Inverness electric bike set to expand following success of trial scheme developed by transport partnership, HiTrans
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An Inverness e-bike scheme is set to expand.
HiTrans has announced the success of the trial scheme, which started in October, by adding 50 more bikes, and six docking stations around the city.
The transport partnership has been working in conjunction with Highland Council to deliver the scheme.
A spokesman for HiTrans said: “Hi-Bike, the new e-bike share scheme in Inverness developed by HiTrans, was promoted at low carbon day [at Inverness Campus] on October 1.
“The bikes were promoted with half-price monthly and annual memberships, discounted membership for students, and equal access passes for those on low incomes.
“Promotions are supported by funding from Smarter Choices, Smarter Places.
“We continue to work with the Highland Council to expand the scheme over the next 12 months using low carbon travel and transport funding, and with HiTrans funding from the EU-funded eHUBS project.
“This will add another 50 bikes and six docking stations to the scheme.”
He continued: “Early statistics on usage are proving very encouraging.
“During October and November, the bikes covered 3255 miles in 1024 trips, averaging around 36 minutes and three miles per trip.
“The most popular docking station was Inverness Campus with 463 trips, followed by Inverness railway station with 377 trips.”
There is also a docking station at Great Glen House, in Leackin Road – home of NatureScot.
In a report to HiTrans, it was reported that in the first month alone, “membership and usage have been very healthy, with almost 2000 miles ridden in the first month”.
Councillor Trish Robertson, chairwoman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said: “The bikes provide more options as you can cover so much more ground on two wheels than walking.”
To find out more information about the scheme, visit www.hi-bike.co.uk.
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