eBikes are set to dominate the city’s bike rental fleet from next summer, with the National Transport Authority planning a major overhaul and upgrading of the current scheme.
Under the new plans, the number of rental bikes will be greatly expanded to include eBikes, while the scheme will also be extended across more areas of the city.
The announcement has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil Galway West TD, John Connolly, who last October called on Galway City Council to develop such an eBike scheme for the city.
“This is a very positive step towards encouraging greater use of cycling,” said Dep Connolly. “The NTA’s plans to expand and upgrade the rental bike scheme follow consultations with Galway City Council, as well as the authority issuing tenders for a replacement service provider.”
Dep Connolly noted that one of the most frequent complaints about the current bike scheme is that it is only available in the city centre, with Salthill and the east side of the city omitted.
However, the NTA has said that it wants to “improve coverage in those areas that are underserved” and is in a position to do so due to technological advancements over the last decade. Previously needed docking stations to control where the bikes are parked are no longer needed, opening up more areas as locations for rental bikes.
The NTA also stated its “objective is to expand the system and increase the fleet size”, with electric bikes “likely to make up a majority” of the bikes available.
The NTA is taking this step as significant increases in rental bikes have been “experienced in other urban areas, both in Ireland and elsewhere, where electric bikes were introduced”.
“Providing such a service for Galway is a win-win for the public, active travel and the environment,” said Dep Connolly. “Galway City Council is committed to reducing Carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 in our Climate Action Plan, so rolling out an eBike scheme across the city will play some part in helping to achieve this ambition.”
The new, expanded scheme is expected to come into operation by the summer of 2026.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Cllr John Connolly on this issue, contact: 087 – 9032345
