E-bike sharing scheme on the way

Wednesday 21 October 2020

An e-bike share scheme is being introduced in Guernsey from next year.

Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez announced the plans in response to a question during her successful bid to become the new President of Environment & Infrastructure.

The question came from Deputy Marc Leadbeater, who was concerned about the number of cruise ships that visit the island each year, and the amount of particulates they produce.

"Land-side, Deputy Leadbeater might be pleased to hear that, as of March, we will be having an e-bike share scheme," Deputy De Sausmarez said in her response. "Someone is bringing that to the island, so I think that's going to fit in really well with the cruise ship offering.

"I think there's a really great eco-tourism offer that we should be developing here."

Pictured: Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez is the new President of E&I.

Bike sharing schemes have been introduced in towns and cities across the world, to help people get around faster and encourage them out of their cars.

Usually, bikes are spread out between numerous docking points around the area, and can be picked up by any passers-by for short term use. Those people can cycle to the closest dock to their destination and leave their bike there for another person to use.

Some schemes charge riders electronically based on the length of their journey, while others offer the service for free.

Many require the rider to download an app, so they can release a bike from the dock and find out where the nearest dock is.

However, the details of the local scheme are yet to be announced.