Edinburgh 'considering' electric bicycle hire scheme

Date: 29/5/2013

Edinburgh's authorities are considering the possibility of introducing a city-wide electric bicycle hire scheme similar to that of the 'Boris Bike' network found in London.

As the Scotsman reports, the initiative would see as many as 5,000 motorised bicycles made available to travellers, with charging points installed at key areas throughout the Scottish capital.

The bicycles would be fitted with an electric motor that reduces the physical strain of cycling, and designer Neil McMartin said that this technology would be suited to the city's geography.

"In a city like Edinburgh, built on seven hills, that is not an ideal market to put a traditional bike scheme in, which is why this electric bike plan is preferable," he explained.

Once a bike's rear wheels exceed 3mph the motor on the bicycle then kicks in - a measure which Mr McMartin claims means that riders would only be using the same amount of energy as they would during a brisk walk.

Posted by Mary Treen

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