Bolt E-Bike public rental scheme launches in Portlaoise

Portlaoise visitors and residents can now avail of an E-bike any time they like, with the launch of Laois County Council's new bike rental scheme all over the town.

The afternoon of Tuesday, July 30 saw the launch of the Portlaoise E-Bike Scheme, and Councillor Willie Aird, Cathaoirleach of Portlaoise Municipal District, along with other councillors wasted no time in trying out the cool new bikes.

Launched in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and Bolt E-Bikes, the rental scheme has placed 50 of the eco-friendly, easy to cycle E-Bikes at 40 locations around Portlaoise.

Those locations include the council's carpark beside Portlaoise Train Station, the Lidl carpark, Lyster Square, Market Square, and the Abbeyleix Road, while parking spots for the bikes are dotted around many locations like the Borris Road, Kilminchy bus stop, Portlaoise hospital and near the primary schools at Summerhill. A live map of where bikes are available is on the Bolt App. 

The aim is to boost connectivity and sustainable travel in and around Portlaoise, which is seeing a plethora of new bike lanes being installed, as part of funding for it's national Pilot Low Carbon Town status in the National Development Plan.

Cathaoirleach of Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Willie Aird with Cllr Tommy Mulligan, Laois County Council management and staff; representatives from Laois Local Enterprise Office, Active Travel, Portlaoise Tidy Towns, Downtown Portlaoise, The CUBE, Laois Shopping Centre and Bolt Bikes at County Hall for the launch of the Portlaoise E-Bike scheme where Laois County Council are working in collaboration with the National Transport Agency and BOLT Bikes. Photo: Alf Harvey.

The Scheme provides locals and visitors with an alternative, affordable, environmentally friendly transportation option in Portlaoise.

Bolt, a leading shared mobility provider and Europe's largest e-bike and e-scooter operator, has partnered with Laois County Council in the E-bike Scheme in Portlaoise.

The e-bikes will be available at all times of the day and night, and are located at designated parking points across Portlaoise.

Bike rides cost €0.18 per minute with an unlock fee of €0.20. The unlock fee will be waived for the first two months
of the scheme.

A map of the serviced area, together with the designated parking points, is available on the Bolt App.

The pedal-assisted electric bikes have a range of up to 60km on a single charge and are designed to assist users along their journey. They are ideal for short trips around Portlaoise and provide an easy way for people to connect with public transit options.

Aisling Dunne is Bolt's Head of Public Policy for Ireland.

"E-bikes are enhancing urban areas by improving connectivity, reducing vehicle traffic, and supporting local businesses. Our e-bikes in Portlaoise prioritise functionality, convenience, and safety, promoting affordable and sustainable travel options while encouraging a shift away from private car usage," she said.

Cllr Wille Aird, Cathaoirleach of the Portlaoise Municipal District Committee Laois County Council, expressed optimism about the program's benefits

"We anticipate that E-bikes will foster a connected community in Portlaoise and serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to private cars. We look forward to witnessing their positive impact for residents, visitors, and local businesses.," he said.

The launch of this program aligns with Laois County Council's commitment to promote a shift from private vehicles to active travel and more sustainable transport options, thereby reducing traffic congestion, improving overall connectivity and enhancing air quality.

More locations for the parked bikes can be added, if the demand is there. 

Bolt's E-bikes have safety-focused designs, with functional dashboards, precise GPS for locating and parking bikes accurately and strong braking systems. The speed is capped at 25km/h and users are required to pass a safety test within the App for use between 10pm and 5am, ensuring they are fit to cycle safely, benefiting both cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Anyone can rent a bike but first they have to download the Bolt App and imput details of their payment card.

Then it is a matter of opening the app and tapping on the e-bike icon in the top-right corner, reading the safety tips, scanning the QR code on the e-bike or enter the e-bike ID manually to unlock an e-bike, and you’re ready to go.