Pedallers get extra power
100 new electric bikes for hire
UK’s first cross-regional electric bike share project will be launched in Forth Valley.
The first phase of a £350,000 project will see 100 new e-bikes made available in locations across Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk by May next year.
Forth Environment Link will deliver the scheme with the help of Canadian firm Bewegen, a pioneer in e-bike sharing, and with support from Transport Scotland, NHS Forth Valley and the three local authorities.
The introduction of the new Pedelec electric bikes will see the charity’s bike share fleet increase by more than 60 per cent.
They currently have 160 pedal bicycles to hire through the Nextbike scheme which operates in Stirling.
The first e-bike stations are expected to be ready by autumn, with a number of mobile stations and a route connecting Larbert train station with Forth Valley Hospital.
Clara Walker of Forth Environment Link said: “Our ambition is to provide more affordable, healthy transport options for people of all ages and abilities and this new all-electric bike scheme will help us achieve this.
“Since we introduced bike sharing to Stirling three-and-a-half years ago the number of journeys made by rental bikes in Stirling has tripled.
“Last year alone there were almost 40,000 journeys made using the scheme, cementing its position as a key public transport option in the city.
“We believe e-bikes will help encourage even more people to get back in the saddle, offering a real alternative to the daily commute with top speeds of 15.5mph.”
The project represents Bewegen’s first large-scale project in the UK, having implemented schemes across the USA, Canada and Europe.
Chief executive Alain Ayotte said: “We believe that the Forth Valley scheme will be very successful, with a strong potential for growth throughout the region.
“Bewegen is committed to establishing a local operations team, thereby creating jobs and contributing to the economy.”
Stirling Council’s environment and housing convenor Jim Thomson said: “Having easy access to these bikes will provide visitors and residents alike an affordable and practical way to explore the iconic landscape of this famous part of Scotland.”
Mark Craske of NHS Forth Valley is pleased to see a route connecting the rail station in Larbert and Forth Valley Hospital.
Last year it was announced that 50 e-bikes were being brought to Stirling as part of the city’s Nextbike scheme.
The scheme was launched in 2014 and since then the number of journeys being made has been on the rise, with almost 24,000 journeys made in the year to November 2017.
E-bikes will offer a real alternative to the daily commute