Elgin has joined the HI BIKE network, giving residents, students and visitors access to electric bikes from seven locations across the town.
The expansion brings the scheme already operating in Inverness and Fort William to Moray, with further stations planned at the leisure centre and Dr Gray’s Hospital.
Bikes are initially available from the Plainstones, Cooper Park, Elgin Railway Station, Glen Moray Drive, Thornhill Road, Pinefield and UHI Moray College.
The Elgin bikes also have additional features compared with those currently operating in Inverness and Fort William.
HI BIKE is managed by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and supported through the Scottish Government funded People and Place Programme.
The scheme is designed to make cycling a practical option for everyday journeys while helping reduce congestion and air pollution and encouraging people to become more active.
Its growing popularity elsewhere in the Highlands gives an indication of the potential demand in Elgin.
Users made 33,838 journeys on HI BIKE electric bikes last year and travelled a combined 71,175 miles.
Inverness Railway Station and Fort William Travel Centre were among the most popular locations for journeys, showing how the bikes are also being used to connect with other forms of public transport.
In Elgin, bikes can be unlocked through a mobile app using a QR code located on the bike.
Information including speed, distance travelled and remaining battery charge is also available to riders.
The bikes can be used at any time for journeys between stations within a protected GPS area, while a wheel lock allows users to stop during their journey.
A single journey costs £3 for the first 30 minutes, while a day pass costs £8 and a three hour Explorer ticket is £10.
Monthly membership costs £15 and annual membership £110, with monthly student memberships also being made available in Elgin.
HITRANS Partnership Director Ranald Robertson said:
“It is great news that Elgin residents and visitors can now access the HI-BIKE scheme.
“The bikes have proven to be extremely popular in Inverness and Fort William due to them being a convenient mode of transport which is also healthy for users and good for the environment.
“I am sure they will be equally popular in Elgin by benefiting transport integration and consumer choice.”
Councillor Amber Dunbar, Moray Council’s representative on the HITRANS board, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome the HI-BIKE scheme to Elgin and give residents and visitors another practical, affordable and sustainable way to travel around the town.
“Making it easier for people to choose active travel benefits not only their health and wellbeing but also helps reduce congestion and supports our wider ambitions for a greener Moray.
“With stations located across key destinations in Elgin, I hope many people will take the opportunity to try the bikes and discover the convenience of travelling by e-bike for work, study and leisure.”
With seven stations ready to use and two more planned, Elgin now becomes the third Highland town to join the growing HI BIKE network.
Find out more about HI-BIKE in Elgin online at www.hi-bike.co.uk
