Pembrokeshire County Council’s £150,000 E-bikes scheme is set for an update following issues with repairs and night-time availability. The scheme, launched in April across various locations such as Fishguard, Goodwick, Haverfordwest, and Tenby, faced challenges early on. Concerns about vandalism prompted the council to reduce weekend night-time availability, while some users encountered problems with the E-bikes, such as one cyclist who had to pay £57 for transport after his bike failed to restart. In June, it was announced that the E-bikes in Haverfordwest were unavailable for hire due to required repairs, sparking questions about potential vandalism.
Managed by Zipp Mobility and funded by South West Wales Metro, the E-bikes have garnered mixed feedback. While some users expressed frustration over the issues, others have praised the initiative. Councillor Rhys Jordan is scheduled to inquire about the scheme’s progress and usage figures at the forthcoming October 17 Pembrokeshire County Council meeting. Despite the challenges faced, the council initially described the scheme as having a “fantastic start” in May, with positive feedback from satisfied E-cyclists.
The upcoming review will shed light on the performance of the E-bike trial and address any concerns regarding repairs and availability. As the council seeks to improve the scheme’s operations, it remains to be seen how the E-bikes will continue to impact cycling in Pembrokeshire. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this innovative transportation initiative.