E-bike operator blames regulations for delay in launch of Peterborough system

Mayor James Palmer tries out an E-scooter in Cambridge.

Voi Technology, which has been selected to run a trial e-bike scheme across Peterborough and Cambridge, had hoped to have the system in place by the autumn.

But although the company has launched a e-scooter trial in Cambridge, extra regulations have been blamed for delay in getting an e-bike scheme off the ground in Peterborough.

But the operator has promised the Peterborough e-bike scheme will be operational within the next 10 weeks.

Richard Corbett, UK general manager of Sweden headquartered Voi Technology, said: “There have been a few more regulatory hoops to jump through than previously expected - hence the delay.

“But all is well and we will definitely be live in Peterborough this year.”

The difficulties that have caused the delay to the project, which is being led by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and supported by Peterborough City Council, have not been revealed.

A council spokeswoman said: “We are delighted to be part of the Combined Authority’s trial e-bikes hire scheme.

“Work is underway locally to designate the e-bike area which will include the city centre, the hospital, Lynch Wood and Hampton.

“It may be extended depending on the level of interest in other areas of the city.

“Officers are looking at suitable spaces for drop off, pick up and storage of the bikes to be put in place.

She added: “Following representations from disabilities groups, councillors have decided to wait for feedback from other trials before putting in any e-scooter hire schemes in Peterborough.”

A spokeswoman for the Combined Authority said: “We don’t have a set date but hope to announce in the next couple of weeks.”

It is expected the trial in Peterborough will involve a small number of the dockless e-bikes that can travel between five and 10 miles.

The battery powered bikes would be hired through an app with their location and approved parking controlled through GPS.

It will also involved the creation of about 50 jobs by Voi Technology and the use of a warehouse at Oundle as a maintenance and distribution hub.

E-bikes to be trialled on the streets of Peterborough