In April, Tartu announced that they would not purchase new rental bikes. The city considered closing the bike sharing service. Now the deputy mayor has said that bike sharing will continue, but detailed plans are lacking.
There are currently nearly 600 bikes in Tartu. Two-thirds of them are electric. Bikes can be rented throughout the city and nearby settlements. However, the bikes are old and need replacement. The city spends over one million euros annually on bike sharing.
The deputy mayor mentioned that the city is seeking answers to two questions: how many bikes can be added and how to reduce costs. Currently, the expenses are too high for the city’s budget.
Scientists noted that Tartu's bike sharing is known worldwide. This is good because the bikes are easily accessible.
Jürgen Maidla, representative of the cyclists' association, said that private sector bikes are cheap, but will they remain for a long time? Public service is reliable and stable, which suits many.
Meanwhile, Bolt is starting its regular bike rental service in Tartu. Bolt already rents bikes in Tallinn and Riga. More Bolt bikes will soon arrive in Tartu.
The Bolt executive said that their bike parking rules are the same as the bike sharing service. However, Bolt bikes cannot be used in all suburban areas. Bike sharing has a wider usage area.
The cyclists' association representative asked if Bolt bikes will work in winter and if they will be transported across the city like bike sharing bikes. This helps keep bikes available in all parts of the city.