EVie, the Jersey-based provider of sustainable, safe, shared electric transport has announced the temporary suspension of service of their yellow dockless ebike fleet.
The last bike will be hireable today (Saturday 2nd March 2024) at 20.00hrs. All bikes will be ‘turned off’ at midnight and removed from the public realm as soon as possible thereafter.
Evie told Channel Eye that the decision has been forced upon them. “Our current insurance provider, crucial to the operation of our bike fleet, has unexpectedly withdrawn from the Jersey market. We were given a mere ten days notice to secure replacement insurance cover. This unsatisfactorily abrupt notice, amidst the currently turbulent insurance market in the Channel Islands, has made it impossible to continue to offer our dockless bikes without interruption.
“We faced a similar challenge with insurance for our car and van fleet last November, a process that took two months to resolve. Thankfully, our vehicle fleet remains fully operational and unaffected by this recent bump in the road.
“We are still hopeful our efforts over the past ten days will lead to a quick resolution this time around, and that we will be able to relaunch the dockless bike fleet. We are making significant progress towards securing a new insurance partner.”
EVie said that the ongoing insurance issues in the Channel Islands present a broader challenge that requires urgent attention. The issues have also seen the cost of home and car insurance premiums rocketing.
EVie said: “Our experience highlights a critical area for governmental action. The withdrawal of insurers, prompted by post-Brexit regulatory changes and disproportionate fees, underscores the need for supportive measures for businesses facing similar predicaments.
“We urge the newly appointed ministers and regulatory bodies to address these concerns, which affect not only EVie but the wider business community and, ultimately, the residents and businesses of our islands.
“As we navigate these challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission. EVie is more than just a service; we are a movement towards a more sustainable, healthy, and community-oriented future. We are actively working on solutions and are in dialogue with potential insurance providers to resume our bike sharing service as swiftly as possible.”
EVie thanked their users for their understanding and continued support during this period. “Your enthusiasm for sustainable mobility fuels our resolve to overcome these hurdles. Together, we can continue to make strides towards a greener, more connected Jersey.”
