New York-headquartered micromobility company Helbiz has announced it is to enter the UK market and expand its fleet operations, following recently announced changes to the country’s e-scooter regulations.
The company, which operates e-scooters and e-bicycles in over 20 cities around the world, said it now wants to partner with cities and municipalities within the UK to provide safe, sustainable and affordable last-mile transportation options, while creating jobs within each market it operates.
“In these unprecedented times when social distancing is key, micromobility solutions, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, offer an environmentally-friendly and socially conscious travel option,” said Salvatore Palella, founder and CEO of Helbiz.
“The UK has always been an important market for Helbiz, and we’re excited for the opportunity to partner with cities across the market to help demonstrate the economic, environmental and social benefits of our micromobility fleets.”
Helbiz said it has identified more than 20 cities across the UK where its fleet of e-scooter and e-bikes would integrate into existing transportation infrastructures or offer an alternative travel option.
The company said it plans to hire dozens of full-time employees, including highly-skilled workers such as engineers and mechanics, in each city it enters, while building community programmes that help foster talent and develop careers.
A UK-based office and regional manager will execute the deployment of Helbiz’s fleet, manage the warehouses and lead the on-the-ground operations and recruitment efforts.
Similar to all of its other markets, Helbiz will launch the Helbiz Apprenticeship Programme in the UK to provide its employees career pathway opportunities in the mobility industry.
The company will also offer the Helbiz Access Programme, providing unlimited free rides for up to 30 minutes for residents with an income at or below 200% of the poverty line.
Additionally, Helbiz plans to launch community initiatives to engage with locals and help drive the awareness and adoption of micromobility solutions around the area.
“We partnered with the Italian government’s Covid-19 Task Force last month to provide transportation guidance and support as the country gradually lifted its stay-at-home order,” said Palella.
“To ease travel burdens and limit public transportation use, we offered essential workers free rides in all the cities we operated in across Italy.
“Just as we were able to support Italy during the pandemic, we hope that we can offer our services, experience and support to the UK during these uncertain times.”
Users can download the Helbiz app on iOS and Android to geolocate, rent and unlock e-bikes from their phones with a tap and park them at bike racks or at available designated parking hubs when finished with their ride.
Read more from CiTTi
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/commuter-safety-concerns-over-e-scooter-trials/
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/spin-launches-e-scooter-service-in-germany/
