News / Transport
Electric bike rental scheme coming to Bristol in 2022
Hundreds of electric hire bikes could take to the streets of Bristol as early as January as part of a pilot scheme from the Big Issue.
The scheme is set to start in Bristol before being rolled out into other cities across the UK.
It will be the third attempt at introducing a citywide bike hire scheme to Bristol, with YoBike quietly pulling the plug on operations this year.
is needed now More than ever
The aim of the Big Issue scheme is not only to encourage active travel but also tackle unemployment, with the Big Issue recruiting and retraining people who were previously unemployed to run the schemes.
The scheme will be run in partnership with Norwegian company ShareBike, which already operates similar programmes across Europe.
Similar to YoBike and Voi e-scooters, users will unlock vehicles via an app and there will be no docking stations, allowing for “dynamic distribution”.
A warehouse of brand new bikes ready to be ridden in Bristol – photo: The Big Issue
Speaking at the launch of the scheme in November 2020, Lord Bird, the founder of the Big Issue, said: “We are living through some dark times, with predications that hundreds of thousands of people could lose their jobs and be made homeless.
“It’s been wonderful to come together with a like-minded organisation with a truly innovative venture that offers hope to those facing great adversity due to Covid-related poverty.
“We are confident that The Big Issue eBikes scheme will recruit and retrain unemployed and vulnerable people in local communities and provide them with access to support and services to improve their lives.
“So by renting an eBike from The Big Issue not only are you doing good for the environment but you are doing good for others too. You are biking for good.”
Jan Tore Endresen, chief executive of ShareBike, added: “In our partnership with The Big Issue, ShareBike sees a unique opportunity to help people whilst providing sustainable mobility.
“With more than 20 years’ experience in global bike sharing we have ensured that Big Issue eBikes offer a comfortable and convenient alternative to fossil fuel-based transportation, as well as providing an affordable mode of travelling around cities in the UK.”
https://www.facebook.com/bigissuebikes/videos/1062212707868653/
Main photo: Big Issue
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