A new e-bike brand is launching in London this summer, promising not to ‘add to the problem’ around e-bike parking.
Whether you love them or hate them, e-bikes are here to stay,and you will be hard pressed to find a street in central London without a single e-bike in sight.
Soon there will be more of them after ride-hailing app Bolt revealed it will launch e-bikes in London soon.
They will be available on the same app as its cars when the e-bikes launch in August, the taxi app said.
E-bikes have become controversial in London after reports of blocked pavements and erratic riding.
The capital already boasts 50,000 e-bikes, Bolt said.
The company said its fleet will be different Lime and Forest bikes as riders can opt for distance-based pricing instead of being charged by time.
This will make rides ‘safer as people don’t feel they need to rush from A to B to save money,’ according to Bolt.
What about e-bike parking issues?
Bolt said it will ensure responsible parking by educating users, with AI and enforcement.
People who don’t park correctly, ‘will be fined,’ the operator said.
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‘Users will also have a score that will go up or down depending on how well they park,’ it said.
The operator admitted there is a ‘problem’ in London around e-bike parking.
‘Bolt’s AI powered parking system and geofencing will ensure users cannot park outside mandatory parking zones. The Bolt app will also direct users to the nearest available parking spot, and if they have not parked appropriately, they will be provided with relevant instructions.
‘These measures aim to keep pavements clear and ensure Bolt contributes positively to the urban landscape, and doesn’t add to the problem.’
Bolt’s testing shows that users charged on distance ride 9% slower than those charged on time, which reduces ‘the risk of falls and collisions.’
It vowed the new pricing model will reduce collisions by 90%.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: ‘I’m pleased Bolt will be launching e-bikes in our city this summer, providing Londoners with even more sustainable and convenient ways to get around.
‘Integrating e-bikes with ride hailing in a single app will give people more choice and flexibility when choosing how to get around, strengthening our network and helping to reduce congestion.
‘I’m also pleased to see that Bolt will be prioritising responsible parking and safety, to ensure the scheme works for everyone. The Mayor and I welcome Government plans to give cities powers to better manage dockless e-bike schemes. It is vital improved safety sits at the heart of any future regulation so these schemes work well for everyone and the industry thrives.’
Tom Fyans, the chief executive of London Cycling Campaign told Metro: ‘Shared cycle schemes are changing the face of cycling in London and we welcome any measures that encourage users to cycle responsibly.
‘We also support measures to increase the affordability and wider use, and call on all parties, including TfL and councils to embrace the popularity of this convenient way to get around London.’
Some London boroughs have taken action to target irresponsible e-bike parking, which has caused grey hairs to disabled people and pedestrians across the capital.
More painted parking bays and docking areas have been introduced in response to the backlash.
TfL said it has issued hundreds of fines to Lime and Forest after abandoned bikes.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told the London Assembly last week that TfL began issuing warning letters to the operators, and as of May 15, it had sent out 190 such letters.
By mid-May, it had issued 333 FPNs to Lime and Forest, each fine worth £100 or reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
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