'Active, environmentally friendly' Bolt e-bike company defends Portlaoise scheme

The electric bike company who provide Portlaoise with rental bicycles, has defended its scheme in the town, following criticism by a local "ex cyclist" who says that they cost too much and have made the town less safe.

Laois man Paul Ponsioen who has cycled all his life in Portlaoise, told the Leinster Express / Laois Live why he is now off the saddle and will not let his children cycle either.

Mr Ponsioen said the town is "an obstacle course" for cyclists.

"Only when there is a full independent cycling infrastructure in place from every estate, I will think of going back on the bike. Driving a car, you will just get car damage and the insurance will sort it in a few months. On a bike, you will end up in a hospital".

He had also criticised Laois County Council's spend of €35,000 a year to subsidise the e-bike hire scheme in Portlaoise, saying the pay-per-minute charge encourage users to go too fast, that they "do not follow the rules of the road" and cycle on paths because of the lack of cycle lanes causing danger for pedestrians. Read his full comments here.

Bolt spokesperson, Ismail Jan gave this response to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“Since the launch of the scheme in Portlaoise, more than 3,000 users have made use of the Bolt e-bikes, travelling a combined 94,132 kilometres. This demonstrates clear local demand for efficient, affordable and sustainable transport options.

“E-bikes are already changing the area for the better, helping people connect to public transport, supporting daily commutes, and reducing car journeys, traffic, and congestion in the town.

“While the maximum speed of our e-bikes is limited to 25km/h, actual usage data shows the average trip speed is just 13.3km/h, reflecting cautious, everyday travel rather than high-speed cycling.

“It is also important to clarify that Laois County Council has not purchased the e-bikes. The bikes are owned, maintained, and operated by Bolt, with an agreement in place to deploy a minimum of 50 e-bikes at any given time in Portlaoise.

“Shared e-bike schemes are a proven part of a broader transport solution, complementing existing public transport, and helping more people choose active, environmentally friendlier travel,” the Bolt spokesperson said.

Laois County Council recently confirmed that some vandalism had taken place of Bolt bikes in Portlaoise, and gave a full update on the usage and cost of the scheme since it began 18 months ago.

Read next: Laois County Council taking legal step on derelict former Portlaoise toy shop

The town currently has 56 of the pedal-assisted electric bikes parked about town available to anyone who registers on  the Bolt App. with their bank card. Designed for short trips they have a maximum speed of 25kmph. Bike rides cost €0.18 per minute with an unlock fee of €0.20. 

The council say the aim of the Portlaoise Ebike scheme is to boost connectivity and sustainable travel in and around Portlaoise.