Minister Thoriq revealed that 100 electric pedal assisted or battery powered bicycles will be handed over to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to kickstart the initiative.
Work has begun on introducing a bike sharing scheme in Hulhumale' as part of the government's efforts to reduce toxic emissions into the atmosphere.
During a press conference at the President’s Office, Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim said that the bike sharing scheme will be launched soon in Hulhumale' as part of the government's Low Emission Transport Project.
He revealed that 100 electric pedal assisted or battery powered bicycles will be handed over to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to kickstart the initiative.
“Very soon, we will sign an agreement with HDC to bring these bikes under the program,” Thoriq said, adding that solar charging stations will also be installed in Hulhumale' to power the bikes' batteries.
He further noted that the studies required to implement the scheme have been completed, and funding has been arranged. However, no additional details about the scheme have been provided.
Bike sharing schemes are already popular in major cities worldwide, including Dubai, where users can rent bicycles for a fixed time and price. These programs typically include rental and charging stations throughout the city, designated parking spaces for the bikes, and a mobile application for the program.
This project is part of broader government efforts to reduce dependence on fuel and increase the use of renewable energy. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to make 33 percent of the Maldives’ energy generation renewable by 2028.