Exeter electric bike scheme first to be launched in the UK

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Electric bike scheme first to be launched in the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)


The bikes have a range of between 40 and 60 miles, and cost up to £1.50 for half an hour

The UK's first city-wide electric bike scheme has been launched in Exeter.

The "Co-bikes" are currently available from five sites in Exeter, including the central train station, the university and Sowton Park and Ride.

It's hoped that by spring 2017 there will be eight hubs around the city.

The initiative has been launched with support from Department of Transport, while Devon County Council has helped to fund the scheme.

Mark Hodgson, Managing Director of Co-bikes, said: "After years of planning, we're very excited to be launching Co-bikes in Exeter.

"The Co-bikes electric bikes are changing the way that people travel around the city and are affordable and easy as well as being great fun to ride", he added.

For people who choose to become members, the service will cost 75p for 30 minutes, while non-members will pay double.

The bikes have small electric motors which can travel distances of between 40 and 60 miles, and allow speeds of up to 15mph.

[TonyK]

Cheaper than the bus - so long as you only want to travel between the hubs.

[Bmblbzzz]

Including the university, so we can look forward to elderly dons gliding effortlessly past their perspiring undergrads, late to lectures.

[JayMac]

A hub at Exeter St Davids is a must.

[Bmblbzzz]

"The central train station" is unfortunately ambiguous in the case of Exeter.

[JayMac]

 I checked the Co-Bike website. The only station hub currently is Exeter Central.