Dott bikes reach 1,000 daily rides in Colchester

Bike - E-bikes by Dott are used more than 1,000 times a day in and around Colchester <i>(Image: NQ)</i>
Bike - E-bikes by Dott are used more than 1,000 times a day in and around Colchester (Image: NQ)
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A bike hire scheme in Colchester has reached a milestone of 1,000 rides a day. 

More than 1,000 bike rides a day are made by residents using Dott bikes in and around the city. 

The milestone was reached after Great Horkesley and West Bergholt were added to the catchment area. 

Will Bramhill, the cycling campaign secretary, said: "Reaching the 1,000 bikes mark is brilliant news and well done Dott. 

"But the lack of e-scooters is a worry. It takes a long time for people to change their travel habits and many scooterists will have got back into cars. 

"Essex really does need to get its act together. It wouldn't be so slipshod if this were a car hire scheme." 

The hire scheme provides jobs in the area, as members of Colchester eCargo have a dedicated team to service and change batteries of the bikes. 

Del O’Sullivan, an area manager at Dott, said: "We’re delighted to have reached the milestone of 1,000 e-bike daily rides in Colchester, where we first launched the service in 2024.  

"This achievement reflects the strong local appetite for more sustainable and convenient ways to get around the city.  

"Our Colchester operations have been managed by the same dedicated local eCargo bike team since 2021, employing local staff, working closely with the community, and partnering with Colchester City Council. We’re excited to continue growing our service here." 

While bikes are used frequently, e-scooters have been removed from the streets, as Essex County Council confirmed its contract with Dott came to an end in August. 

Since then, the council confirmed Voi would be taking over as a new provider with the rollout starting in Chelmsford. 

Scooters are yet to arrive in the streets of Colchester, as no date has been set for their return. 

Users will need to download the Voi app to register. ID and age verification will be required as an in-app feature, riders must be 18 plus and hold a full driving licence.  

Pricing will include discounts for low-income users, those not in education, employment or training (NEETs) and students. 

 

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