Bristol e-bike scheme paused over "relentless" vandalism
Half the Big Issue's e-bike fleet has been destroyed since its introduction six months ago
Last updated 19th Aug 2022
Bristol's e-bike rental scheme is being paused because of a "relentless level of vandalism" according to the team behind it.
The Big Issue says since launching it six months ago in partnership with a company called ShareBike, their fleet of 400 bikes has been cut in half and around 10 percent of them are damaged every day.
In a statement shared with the media today, they say the scheme will be paused from this weekend (August 20-21).
"Since we launched in the city six months ago, we have experienced extensive and relentless levels of vandalism to our e-bikes," the statement reads.
"We have taken many measures to try to overcome this issue, including making changes to the design of the e-bikes and trying to work with the local authorities, the police and our subscriber community.
"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the vandalism has not reduced.
"Having begun with a fleet of over 400, we currently have around 200 e-bikes on the street and approximately 10% of these are damaged every day."
The statement continues that at current rates it takes just two weeks for the entire fleet to be vandalised.
It also adds that more e-bikes are destroyed in Bristol in one week, than in all other ShareBike locations combined, globally.
"It is disappointing that the actions of a minority of people means we are left with no choice but to pause the current scheme," the statement continues.
"This is not a decision we have made lightly."
The scheme was first introduced to try and encourage more sustainable travel across the city, whilst also creating job opportunities and training for long-term unemployed people.
Bristol was chosen as the first city in the UK to offer the service because, (as the Big Issue put it), of the city's "green credentials and aspirations".
Instead of the current scheme, in the short term the Big Issue plans to offer an alternative long-term rental service, whereby people signing up will have exclusive use of a specific e-bike, which they can store safely at their own home or office.
"We urge the local authorities – namely Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority – and Avon and Somerset Police to work with us to see if there is a way to avoid a permanent removal of our current public rental service from the city’s mix of safe and affordable green transport options," The Big Issue's statement continues.
"It is clear to us that if this issue is not fixed with our e-bikes, Bristol will be a no-go zone for all providers looking to introduce e-bike options.
"We sincerely hope that this is a temporary decision and that, with the support of the police and local authorities, we are able to resume and increase the open, public rental service in Bristol. "
Since the service first launched in February more than 7,000 people have registered.
In response, a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police told us there is "no excuse for mindless vandalism".
"We would welcome the opportunity to work with the organisation and our partners to find a solution that enables the scheme to resume and flourish," they said.
“Officers conduct regular patrols across Bristol and will continue to do so.
"We’d ask anyone who has information about these incidents to contact us.”
Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “It’s really disappointing to hear about this level of mindless vandalism and the impact it is having on The Big Issue’s e-bike scheme.
"This will be a blow to the people who’ve been using the bikes responsibly.
"This does not reflect the majority of our residents who we know care about their city and the environment.
“We are committed to helping people take up active travel – whether that’s by cycling, walking or scootering.
"As part of this we loan out bikes, run training sessions and suggest cycle routes.
"To find out more go to betterbybike.info.”
The West of England Combined Authority has declined to comment.