Shared E-Bike and Cargo Bike Feasibility Study
In-depth research and planning examine feasibility for an electric bike rental program and a mobile visitor services program using an electric cargo bike kiosk
Client: Sunshine Coast Tourism
Sunshine Coast Tourism (SCT) is exploring the development of an e-bike rental service to operate at Visitor Information Centres on the Sunshine Coast as well as a mobile visitor services program featuring electric cargo bikes retrofitted with information kiosks.
GJD Planning + Design was engaged to research and develop an operational plan to support the launch of mobile tourism outreach, including recommending and sourcing electric assist cargo bikes and kiosk design, measures to mitigate risks to staff and bikes, and recommending events and locations that would be suitable for outreach using the e-cargo bikes.
For the e-bike rental service, GJD developed a business case involving a market assessment, an overview of risk factors and means to mitigate those risks, an operating plan, research into available e-bike technology, recommendations for staff training and orientation, a break-even analysis and options to secure capital and operating funds.
GJD team members undertook extensive consultation involving SCT staff, local bike shop owners and staff, existing bicycle and scooter rental businesses, bike advocacy and community groups, municipal staff and elected officials. The consulting team produced two reports summarizing research findings and associated recommendations as well as appendices of resources including detailed matrices of proposed rental e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, and a review of potential sources for capital and operating funds.
The findings suggest that an e-bike rental program could:
- Offer a source of revenue for SCT
- Attract more visitors and community members to the visitor centres; and
- Provide customers a healthy, sustainable transportation option to enjoy and explore the Coast.
Meanwhile, an agile mobile visitor service program featuring electric cargo bikes retrofitted with an information kiosk could help SCT staff to meet visitors where they already are, attracting attention and providing an ideal point of engagement and promotion. Further this program will demonstrate SCT’s commitment to its mission of building a strong and sustainable tourism economy on the Sunshine Coast.
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