OVO Bikes return to the Vale of Glamorgan

Users are being offered a free £5 credit to mark OVObikes return to the Vale of Glamorgan.

Customers are now able to get back in the saddle, with the bikes available again following a two-month break.

To celebrate their return, operators Nextbike have created a £5 voucher code, RELAUNCH22, which can be redeemed by anyone.

The scheme was temporarily suspended in Cardiff and the Vale in November after a spate of vandalism and thefts in Cardiff left the fleet depleted and unable to function.

Initially, it will relaunch with 400 bikes in operation from the highest-usage stations, with more added over the coming months.

Cllr Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood services and Transport, said: “I’m thrilled to see OVObikes returning to the Vale of Glamorgan as the scheme proved extremely popular before it was suspended.

“In addition to the six existing all electric bike hire stations in the Vale, I am pleased to announce a further four electric bike stations will be installed by the end of March, in Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys.

“In keeping with the climate emergency we declared in 2019, it is vital that we continue to support active and sustainable methods of transport. The bikes are simple to use and their modest tariffs compare favourably with the cost of travelling by car, bus or train.

“Using them can improve the health and wellbeing of commuters and residents and they have also proven attractive to tourists.”

A fleet of 50 e-bikes was launched in Penarth in 2020, proving incredibly popular with the public.

E-bikes are a combination of a conventional bike with a motor that take some of the effort out of pedalling for the rider. With top speeds of 25km per hour, the e-bikes can cover greater distances faster and with less effort.

OVO Energy were unveiled as the title sponsor in August, in addition to putting their name to the Glasgow scheme.

E-bike rental costs £1 per 30 minutes for customers with monthly or annual membership or £2 per 30 minutes on a pay as you ride basis.