EVie Bikes Turned Off As Insurer Withdraws

Monday, 4 March 2024 08:13

The operators of EVie bikes are calling on Jersey's ministers to address the impact of insurance companies withdrawing from the island.

The yellow electric rental bikes were turned off on Friday night (2 March) and are being removed from public locations.

EVie bosses say the decision was forced on them because their insurer unexpectedly withdrew from the Jersey market, giving just ten days notice .

A statement on EVie's social media said: "This unsatisfactorily abrupt notice, amidst the currently turbulent insurance market in the Channel Islands, has made it impossible to continue to offer our dockless bike without interruption."

The company faced a similar problem in November with its electric car and van fleet and says it took two months to resolve that issue, although there was no interruption to the service.

"We are still hopeful our efforts over the past 10 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's operator say ongoing insurance issues present 'a broader challenge that requires urgent attention'.

They say ministers and regulatory bodies need to address these concerns, which are affecting the wider business community and local residents.