For the first time in the UK, you can join a bikeshare that uses electric bikes (e-bikes). With 5 new docking sites across the city of Exeter, bicyclists can easily give an electric bicycle a spin around the city. The city of Exeter has more docking stations planned as well to increase ridership and availability of the self-service bike hire network.
The bikesharing scheme is also the sister scheme of a carsharing scheme, and you can use both with the same card.
Co-bikes makes Exeter the first city in the UK to start an electric bicycle-sharing network. City officials believe this will increase cleaner air while providing healthier transit choices.
Starting in Exeter, The Devon County Council believes that UK cities nationwide will follow suit to create a revolution in urban travel.
Exeter’s Co-bikes doesn’t just provide e-bikes as an option, either — the system is fully electrified: “Riders can hire, ride and drop the bikes off at any Co-bikes site – much like London’s ‘Boris Bike’ concept except purely with electric bikes.”
There’s no need to return bikes where you jumped on, as Co-bikes is a one-way hire service. It is also a sister company to Co-cars, offering a rather comprehensive network of transport options for people who decide to leave individual car ownership behind.
One card fits all. With one card for access to all Co-bike and Co-car services all over the UK, mobility is simply becoming more convenient and flexible.
“Co-bikes are hired on a pay-as-you-go basis. People can hire the bikes on spec, or become a joint member of both organizations to gain discounts on both bike and car hire. Prices start from 75p per 30 mins for members and £1.50 for 30 mins for non-members.”
Thinking what an electric bike ride is like? Watch Robert Llewellyn and Ben Jaconelli cruising electrically on the streets of the UK:
Then check out Co-ebikes yourself for a whirl.
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