleet.

420 Big Issue eBikes were initially docked all over the city, stretching as far as Dundry, Warmley, Emersons Green and Severn Beach.

Since being released on the streets of Bristol on February 1, the red and white bikes have become a familiar sight and a helpful boost for ascending our city’s notorious hills – but a minority of people are ruining the fun.

Unfortunately, reports of deliberate vandalism have forced the company to narrow the boundaries of the bikes’ park zones.

Now the area where Big Issue eBikes can be docked has been tightened, riders have decreased access in south Bristol including in Hengrove.

The boundary for where the bikes can be docked has been adjusted – image: Big Issue eBike app

A spokesperson for the project said: “As this is a new scheme, we are still adjusting the location of the ebikes to ensure that we have them in the parts of the city where we are seeing the highest levels of demand.

“We have launched with a relatively small fleet, so we want to ensure they are not spread out too thinly. That means that we have narrowed the park zone boundaries in all of the city’s outer areas.”

Another dockless bike hire scheme, YoBikes, launched in 2017 was similarly beset by problems including theft and vandalism and the plug was pulled on their operations in March 2021.

……………………………………………

This Bristol24/7 content is made possible by contributions from our members. In February and March, we are on a mission to get to 1,000 supporter members. Membership is £5 a month and allows us to continue our important work bringing you the best stories in Bristol. If you enjoy reading our articles, please consider supporting us and join today.

……………………………………………

The Big Issue eBike scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, is based on a model of ‘biking for good’. It has instigated the recruitment and retraining of unemployed and vulnerable people to maintain the fleet at its depot in Brislington.

A spokesperson added: “In the three weeks since we introduced the ebikes to Bristol, we are delighted with the uptake of them and the positive feedback we’ve had from Bristolians.

“However, we are disappointed with the level of vandalism that we’ve seen. For every ebike that we have to take off the streets and replace, that means one person less a month that we can support.

“We know the majority of people are looking after our bikes and enjoying using them, so in order that we are able to help as many people as we can, we ask everyone to keep an eye out and please report any damaged bikes to us as soon as you can.”

The initiative is in its its early stages, but CEO Jan Tore Endresen told Bristol24/7 that their hope is to roll out more bikes in the city.

Endresen said: “Our ambition is to grow both locally and nationally. Our ambition here locally will be to grow the system – I think Bristol easily can have several thousands of bikes right now.”

You can report damaged bikes via the app, emailing support@bigissue.bike or calling 0117 971 7695.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Test rising the Big Issue e-Bikes

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: