German bike-sharing provider nextbike has launched the first public electric bike share scheme in Wales, following funding from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
A fleet of 50 e-bikes were introduced to Penarth on 12 November 2020, along with five electric charging stations at Esplanade, Cardiff Bay, Penarth Train Station, Windsor Arcade, and University Hospital Llandough.
According to nextbike, the scheme aims to reduce congestion and CO2 levels as well as bring public health benefits to its riders.
Vale of Glamorgan councillor Peter King, cabinet member for transport, said: “I think they’re a good alternative to cars and because Penarth has so many hills and some of us aren’t as fit as we used to be, a little electrical assistance is going to be a helpful thing.”
The e-bikes combine a conventional pedal bike with an electric motor, resulting in an assisted top speed of 15mph.
There are also plans to link the scheme to a nextbike fleet in Cardiff to enable commuters to make the journey between the town and city.
Krysia Solheim, nextbike UK managing director, said: “As the first of its kind in the country, these bikes are not only important to the people of Penarth, they’re also significant to leading the bike share revolution across the whole of Wales.
“E-bikes are not only great for reducing journey times and taking on steep hills, they’re also a great way of getting people of all abilities and fitness levels into cycling. And with Covid restrictions still in place, cycling offers people the perfect way to travel whilst practicing social distancing.”
