Increased awareness of global environmental challenges is resulting in commuters changing their behaviour and increasing their use of bicycles and other micro-mobility vehicles. Whilst the requirement for increased availability of safe and convenient electric vehicle (EV) charging is well understood, it is just as applicable to e-bikes, which are the most highly sold EV in the world.
Providing a supporting infrastructure for micro-mobility has proved to be a challenge for communities. With limited space on trains and restrictions on peak-time travel, cyclists are encouraged to leave their bikes at stations, but a combined storage and charging solution has not been available … until now.
Bikeep, an award-winning global micro-mobility enabler, has been working closely with APCOA Parking and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to introduce its secure cycle storage and e-bike charging solution to stations in the UK rail network.
The first of these facilities have been introduced at Bedford and Harpenden stations – customers are now able to access Bikeep’s individual smart bike racks for secure and convenient parking and charging whilst continuing their journey by train.
David Gornall, Commercial Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering up with APCOA and Bikeep to provide charging points for customers using electric bikes. In addition to EV charging points across our network, the new e-bike charging facilities at Bedford and Harpenden will support those making environmentally-friendly journeys to and from the station and will hopefully encourage more rail users to consider this mode of transport.”
Kim Challis, APCOA’s Regional Managing Director UK&I and Group ESG director, explains: “The trend towards sustainable transportation is growing fast and as funds are directed to provide the supporting infrastructure, usage will further increase. Partnering with Bikeep to introduce their secure storage and charging solution into the UK is an exciting step forward.”
Bikeep CEO Kristjan Lind explains the benefits to cyclists: “With a tap of a button on your smartphone, your bike is locked securely from two points with a huge steel bar, the station is overseen by CCTV, and any distress signals are forwarded to local security whilst an audible alarm sounds. In addition, the same station charges your e-bikes while you’re away. A truly smart solution for a 21st century urban commuter.”
