London-based startup eBiketricity has announced the launch of an innovative docking station that securely parks and charges e-bikes in towns and cities.
The company’s Cycle Station aims to alleviate range anxiety concerns associated with current e-bike battery technology and promote active travel by increasing the number of e-bike charge points in urban areas.
“A lack of dedicated e-bike charge points means that the opportunities for sales of e-bikes are being lost through people’s concerns that their e-bikes will not have the right amount of power to complete their journeys,” said Rachid Bouasria, founder and owner of Ebiketricity.
According to Bouasria, the weight of the rider, children on board cargo bikes, low tyre pressure, lack of frequent service intervals and/or wind resistance can all decrease the battery’s ability to cover a journey and require frequent recharging.
“Owing to these issues and the fact that we were being frequently asked by potential e-bike customers how long they could expect the battery to last and where they could charge their e-bike, we decided to develop a solution that gives individuals the freedom and peace of mind to cycle to work or their way back to health and fitness with the assistance of an e-bike,” explained Bouasria.
Every Cycle Station is equipped with smart and secure technology including Bluetooth connectivity and fast charge capabilities.
To use Cycle Station, riders first register for the service, find a location, park up, and swipe the lock key on their smartphone to safely secure their e-bike and fast charge when the battery is low.
Non-smartphone users can also access the service through use of a key fob.
A maximum of two e-bikes can be docked at each station, which also supports charging of electric cars and e-scooters via standard three-pin household plugs.
Cycle Stations can be installed at workplaces, in underground car parks and various other strategic urban locations “to help employers, local councils, planning and health authorities improve their carbon footprint and to encourage their residents to rely less on cars by being able to cycle in and out of towns and city centres”, said Bouasria.
The service is supported by location website www.ebikeparknplug.com, which not only finds the nearest Cycle Station but also provides indicators as to which city, district or council is greener and actively working towards reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more from CiTTi
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/e-bikes-could-halve-transport-emissions/
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/active-travel-commuting-associated-with-reduced-risk-of-early-death/
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/dft-reveals-emergency-active-travel-fund-local-authority-allocations/
eBiketricity will be at CiTTi 2020, which will take place on 3 and 4 November at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The show moved to November in the light of measures to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
