The Japanese have trumped mass cycle hire schemes such as the Velib in Paris and the forthcoming, but as yet unnamed, London scheme with solar-powered electric bike share stations capable of operating completely independently of the national grid.
Following the success of its bicycle hire scheme, Paris plans to offer electric cars that drivers can pick up and drop off anywhere in the city. However, a fleet of electric bikes could offer a cheaper, greener and healthier alternative.
Solar-powered cycle hire
The two electric bike hire schemes are located at Keio Line Sakurajosui and Den-en Toshi Line Sakurashinmachi railway stations in Tokyo.
Powerful roof-mounted 7.5kW photovoltaic panels charge the batteries of 100 Sanyo Enelooop bicycles and generate enough excess electricity to power LED lights for the entire docking station facility.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Japan is trailblazing with this cycle hire scheme because it offers an interesting alternative to the electric car hire schemes being considered by Paris and London, is powered entirely by sustainable electricity and because they are bold enough to site the bikes exactly where commuters want to use them – at railway stations.”
The 6,000-bike London cycle hire scheme promised for later this year will not include any docking stations near railway stations for fear of being overwhelmed by demand.
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Cycle insurance (it covers electric bicycles, too)
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, third party insurance (in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else), personal accident cover and if you suffer a mechanical breakdown, they will come out and recover you and your bike. Oh, and if it’s an electric bike they can cover that, too.
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