TECHNOLOGY

Since 2007 Hourbike has also been the exclusive UK agent for Homeport technology, one of the earliest developers of bikeshare systems in the EU. Under continuous development to utilise the latest technologies, our hardware and software has been developed to provide an impressive customer experience and unparalleled value for money. See our latest technology factsheets.

RESEARCH & PLANNING

Hourbike is often brought in to new cycle plans at a strategic level to ensure the delivered scheme is not only networked for optimal usage but also that it has a focus on current travel behaviour, behaviour change targets and local cultures. Hourbike works with local councils and organisations, regulators and investors to provide thorough, considered bike hire networks.

BRANDING AND MARKETING

Hourbike’s creative department can work with the client to produce a scheme’s identity, through to online and printed materials including year-round marketing strategy to ensure maximum take up and exposure. Click here for examples of our work.

THE BIKES

We provide comfortable, robust and easy-to-use bikes that have been designed and built for bike hire. All aspects of the cycle experience have been considered to ensure the best customer experience, with excellent customer feedback. From easily adjustable saddle heights, to hidden chains that avoid oil on clothes, to a secure bag facility and three gear system, the bikes are attractive and fit for purpose. Upon purchase, the client is able to specify desired bike colour schemes and branding.

Electric bikes (also known as e-bikes) are available as a compliment to conventional hire bikes or in some cases, an alternative. These bikes have been specifically designed for 24-hour outdoor, rental conditions, an environment which is very different to standard retail e-bikes. As such, usability, comfort, reliability and robustness combined with a stylish look have been key design criteria. The e-bikes benefit from all the attributes of our traditional hire bikes with the addition of 240W German made electric motor and built-in GPS modem to provide tracking capability and additional security. For full details, click here to view our bike and ebike factsheets.

CUSTOMER SERVICE PROVISIONS

Hourbike’s customer contact centre is UK based and
has many years experience in supporting a wide range of customers using the bikes for commuting, leisure
and utility use. This knowledge base enables us to provide a high quality service through all channels
of communication to both our members and the
local authorities.

FLEXIBLE BUSINESS MODELS

At Hourbike we pride ourselves in our consideration
of local business needs. The long term financial sustainability of bike sharing operations requires income from a range of sources, including the exploitation of the on-street assets and customer interactions through sponsorship. As more and more bike hire schemes are installed across the UK, the value of these networks becomes increasingly apparent to their stakeholders, in terms of generating income from a variety of sources. Contact us here if you have an interest in this area, we would love to talk to you.

Local sponsorship of services that truly benefit entire communities will always be looked upon positively from a wide variety of audiences.

Research shows that 88% of consumers said they were more likely
to buy from a company that supports and engages in activities to
improve society.*

That same research also revealed the following
rewards to a business:

•   Increases customer retention

•   Develops and enhances relationships with customers, 
     suppliers and networks

•   Attracts, retains and maintains a happy workforce

•   Differentiates yourself from your competitors

•   Generates innovation

•   Improves your business reputation and standing

•   Generates positive publicity and media opportunities
     due to media interest in ethical business activities

Please contact us via the form here on the right to find out more about Hourbike and its services.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES               +44(0) 1483 472 804

NETWORK  ENQUIRIES

If you would like help with a particular live bike scheme,
please use one of the specific local numbers below:

DUMFRIES  BIKE2GO                                 +44(0) 1387 280 042

LINCOLN HIREBIKE                                    +44(0) 1522 370 143

LIVERPOOL CITYBIKE                                +44(0)  151 374 2034

NOTTINGHAM CITYCARD CYCLES        +44(0) 115 832 0264

OXFORD OXONBIKE                                  +44(0) 1865 238013

READING READYBIKE                                +44(0) 118 449 2027

SHEFFIELD BICYCLE                                   +44(0) 114 437 2167

SOUTHPORT BIKE HIRE                            +44(0) 1704 340 025