Zipp Mobility (www.zippmobility.com), Ireland’s leading micromobility operator, has announced the launch of a new shared e-bike service in Dublin as part of a pilot scheme. The announcement took place today at NovaUCD, the home of Zipp Mobility.
While Zipp is already a significant player in the European e-scooter sharing market, with operations in eight (8) cities across the United Kingdom and Poland, the launch of the Dun Laoghaire e-bike service marks the company’s first foray into the Irish micromobility market. Zipp intends to expand its shared e-bike service to additional cities throughout the country later this year.
From today, Zipp e-bikes will be available for rent in a variety of locations throughout the county, with the fleet gradually expanding. To begin their ride, users simply need to download the Zipp Mobility app, create an account, and scan an e-bike. All rides must begin and end at designated parking locations and Sheffield bike stands. Zipp plans to introduce daily, weekly, and monthly passes over the next few weeks.
Zipp’s Dublin operation will rely entirely on zero-emission vehicles, such as e-cargo bikes. Zipp will also employ a local team to manage the operation, avoiding the gig economy staffing model employed by some shared micromobility operators.
Charlie Gleeson, CEO and founder of Zipp Mobility, stated at the launch event at NovaUCD, “We started Zipp to bring sustainable, safe and community-centric transport solutions to Irish towns and cities, so we are so excited to be able to finally launch on home soil. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are a true trailblazer in the sustainable mobility space, and we are so proud to be partnering with them as we seek to bring ‘mobility done right’ to Irish communities.”
Councillor Lettie McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, stated, “I welcome the issuing of a further temporary Bike Share Licence to Zipp Mobility. These low cost bike share schemes can encourage more people to cycle over short trips, especially those who do not own a bike.”
Zipp Mobility has raised €2.1 million in funding since its inception in 2019 from a number of private and angel investors, including former Irish rugby international Brian O’Driscoll and Barry Maloney of Balderton Capital, Enterprise Ireland, and through a Spark crowdfunding campaign.
After the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is passed into law, the company, an Enterprise Ireland high-potential start-up, plans to launch shared e-scooter services in several Irish towns and cities, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kildare, and Waterford. Additionally, the company intends to begin operations in Spain later this year.
“Enterprise Ireland is delighted to see Zipp Mobility launch its first e-bike service in Ireland. Sustainability is a core pillar in Enterprise Ireland’s new ‘Leading In A Changing World’ strategy and it is very positive to see an innovative Irish start-up partnering with a local authority to provide low-carbon travel options. We look forward to further working with the team at Zipp Mobility as it continues to implement its ambitious growth strategy, both in Ireland and overseas.”
Zipp Mobility currently employs 25 people across its offices in Dublin, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland and plans to add 50 new jobs in Ireland alone over the next year.
