Introduction of Homeport to Prague

Homeport, a Czech company, has seen great success in recent times thanks to their bike sharing schemes. After growing to 18 countries in total, they have announced plans to incorporate Prague into the scheme.

The system, which would see an additional 1,000 bikes in the streets of Prague, would take some time to introduce but organisers are hoping for a start towards the end of 2016. This is the time that Prague City Hall is expected to make an announcement that would see the installation of 120 bike stands across the city. The current system is operated by Rekola who provide traditional bicycles but Homeport has said that they would also provide 500 electric bikes.

Charles Butler, Founder of Homeport, said “Prague is known for its hilly terrain, that’s why we think that electric bikes offer the best solution for Prague citizens. While Rekola charges its customers around 900 crowns per year, Homeport would charge around half of that amount.” It is important to note that two other companies are interested in the scheme; JCDecaux, from France and Social Bicycles from the US.

Homeport is used to bike manufacturing having developed advanced software that locates stolen or missing bicycles via GPS and a modem. 16 charging stations have already been erected in Karlin, a district in Prague, where various tests are being completed. Homeport’s electric bikes can go over 50 kilometres with one single charge at a steady pace of 22 kilometres per hour.

Homeport has said that they will only spread this system out to the whole city if they receive the relevant subsidies and win the tender otherwise the investment simply may not be worth the risk. Butler says that this is a project they want to involve themselves in because it can have a huge impact on congestion on the roads and everyone can make a profit if the bikes hold advertising but the investment does have its risks, especially with no subsidies.

Shockingly, only 1% of people in Prague currently use a bicycle to get to work. Over 40% use public transport and slightly less travel by car; 20% of people walk to work. An introduction of the Homeport system, especially with electric bikes available, would aim to change this amount to reduce traffic and emissions.

Homeport has vast experience in these types of programs having started their first in 2005 and having operated in France, Poland, Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, and more. This wouldn't be the first electric bike scheme either as they are expected to be introduced in London later this month.

You might be also interested in these articles;
Decathlon continues expansion in Central Europe
Czech shopping trends changing
Developments in the Bulgarian Bicycle Market
New distribution for Shimano products in central europe
Czech: Eden Arena has new majority owner
New office in Singapore for CzechTrade
Overview of the Slovakian Bicycle Market
Czech sales of guns rising
Czech: New award for SPORTISIMO
Czech:Biggest toyshop in Central Europe opens for business