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The Government should not be “propping up” e-bike providers with public money, the Infrastructure Minister has said.
Constable Andy Jehan revealed in the States Assembly this morning that there were no plans to bail out electric bike hire firm EVie after the company suspended its fleet of 175 electric bikes in March as a result of insurance cover being withdrawn at “unsatisfactorily abrupt notice”.
In response to questions from former Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf, Constable Jehan said he had met with EVie representatives in February.
Pictured: Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said he had met with EVie representatives in February.
He added that there was an exchange of emails in mid-March with EVie CEO Nick Perchard-Rees around proposals to the Government about a shared-mobility bike fleet which presented a number of alternatives for the EVie dockless electric bike system.
However, Constable Jehan said: "On the basis of the information provided by EVie, there was not a strong business case for Government involvement and the matter was not pursued."
He added: "In terms of insurance, officers in the Treasury team provided information to EVie in December, and as far as I'm aware to date they have not requested any further information, but Treasury would be happy to provide assistance where they can.
"This does not mean it would be possible to place EVie under the Government's insurance programme."
Deputy Renouf pointed out that the recent 'Sustainable Transport Policy: Next Steps' report, which commits to encouraging use of alternative transport, said the Government would work with "key stakeholders such as Evie" who already provide shared mobility solutions to islanders.
Pictured: Former Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf.
The Infrastructure Minister replied: “We are happy to continue discussions with EVie.
"There are a number of businesses who provide cycles for hire, and we are happy to work with any of those providers.
“We aren’t able to support a business case where the numbers don’t stack up to purchase all or part of the service."
He added: “What we cannot do is spend money at a time when there are other demands on Government finances.
"I believe that propping up this business is not something the Government should be involved in.”
Constable Jehan suggested that EVie could seek sponsorship from local companies such as electricity providers or Visit Jersey, as is the case in other jurisdictions.
V disappointed at the lack of interest in Gov to helping Evie continue with their shared bike service @AndyJehan @lyndonfarnham. I understand there has been no reply to a proposal from @evieondemand a few weeks ago. Are we really happy to see the service close? @JEPnews
— Jonathan Renouf (@JonathanRenouf) April 30, 2024
Posting on social media after this morning's States Assembly sitting, Deputy Renouf said that he was "disappointed at the lack of interest" from Government.
"Are we really happy to see the [EVie bike] service close?" he asked.
Jobs at risk if EVie bike insurance problem cannot be resolved
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