Zoomo, which in August became the recipient of $16 million in capital funding led by Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation, has launched its first e-bike subscription that it says is cheaper than catching the train or bus.
The new subscription model, which will be available in Australia in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, seeks to lower the barrier of price to those who are after last-mile and alternative forms of clean transport.
It also presents another alternative to users of dockless “rideshare” bikes which have a reputation for being left in precarious locations around cities causing hazards for pedestrians.
“After building the bikes that couriers trust for many years, we are excited to offer the same level of reliability, accessibility and affordability to everyday Australians,” said Mina Nada, CEO and Co-founder of Zoomo in a note by email.
Riders who take up the subscription model are instead able to take e-bikes home as well as access regular maintenance by qualified mechanics, as well as roadside assistance and insurance.
Zoomo estimates that its subsciption offer can save money for riders whether their current method of travel is by public transport or private car.
It says the savings could be $11 a week compared to public transport, or in the hundreds compared to owning a car.
Being able to avoid public transport as city dwellers return to a modicum of “normal” after pandemic waves is also a benefit, says Nada.
“We truly believe that a safe and secure mode of transportation should be accessible to anyone, especially as COVID-19 is still deterring many people from using public transport,” he said.
Our new consumer subscription makes it easier than ever for Aussies to travel to work or to the local cafe safely without breaking the bank — or a sweat — as we head into summer, the ideal months for cycling.”
“E-bikes are the future of mobility. With Australian’s changing travel habits, we’ll soon be seeing more light electric vehicles on the roads than cars. We are proud to be taking the lead in this transformation,” said Nada.
Nada has also been trialling use of its e-bikes with customers and staffers at Dexus, Australia’s largest office landlord.
Under the trial, those working at Dexus’ properties in Australia Square, Gateway and One Margaret Street in Sydney have been able to rent or buy Zoomo’s e-bikes at a discount and access unlimited servicing.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model 3 and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.