Plans to expand shared public bike scheme in Cork proceed without including e-scooters

Plans to expand a shared public bike scheme in Cork are proceeding, without including e-scooters.

The stop-on, stop-off initiative, first introduced across Cork city in 2014, was completed in March 2015 with 330 bikes available for public use from 31 stations. 

A planned expansion of the scheme is on track to be complete by next summer.

National Transport Authority deputy chief executive Hugh Creegan, said recent Government announcements regarding e-scooter regulation “are being taken into consideration as part of the current procurement process for the shared public bike scheme.”

The Echo previously revealed that expressions of interest had initially been sought with a suggestion that interested providers could provide e-scooters.

A number of potential providers ruled themselves out on this basis after new regulations around e-scooter use were announced, and the Government said it was considering a blanket ban on them.

Mr Cregan said: “It is still proposed to continue with the expansion of the shared bike scheme beyond the current catchment area, and this will include increased e-bike availability as part of the network expansion. 

“There will be no e-scooters provided as part of this expansion.”

He said a preferred operator is set to be identified by Q4 2026, and the scheme up and running by summer 2027.