EVie bikes to be replaced with newer models

The old bikes in the Guernsey’s electric bike hire scheme are being retired after a busy summer, which saw them travel over 80,000 miles.

As well as new bikes, EVie will be bringing in a much-improved app that will allow users to hire cars and vans from the same account.

The company launched in Guernsey in 2021 with 25 bikes, but after a successful first year had 100 bikes available this summer.

The bikes were hired more than 17,000 times by 10,000 different users.

EVie will be closing down for the winter shortly before relaunching in the spring.

Director Barrie Duerden said: ‘The current stock of bikes have done a great job but are at the end of their working life and are to be recycled.

‘We need to have a highly efficient and reliable product for the customer to use.

‘This summer we have seen our on-demand electric bike service gain in popularity encouraging us to expand the service next year.

‘As well as more bikes we want a more extensive service and are keen to bring more sites on stream.’

Firm founder Gavin Breeze said there were plans for next year.

‘Next spring we will be bringing in brand new bikes that are lighter and more powerful,’ he said.

‘This will be backed by a brand new app that makes hiring even more straightforward for electric bikes, cars and vans.’

EVie is exploring expanding its services by partnering with the States, as well as local firms and hospitality businesses through its corporate partner programme.

Chief executive Jamie Kelly said: ‘This programme allows firms to reduce their carbon footprint by having access to a fleet of shareable electric vehicles, helping their staff with the cost-of-living crisis, reducing CO2 emissions, reducing congestion and easing parking.

‘Several companies operating on a pan-island basis already use the scheme.’