New electric bike hire scheme launches in Aylesbury and High Wycombe

Two electric bike (e-bike) hire schemes were launched in Aylesbury and High Wycombe on Thursday 6th July 2023.

The e-bike hire scheme will operate alongside the existing e-scooter hire schemes operated by Zipp Mobility.

Twenty-five e-bikes will be available for public hire across the towns through the Zipp Mobility app, the same app used for the e-scooters.

Customers can register and hire the e-bikes through the app and will be charged per minute of usage. The e-bikes can be picked up and dropped off at the same bays currently used for the local e-scooter trial. The app includes a map showing bay locations and the ‘geo-fenced’ areas that the bikes can operate in.

The e-bikes provide power assistance to help riders on hills but still require pedalling. They are classified as normal pedal bikes and riders are advised to wear helmets for safety.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport at Buckinghamshire Council, said: ‘This Zipp e-bike trial provides an exciting new sustainable travel option for residents and visitors in Aylesbury and High Wycombe. The pedal-assist bikes will make cycling more accessible, helping people get around town in an affordable and eco-friendly way.

The addition of e-bikes to our existing e-scooter offering, means that people now have a choice of which wheels they want to use for commuting or leisure trips.

We’ll be evaluating the trial scheme in a few months to assess the viability of making e-bike hire a permanent feature in the towns.‘

Damian Young, Zipp parent company ZEUS CEO, said: ‘E-bikes are a vital step towards achieving Aylesbury and High Wycombe’s environmental goals and promoting a cleaner, greener future. By prioritising safety, fostering collaboration with the local council, and providing sustainable transport solutions, Zipp is reshaping urban mobility and setting a precedent for other cities worldwide. Together, we can create a cleaner, more connected future for all.‘

Anyone wanting to hire an e-scooter or e-bike must:

• Be more than 16 years old.
• Hold at least a provisional driving licence.
• Download the Zipp Mobility app on their smart phone  either the app for iPhone or the app for Android.

Before their first ride, a customer needs to take a photo of their driving licence and upload it to the Zipp app along with a selfie to verify their identity. Once verified (takes less than 1 minute) they can ride one of the e-bikes or e-scooters for 20p a minute plus a £1 unlock fee.

Further information about the Buckinghamshire e-scooter and e-bike trials is available on the Buckinghamshire Council website at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport.

*Source of information : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.