Locky Docks open

Secure parking and charging for e-bikes and e-scooters has officially opened in Christchurch with a nationwide roll-out to follow.

Big Street Bikers’ “Locky Dock” network was opened by associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter, a keen e-bike rider, and will follow in Wellington, Auckland, Rotorua, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, Nelson and Queenstown.

Locky Docks are where you lock, dock and recharge your e-bike, bike or scooter. It’s free to any user by downloading the app from the Locky Dock website.

The docks house digital media screens providing bike path maps and advertising content managed by Phantom Billstickers that subsidises it all and makes it free to both the public and property owners.

It’s fantastic to see this idea come to life and be part of the movement to make to e-biking and micro-mobility more accessible, affordable and fun, Big Street Bikers (BSB) says.

Security and safety are the two main barriers to e-bike use, BSB adds.

“Many people want the freedom to safely cycle around their towns and cities,” Genter says.

“It’s fantastic that Christchurch is leading the way with Kiwi innovation that’s free for users and local councils.”

BSB says such infrastructure isn’t possible without its partnership with Mercury and investment from Tauhara North in Rotorua.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and the Christchurch City Council support this pilot for the nationwide network.

Wellington central is next with sites secured following strong support from the city and regional council.

“Rolling out Locky Docks across New Zealand will help get even more Kiwis on to e-bikes and e-scooters as a cleaner, cheaper way of getting around,” Mercury chief marketing officer Julia Jack says.

The Locky Docks launch features in the latest EVs and Beyond magazine.