A BIKE share scheme is set to go electric when it re-launches next year.
Bidders are being sought to express interest in running a reorganised BTN BikeShare scheme across Brighton and Hove, with the new contract including plans to expand the current fleet of bikes to 780, of which at least 60 per cent will be electric.
Brighton and Hove City Council hope to sign off on new operator and bike supplier contracts for the scheme by late August.
New bike orders are likely to take time to arrive due to global supply chain issues, the council has warned, with the current scheme set to continue with more refurbished bikes until the new fleet has been delivered and systems tested.
The reorganised scheme, set to launch in 2023, will see more hubs around the city, a range of tariff options for users, and also have the potential to expand beyond Brighton and into neighbouring local authorities.
Councillor Steve Davis, who co-chairs the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said that it is an “exciting time” for the bike share scheme.
He said: “With electric bikes being added to the fleet and new hubs planned for the city, we’re giving our residents and visitors every reason to take advantage of this wonderful scheme.
“We have to offer options to vehicle use and this is a step in the right direction if we are to meet our carbon neutral targets.
“There’s also the thrilling prospect of seeing the scheme expanded beyond Brighton and Hove’s boundaries.
“BTN BikeShare is a community asset the city can be proud of. It’s a key part of our work to tackle the climate crisis, reduce congestion and reach our target of being net zero by 2030.”
The new operator of the scheme will be scored not only on the quality of their bid and offer to users, but also on their commitments to sustainability and the social value they can offer to the city. This will require them to tailor marketing and offers to underrepresented cycling groups in the city, including the BME community and the over 55s, as well as create employment opportunities for young people.
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