From 31 October, Edinburgh’s cycle hire scheme has begun to significantly increase the number of available bikes and its boundary.
An extra 290 Voi bikes will now be located across a wider area, including Holyrood Park, Meadowbank, Bonnington, Leith, and Newhaven.
This change comes after the hire scheme’s successful trial period in September, during which over 21,700 individual trips were recorded.
Edinburgh City Council Leader Jane Meagher commented on the scheme’s likely citywide coverage by year’s end, after which around 800 e-bikes will be accessible.
This expansion will have no effect on the price to rent e-bikes, with each ride costing £0.11 per minute.
Since the trial began, it has become commonplace to see hordes of Voi Bikes parked in a huddle in the middle of George Square.
Student commuters are wary about e-bikes, with one expressing their unease:
“I don’t think I’d ever ride an e-bike. They are a bit dangerous and go way too quickly”
This hesitation to further implement this scheme is a growing concern among residents.
Sue Webber, Lothian Scottish Conservative MSP, has expressed concerns about antisocial behaviour surrounding e-bikes and the lack of police enforcement. She said:
“Antisocial behaviour is up 5 per cent in the past year, and e-bikes and e-scooters are playing a huge role in encouraging it… Meanwhile, the police are powerless.”
Siobhian Brown, a representative for the SNP, claimed Police Scotland is actively and continuously reviewing its approach to the illegal use of e-bikes.
“Underlying work has been going on for several months now, and I know that Police Scotland is keeping its approach to the illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters under review.”
Voi bikes will be available in the capital until at least August 2027, with the council having an option to extend the company’s contract with the city by another 18 months.
Image by Eve Robertson for The Student.