Residents and visitors to four Pembrokeshire areas - including the seaside town of Tenby - are being invited to get on their bikes following the introduction of an exciting pay as you go E-bike trial.
Thanks to funding of £150,000 from the Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro programme, as well as Tenby, the trial will run in Haverfordwest, Fishguard and Goodwick for 12 months.
The trial conducted by Pembrokeshire County Council, which starts this month, will see a fleet of E-bikes provided for members of the public to use for commuting, leisure and local activities.
Users will simply be able to collect and leave E-bikes at a handy series of pick-up and drop-off sites around the towns.
E-bikes are a combination of a conventional bike with a motor that take some of the effort out of pedalling for the rider. They cover greater distances in less time and with less effort than conventional cycles.
The aim is to give residents and visitors an alternative method of travel rather than rely upon cars for short trips under 2km.
This will in turn create a healthier and decarbonised Pembrokeshire and help towards National Decarbonisation Targets.
Zipp Mobility will maintain the bikes throughout the trial period, including ensuring batteries are charged and ready to go.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “The successful application for the Southwest Wales Metro Funding has allowed investment in this exciting and environmentally friendly transport.
“The towns will be involved in a pilot scheme to encourage residents, commuters, and visitors to utilise the electric bikes via a low-cost scheme.
“We hope that if people need to do a short journey they will consider hopping on one of the conveniently placed E-bikes rather than immediately turning to a car.
“If successful it is hoped that the scheme can be extended to other parts of the county”.
Users will need to be over 18 and will access the E-bikes through the Zipp Mobility app via mobile phones. Download the app and register to get ready to ride. The app also provides details of costs.
The E-bikes must be collected from and returned to a series of bays across each of the towns.
Video: ©PCC
Thanks to funding of £150,000 from the Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro programme, as well as Tenby, the trial will run in Haverfordwest, Fishguard and Goodwick for 12 months.
The trial conducted by Pembrokeshire County Council, which starts this month, will see a fleet of E-bikes provided for members of the public to use for commuting, leisure and local activities.
Users will simply be able to collect and leave E-bikes at a handy series of pick-up and drop-off sites around the towns.
E-bikes are a combination of a conventional bike with a motor that take some of the effort out of pedalling for the rider. They cover greater distances in less time and with less effort than conventional cycles.
The aim is to give residents and visitors an alternative method of travel rather than rely upon cars for short trips under 2km.
This will in turn create a healthier and decarbonised Pembrokeshire and help towards National Decarbonisation Targets.
Zipp Mobility will maintain the bikes throughout the trial period, including ensuring batteries are charged and ready to go.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “The successful application for the Southwest Wales Metro Funding has allowed investment in this exciting and environmentally friendly transport.
“The towns will be involved in a pilot scheme to encourage residents, commuters, and visitors to utilise the electric bikes via a low-cost scheme.
“We hope that if people need to do a short journey they will consider hopping on one of the conveniently placed E-bikes rather than immediately turning to a car.
“If successful it is hoped that the scheme can be extended to other parts of the county”.
Users will need to be over 18 and will access the E-bikes through the Zipp Mobility app via mobile phones. Download the app and register to get ready to ride. The app also provides details of costs.
The E-bikes must be collected from and returned to a series of bays across each of the towns.
Video: ©PCC
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NewsTranscript
00:00 Before you hop on an e-bike, you will need to download the Zip Mobility app to your smartphone.
00:07 You'll find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
00:10 It's really user-friendly and simple to register.
00:13 Once that's done, you're ready.
00:15 Now just go to the nearest designated bay to get the bike.
00:28 Before you start your journey, have a quick look around the bike to ensure there is no damage and make sure there is sufficient air in the tyres.
00:34 Once you have downloaded the Zip Mobility app and registered, you can then unlock the bike.
00:43 When the bike is unlocked, you will be able to ride the bike to your destination.
00:47 There's no gears, it's just paddle and go.
00:49 [Music]
01:16 When you are riding, keep a safe distance from pedestrians and always ride responsibly.
01:20 [Music]
01:47 When thinking of your destination, it is important to think about the nearest designated bay location.
01:53 You can see the locations of all bays on the council's website.
01:56 Search for e-bike on temperature.gov.uk
01:59 [Music]
02:10 When you have reached your destination and parked at the designated bay, you will need to ensure the bike is placed on the built-in stand.
02:16 [Music]
02:18 To end the ride, you open the app, click 'Finish Ride'.
02:21 You will then be required to take a picture of the bike in the designated area.
02:25 Once this has been completed, you will then stop being charged for the ride.
02:29 That's it, all done.
02:31 [Music]