HITRANS gives assurance on continuation of HI-BIKE Scheme

HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands, has given an assurance to the public that the popular electric bike hire scheme – HI-BIKE which is run in Inverness and Fort William – will continue to operate until a more permanent solution is found following the collapse of the Canadian-based provider of the bikes.

HI-BIKE had experienced reduced maintenance support since December last year, due to staff shortages with the operator, Bewegen.  However, HITRANS have introduced local solutions for maintenance in both Inverness and Fort William, putting an end to the issues earlier in the year with multiple bikes being out of service.

Bewegen announced in March that they would no longer provide operational and maintenance support from the end of May.  HITRANS are now working directly with IT provider WeGoShare, enabling the system to continue to operate.

A spokesperson for HITRANS said: “We will continue to support the operation of the bike share schemes until a more permanent solution can be found, and both Inverness and Fort William systems remain open.  We still hope to expand the Inverness system, but plans are on hold until supply issues are resolved.”

HI-BIKE continues to be well used in both Inverness and Fort William, with more than 20,000 rides across the two systems since they launched (10,800 in Inverness /9,600 in Fort William) in October 2021.

Such has been the popularity of the scheme that HI-BIKE Fort William has opened new docking stations this Spring at Upper Achintore, Blar Mor and Glen Nevis Campsite.

In Inverness, the scheme was launched with 3 charging docks strategically placed at Inverness Railway Station, UHI Inverness Campus and Great Glen House, with 30 eBikes. Expansion of the scheme quickly gained momentum due to the high uptake of riders with 3 virtual stations (Eden court, School of Forestry Balloch and Inverness Leisure Centre) allowing riders to end rides at locations outwith a charging dock. 3 new charging docks were installed in October 2022 with an additional 20 eBikes at Charleston Academy, Culloden Library and Hilton Community Centre. Virtual docks are planned this summer at Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre and Dochgarroch Locks.