A major city has announced plans to begin an electric bike rental trial across the region in a bid to reduce the number of cars clogging up roads.
Belfast City Council has revealed that it will grant permission for e-bike operator Beryl to introduce 100 electric mobility options into the region later this year.
The move follows a £500,000 grant by the Department for Infrastructure to help create more active travel options for people across Northern Ireland.
Beryl will begin rolling out its e-bikes over the summer, with the council noting that 60 on-street docking stations will be replaced in a "phased approach" to make space for the new bikes.
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Beryl will introduce 100 e-bikes to the city later this year
BELFAST CITY COUNCIL
When fully launched, the project will give riders the choice between traditional pedal bikes and e-bikes alongside public transport options, which hopes to remove the need to use a vehicle.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: "Belfast Bikes was launched 10 years ago and offers an affordable, sustainable and convenient way for residents, visitors and people working in the city, to travel around.
"Beryl brings a range of experience at delivering successful bike hire schemes in other cities across the UK, and we are looking forward to seeing Belfast Bikes move into its next phase during this significant year."
The council said that it hopes pedestrians in the city will consider making the switch to e-bikes, with the programme forming part of the local authority's target to reach net zero by 2050.
Beryl currently operates 17 bike, e-bike and e-cargo bike hire schemes across local authorities. Beryl CEO Phil Ellis said: "Beryl is thrilled to be partnering with Belfast City Council to launch our innovative bike share scheme this summer."
Alongside the e-bikes, the operator will also bring 300 pedal bikes for riders to use, with the brand hoping to offer a "fresh and accessible way for residents and visitors to explore this fantastic city".
The introduction of e-bikes also marks a significant step for the city, which currently allows e-bikes to be operated as long as they travel less than 15.5mph.
Across Northern Ireland, e-bikes can be used by riders over 14 years old without insurance. Any e-bikes which fail to meet the standards in place across Northern Ireland will be considered mopeds or motorcycles and are required to have registration, licensing, and insurance.
Elis explained that the use of e-bikes hopes to "encourage more people to embrace active travel, reduce congestion," all while making the streets more environmentally friendly.
Meanwhile, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins added that e-bikes are not "just good for the environment but are also beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing".
She added: "I am committed to supporting councils to realise their ambitions, and I am pleased that my Department is able to provide capital funding support to this project.
"I hope that the introduction of e-bikes to the Belfast bike fleet will encourage more people, who would perhaps not consider using a traditional bicycle, to give an e-bike a try as part of their shorter everyday journeys around the city."
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The trial forms part of £500,000 in funding to boost greener transport across the city
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The council is expected to release details of the new operation, including prices and registration process, later this year, with the Belfast Bikes scheme continuing to operate as normal until the handover to Beryl is completed.
