Residents and visitors to four Pembrokeshire areas - including the seaside town of Tenby - are being invited to get on their bikes following the introduction of a pay as you go E-bike trial.

Thanks to funding of £150,000 from the Swansea Bay and South West Wales Metro programme, as well as Tenby, the trial will run in Haverfordwest, Fishguard and Goodwick for 12 months.

Starting this month, the trial will see a fleet of E-bikes provided for members of the public to use for commuting, leisure and local activities.

Users will simply be able to collect and leave E-bikes at a handy series of pick-up and drop-off sites around the towns.

E-bikes are a combination of a conventional bike with a motor that take some of the effort out of pedalling for the rider.

They cover greater distances in less time and with less effort than conventional cycles.

The aim is to give residents and visitors an alternative method of travel rather than rely upon cars for short trips under 2km.

This will in turn create a healthier and decarbonised Pembrokeshire and help towards National Decarbonisation Targets.

Zipp Mobility will maintain the bikes throughout the trial period, including ensuring batteries are charged and ready to go.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “The successful application for the Southwest Wales Metro Funding has allowed investment in this exciting and environmentally friendly transport.

E-bikes
E-bikes cover greater distances in less time and with less effort than conventional cycles. (Pic supplied)

“The towns will be involved in a pilot scheme to encourage residents, commuters, and visitors to utilise the electric bikes via a low-cost scheme.

“We hope that if people need to do a short journey they will consider hopping on one of the conveniently placed E-bikes rather than immediately turning to a car.

“If successful it is hoped that the scheme can be extended to other parts of the county”.

Users will need to be over 18 and will access the E-bikes through the Zipp Mobility app via mobile phones. Download the app and register to get ready to ride. The app also provides details of costs.

The E-bikes must be collected from and returned to a series of bays across each of the towns.

Responding to the idea when the matter was touted at a meeting of Tenby Town Council earlier this year, Deputy Mayor Cllr Charles Dale said he wished PCC luck with the venture, believing it to be a ‘fantastic idea’.

More information is available on PCC’s website.