Roll them out – Onzo to stay in Wellington

Wellington City Council has extended Onzo’s licence in the city until the end of 2020.

Onzo is a bike hire system that gives people the option to hire a bike and use it as a form of transportation. The popularity of Onzos in Wellington for short trips across town shows there is a demand for more transport options, says Walking and Cycling portfolio leader Councillor Sarah Free.

“Over 110,000 trips were recorded during the six-month trial and the feedback shows that most people use the bikes because they are fast and convenient. The Onzo bikes have increased the access to cycling for many people who might not choose to own a bike,” Free says.

The Onzo bike licence has been extended to align with the e-scooter trial, where both micro-mobility options will be analysed together.

“It’s great to see the large uptake of these bikes as part of changing transport patterns – and that some people are choosing to use an Onzo instead of their car,” Free adds.

There were concerns about pedestrian safety in a Council survey about Onzos, but most residents thought people using Onzo bikes were generally safe and responsible riders.

The Council will work closely with Onzo to make sure people are biking on footpaths and improving the availability of cycle helmets.

“We are continuing to plan for more separated bike paths and will be looking at whether e-scooters will be able to use these.”

Onzo’s data shows high usage constantly at Wellington train station and Victoria University’s Pipitea campus, where many people start and end their trips.

“We look forward to continuing to offer an easy transport alternative in the capital,” Onzo’s Wellington fleet manager Max Kempthrone says.

Another 100 bikes are likely to be added later this year, to the existing 200 in the city.