Tech company Voi will introduce fully electric fleet as part of its new contract with city council, lasting up to five years
The existing cycle hire scheme across Glasgow is about to enter a new phase, with the micromobility firm Voi Technology UK Ltd selected as its new operator. The contract, which will be delivered at no cost to the city council, was approved at the end of August and will last for three years, with options for two 12-month extensions.
Photo by Chris Arthur-Collins / Unsplash
Under the new terms, for the first time Glasgow will have a fully electric fleet, with a choice of two models of e-bike available for riders to choose from. At least 1,000 e-bikes will be available, 24/7, at more than 150 locations across the city.
Voi will also introduce new flexible, dockless system, with riders able to park in clearly marked on-street zones instead the existing fixed pavement docks. The aim is to free up space for pedestrians while also reducing infrastructure costs, making it easier to expand the scheme and adapt to demand.
The company will also open a walk-in hub in the city to boost accessibility, with face-to-face help and guidance on hiring e-bikes. This is part of wider efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone can benefit from the service – and a more active, greener way to get about Glasgow.
The city’s cycle hire scheme launched in 2014, operated by the company nextbike by TIER. It has some 250,000 registered users clocking up more than 2.5m hires. A four-month transition to the new Voi system has now begun. When live, e-bikes will be available via the Voi app, including flexible hire options such as monthly subscriptions, daily passes and pay-as-you-go.
Cllr Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate and Transport at Glasgow City Council, says: ‘It’s great to have Voi on board for the next five years as the new operator of Glasgow’s hugely popular cycle hire scheme, offering a fully electric fleet for the first time. On-street cycle hire offers a practical, cost-effective option to people who may not own a bike to get about the city, and in securing the scheme’s next phase of delivery with our new operator we look forward to building on its success.
‘Over the coming months, people will start to see Voi rolling out a brand-new fleet of e-bikes and new-look supporting infrastructure across the city, all designed to make cycling more convenient and accessible, whether you’re commuting, meeting up with friends, or simply exploring the city. Opening up access to affordable, sustainable transport creates more options for everybody to get about Glasgow, and it’s great that Glaswegians will continue to be able to take advantage of cycle hire with this refreshed scheme.
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