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The British bike share operator Hourbike has partnered with e-bike manufacturer Fifteen, to “revolutionise” schemes in the UK.
French brand Fifteen, formed through a merger between self-service e-bike operators Smoove and Zoov last year, is an innovative e-bike brand and bike share provider that offers a unique and efficient docking solution for shared machines.
The new partnership between Fifteen and Hourbike will see Hourbike exclusively operate Fifteen’s revolutionary shared e-bike, the Fusion, in UK schemes.
Paul Topham, Hourbike’s managing director, added: “We are thrilled to be working with the team at Fifteen; we have a powerful partnership that can revolutionise UK bike share. With Fifteen’s expertise, design excellence, build quality and unrivalled supply chain, we are scaling up Hourbike’s operational capabilities to offer the ultimate opportunity for cities and their citizens.”
Hourbike currently runs successful shared bike schemes in Liverpool, Lincoln, and Nottingham, as well as BTN BikeShare in Brighton, the most successful bike share scheme outside of London.
Fifteen’s innovative e-bike, Fusion, is a robust, easy to handle, lightweight bike that features convenient and effective technology, including automatic power management, bike geolocation, self diagnostics, as well as an alarm and electronic anti-theft system.
The Fusion e-bikes can be recharged through the compact dock, which accommodates up to 10 bikes in the space of a car parking space. Neatly tessellated and locked together with electromagnets – the dock also allows for the transfer of energy from one bike to the next.
Fifteen’s mobile app also allows users to sign up to, manage or cancel subscriptions, locate and unlock bikes, plans and follow GPS routes, and speak to customer service. Long-term leasing is also available via Fifteen.
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Benoît Yameundjeu, CEO of Fifteen, said: “We have been seeking a UK partner to develop more sustainable mobility and active transport with all the health and environmental benefits that brings. Hourbike’s track record in the UK market together with their experience of delivering impactful schemes is a beautiful match for us.
“Fifteen and Hourbike are aiming to support UK cities and their elected officials in their mobility transformation, for the benefit of the lives of their inhabitants.”
Hourbike has plans to expand to new schemes in cities and towns around the UK as tenders open.
