Bolt chosen to replace Moby as operator of Wicklow’s shared e-bike scheme
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow’s shared e-bike network is set for an overhaul, following the selection of Bolt as the preferred operator in a new countywide tender that will replace the existing Moby scheme from late April.
Bolt was the first company to introduce shared e-bikes to Wicklow in 2023, but their contract in Bray was terminated early in 2025.
There had been complaints over the firm’s handling of customer feedback, while the firm highlighted vandalism as being one of their greatest challenges in the area.
It is also understood that the firm, which had invested €250,000 into the Bray e-bike scheme, operated at a financial loss in Bray.
The latest tender, issued on November 18, 2025, attracted three submissions and was evaluated by a four-member panel based on quality and price. Bolt emerged as the top ranked bidder and is currently in the standstill period before the final award is confirmed.
The existing Moby contract will conclude on April 28, after which the transition to the new operator is expected to begin. The change marks the end of a two-year pilot phase that saw strong uptake across Bray, Greystones and Wicklow town, with more than 62,000 trips recorded countywide.
While the current network covers Bray, Greystones and Wicklow town, the new tender adds Kilcoole for the first time and includes options to extend into Arklow and Blessington.
Civil works for new cycle parking locations in Kilcoole are already underway, signalling Wicklow County Council’s intention to create a more connected mobility corridor across north Wicklow. The addition of Kilcoole is expected to link the town more closely with Greystones and Delgany, supporting short distance trips that are currently dominated by car travel.
Under the current arrangement, Moby operates 250 e-bikes across the county. Bolt’s proposal introduces a scalable model: Bray will receive 90 bikes initially, with capacity to increase to 150; Greystones will start with 80, also expandable to 150; and Wicklow town will retain 50 bikes, with potential to double to 100.
Kilcoole’s allocation will be confirmed once infrastructure is complete. This flexible approach allows the council to respond to demand, particularly during peak commuting periods and the busy summer months, when availability has been a recurring issue for users.
A notable feature of the new tender is the inclusion of e-scooters at no cost to the council. Bolt will supply and operate the scooters once national legislation and local policy permit their deployment. This mirrors the company’s model in Wexford, where shared bikes and scooters operate side by side, using the same parking infrastructure. The addition of scooters is expected to broaden the appeal of shared micromobility, particularly for short urban trips and first and last mile connections to public transport.
Bolt’s fleet will also introduce upgraded hardware and safety features. The company’s latest generation e-bikes include dual band GPS for improved positioning accuracy, vandal resistant QR codes, concealed cables, drum brakes, brighter availability lights and a more robust kickstand.
These enhancements are designed to reduce maintenance issues and improve reliability, two areas that have challenged operators in smaller towns, where weather exposure and misuse can take a toll on equipment. Bolt’s experience operating in multiple Irish counties, including Wexford, Westmeath and Meath, was a key factor in its strong performance during the evaluation process.
Pricing under the new tender remains competitive, with a €0.75 unlock fee and a €0.22 per minute rate. Bolt will also offer a suite of bundles, including 30-minute day passes, multi-day minute packages and a monthly unlimited unlock option.
Cllr Lourda Scott, who first proposed the introduction of shared e-bikes in Greystones in 2023, said the strong uptake of the current scheme demonstrates the appetite for sustainable transport options.
“Over 18,000 kilometres cycled in Greystones in the last year is huge,” she said. “What stands out is the consistent use. Even during a very wet February, there were over 500 trips. That shows that renting an e bike is becoming part of daily life in the town.”
She welcomed the expansion of the scheme and the inclusion of Kilcoole in the next phase.
“The aim from the beginning was to give people a practical alternative for short journeys, particularly in our hilly area and with all the traffic congestion we have. The uptake shows that people are willing to leave the car behind when the alternative is readily available and easy to use.”
Cllr Scott also highlighted the importance of integrating Wicklow into the national shift toward shared mobility.
“Our neighbours in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown are shortly rolling out a pilot mobility hub. These hubs will support more connected and flexible travel choices for residents and crucially will be subsidised, making them a cheaper option than filling the car. I will continue to push for Wicklow to be included in the next phase.”
The new tender aligns closely with the council’s current climate action plan, which emphasises active travel, emissions reduction and shared mobility.
The expanded network is expected to play a central role in the county’s sustainable transport strategy in the years ahead.