Electronic bikes a phenomenal success in Mayo county town

A Castlebar councillor has welcomed the news that an e-bike project in Mayo's county town is a resounding success.

Councillor Ger Deere said Lime e-bikes were introduced just six months ago.

He outlined: “New figures released to members of Castlebar Municipal District show that over this time, a total of 11,868 trips were taken on electronic bikes throughout the town by a total of 1,636 different riders.

"In total, e-bikes covered a distance of 18,657 kilometres.

"On the busiest day, e-bikes took 157 trips throughout Castlebar."

Lime is the world’s largest shared electric vehicle company providing e-bike and scooters.

Castlebar was the first town in Ireland to have access to Lime e-bikes.

The bikes were introduced on a pilot scheme last September in a partnership delivered with Mayo County Council which saw 100 bikes available from a number of locations in the town.

Cyclists py and initial unlock fee of €1 with a charge of 15 cent per minute after that.

“I am absolutely thrilled that Lime e-bikes have been such a success.

"It was introduced as a pilot project for 12 months, but given its success so far, I am sure it will be extended beyond a year.

"I would also hope that these bikes will be introduced in other towns across the county, given their benefits in Castlebar.

"The statistics show that a total of 5,258kg of CO2 has been saved showing that they are extremely beneficial to their environment,” added Councillor Deere.