Technical concerns force Brighton and Hove bike-share scheme off roads
The service is being relaunched in the New Year
Brighton and Hove's bike-share scheme is to be paused in the New Year following technical concerns affecting many of its vehicles.
The fleet, which were first brought into service in 2017, relies on Vodafone's 3G signal to run.
However, issues with the strength of the signal mean a 'significant percentage' of bikes have been rendered unusual for long periods of time.
Bikes have also faced issues with wear and tear, which means they cannot continue to be used.
The city council has confirmed that bikes will be removed from service from December 19th and closed for hires from New Year's Eve.
They've promised a refreshed scheme will be launched in 2023, although no concrete date has yet been confirmed.
A fleet of 780 bikes will be launched, of which 468 will be electric bikes and 312 pedal-only.
More docking stations are also being promised to extend the scheme further across the city.
Councillor Steve Davis, Co-Chair of Brighton and Hove City Council's Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee, said:
“We recognise that this news is disappointing and share the disappointment of users that we are having to pause the scheme, however we’re fully committed to seeing the return next year of a new-look bike scheme for Brighton & Hove.
“I’m very disappointed that the city council hasn’t had any response from Vodafone UK concerning the problems experienced with the 3G signal. I would have expected more from such a large company. These issues have inconvenienced thousands of residents and visitors around the city.
“I’d like to thank council and HourBike staff for their hard work during what has been a very challenging time for BTN BikeShare. Their dedication and perseverance have ensured the scheme has continued to operate, albeit on a more limited basis, during another busy year.
“However, the issues relating to the age of the fleet and Vodafone 3G have now made the continuation untenable and the scheme needs a refresh for the benefit of our residents and visitors.
“While the scheme will pause for a short time at the beginning of next year, I’m looking forward to a bigger and better BTN BikeShare in 2023 with a new fleet, electric bikes and more docking stations”.
Annual memberships and renewals were paused in May in preparation for a new scheme, but anyone with an existing annual membership will be given the option of being refunded for their remaining unspent months or can donate this to a local cycling charity.
Pay as you go members, active in the last 8 weeks, with unspent balances of more than £3 at 31 December 2022 can also request to reclaim or donate these.
According to city council figures, more than 1.75 million journeys have been made through the scheme since its launch in September 2017.