'No business case' for government to play part in operating Jersey's EVie bikes

Tuesday, 30 April 2024 12:38

Jersey's government could have taken on some responsibility for running the island's EVie bike fleet, but talks with Ministers fell through.

The Infrastructure Minister, Constable Andy Jehan revealed that he and Environment Minister, Steve Luce, met with EVie bosses in February - just weeks before the island's iconic yellow bikes were removed as a result of their insurance provider withdrawing from the Channel Islands market.

He told States members on Tuesday: "We met with EVie in February, then there was an exchange of emails with the CEO in mid-March about a proposal to the government around a shared mobility fleet suggesting a number of alternatives for EVie's electric bike fleet.

"However, on the basis of the information provided by EVie, there was not a strong business case for government involvement, so the matter was not persued."

Constable Jehan was responding to a question from his predecessor as Environment Minister, Deputy Jonathan Renouf.

The Minister went on to say that Treasury officials previously advised EVie on securing insurance for its electric car fleet in conversations in late 2023.

Constable Jehan says there have not been any further conversations regarding the company's insurance arrangements since.

His predecessor, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, says it is 'slightly disappointing' the government has not met with EVie since and offered to help secure alternative insurance to get the bike fleet back on the road.

Constable Jehan says Treasury officers would be happy to advise EVie, but ruled out the government stepping in to insure the fleet.