by Megan Shand.
Aberdeen City Council have announced plans to roll out a new e-bike hire scheme across this city this Spring. Voi, a company which already manages e-bike hire in cities across the globe, including in Edinburgh and Glasgow, has been entrusted to manage the scheme.
The plan is to introduce an initial 350 bikes across the city in the coming months, which will be kept at designated parking spots and rented on a pay-as-you-go basis using the Voi app. The scheme will initially be funded by the council, with £200,000 drawn from Low Emission Zone surplus, with plans to become self-funded after three years.
The council hopes that the e-bike scheme will help them to reach their net zero 2045 sustainability goal, and make the city greener by giving people the option of a more eco-friendly mode of travel. The scheme may also result in quicker journeys for commuters, or simply make days out more enjoyable by providing easier access to the city centre.
“This scheme will give local residents and visitors the opportunity to travel around the city without adding to their carbon footprint and will ensure Aberdeen is a cleaner and greener place to live, work, and visit, now and in the future,” said Ian Yuill, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council.
Speaking to The Gaudie, University of Aberdeen geography student, Naomi Sim, said:
“E-bikes would allow road users more access to areas affected by recent changes in Aberdeen traffic management, involving the introduction of bus lanes and low emission zones, which prevent traffic on many streets”.
Pricing or discounts have not yet been confirmed, but The Press and Journal have previously reported on discount plans for specified groups. Plans included a 50% discount for disabled, elderly, and low-income Aberdonians, as well as a 20% discount for NHS and blue light staff, and – many of our readers will be pleased to hear – students!
Staff at Aberdeen City Council are reportedly set to receive a 100% discount on the e-bike fares, meaning they can ride the bikes for free. This is a considerably larger discount than for other community members.
University of Edinburgh says their students and staff are able to access a 50% discount on Voi e-bikes, raising questions about what more could be offered in Aberdeen.
Environment and Transport Vice Convener Councillor, Miranda Radley, said:
“It will be good seeing people use the new Voi ebikes around the city when the scheme starts. Voi have been working well in other cities and we are looking forward to them expanding their operations to Aberdeen when it launches in the Spring. The ebikes will provide people with another choice for how they move about our city, and I would encourage people to make use of them.”