Bolt, the European mobility champion, has announced it will launch its second electric bike scheme in Kilkenny during the Kilkenny Arts Festival which begins August 4th.
The 80-bike pilot will kick off in the coming week, on Monday August 8th, and will trial new virtual parking solutions to provide both flexibility and ease of use for cyclists and ensure the scheme is mindful of pedestrians and other road users.
This service will help to deliver on the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021 – 2027, which prioritises sustainable transport and continued development of walking and cycling infrastructure in support of the 10-minute city concept.
Caitriona Corr, Cycling Officer with Kilkenny County Council, said, “We are delighted that people will have another choice of transport in Kilkenny. It has been shown that e-bike users cycle further and more often so the benefit will be not just to our city but also people’s wellbeing. e-bikes can be of great assistance to people with reduced mobility and can make more arduous journeys very enjoyable.”
In a statement from Bolt, they say they "are also conscious that Kilkenny is a medieval city and as such presents new challenges from an operational perspective. The learnings we will gather from Kilkenny will give Bolt a stronger understanding of the concerns some Local Authorities may have when it comes to introducing shared e-bike schemes into the public realm where space may be limited, and will leave Bolt as an experienced operator of such."
The launch marks Bolt’s second e-bike launch after it launched in Sligo earlier this year. The Sligo pilot has proven highly successful in its first month with 14,633 kms travelled by electric bike in the town in the first month alone — the equivalent of cycling from Sligo to Australia.
How to rent a Bolt e-bike
- To rent a Bolt e-bike, users need the Bolt app, available on app stores, and a payment card tied to an account.
- Follow these steps to start riding a Bolt e-bike:
- Open the app and tap on the e-bike icon to locate your closest bike;
- Scan the QR code on the bike to unlock it;
- Carefully read through the safety tips;
- When you’re ready to roll, push off and go!
The e-bike also features beginner modes permitting max speeds of up to 15 km per hour, which can be activated in the Bolt app. Geo-fencing technology enables the prevention of high speeds in designated ‘go-slow’ zones where pedestrian footfall may be high, such as the High Street and the Parade.
