Power into Christchurch CBD to charge up e-bikes

People can soon lock, dock and recharge their e-bike or e-scooter in central Christchurch.

With support from the Christchurch City Council’s Innovation and Sustainability Fund in mid-2019, the pilot Big Street Bikers project is rolling out the “Locky Dock” network of secure docking stations on privately owned land in the CBD.

Following the $50,000 Council grant towards the e-bike social enterprise, the first of 10 free charging stands now sits near the Arts Centre in Montreal Street.

People can activate the free e-bike dock using the Bike app. Charging is free. All you need is your own charging cable.

Each docking stand will also feature the Council’s SmartView on the interactive digital display, providing access to a range of real-time information on cycleways and travel around the city, along with local sights.

The Locky Dock network officially wheeled into place in Christchurch yesterday, with the first installation.

All 10 Christchurch stands, which sit within the Four Avenues, are due to open for public use from 1 June.

Council Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee Chairperson Sara Templeton says the new e-bike docking stations highlight the city’s focus on sustainable transport.

“E-bike use has increased markedly in New Zealand in recent years,” Cr Templeton says.

“These new charging stations will support greater e-bike use here in Christchurch, benefiting the environment, taking pressure off our transport infrastructure and attracting more people into the central city.

“All cycle routes can lead to our CBD, with 10 free charging stands available where you can securely leave your e-bike and sample all that is on offer in the city.”

Council Smart Christchurch Programme Manager Michael Healy says it has been working with Big Street Bikers to make SmartView available on the digital displays at each locking station.

“Originally a web app, SmartView pulls together about 50 datasets from a range of public and private organisations, making wayfinding and local attraction information easily accessible to both locals and visitors,” Mr Healy says.

“While it was initially designed for mobile devices, we have been working to create a version for the interactive displays. It’s also an ideal opportunity to share the technology with a wider audience.”

The Big Street Bikers enterprise aims to make e-bike use accessible and affordable.

It has opted to launch the Locky Dock in Christchurch because of the city’s commitment to sustainable transport and the extensive network of cycleways.

The galvanised steel docks will also operate in Lichfield Street, High Street, Kilmore Street, Cashel Street, Tuam Street and Montreal Street.

Big Street Bikers also plans to bring a “ride-to-own” bike scheme to Christchurch this spring, with people initially renting an e-bike.

While the Locky Dock network will initially power up locally, the locking stations will be installed across Wellington, Auckland and, eventually, regional New Zealand.