A NEW GO e-Bike public hire station is now available in Musselburgh at Eskmills Hub.

Funded by SEStran, the South East Transport Partnership, and SHARE North EU, the GO eBike project was developed by SEStran and has involved setting up a series of hubs across the region.

The hubs are developed with a mix of community organisations, charities and academic institutions, resulting in each hub being tailored to its local community, with more locations planned for launch over the next year.

The overall objective of GO e-Bike hubs is to enable access to e-Bikes.

The project is designed to promote short and long cycle trips within core communities where clusters of residents, students, tourist destinations and services can readily be connected in East Lothian and Midlothian.

Councillor John McMillan, cabinet member for environment, economic development and tourism, said: “This growing network of e-Bike hubs provides both local residents and visitors to Musselburgh opportunities to use e-Bikes for commuting, shopping or leisure.

“This offers an alternative travel option which is also, of course, an invaluable contributor to sustainable travel and zero emissions.”

'Extremely excited'

Nicole Pyper, marketing and building manager at Eskmills, added: “We are extremely excited to partner with East Lothian Council on the GO e-Bike project.

“Introducing alternative means of commute for the businesses located at Eskmills was always part of our future plan, and being an active travel hub for the wider East Lothian community is just the icing on the cake.”

The new custom-designed rack was due to be manufactured in Canada and shipped across but alternative procurement was investigated and the new rack was instead made by Macmerry-based manufacturer Had-Fab Ltd.

People can hire a bike by downloading an app to their smartphone. As well as pay per ride, there is also daily, monthly, or annual membership to the scheme.

Rides cost from £2 for 30 minutes, with £0.05 for each additional minute, and annual membership costs £65 with unlimited 45-minute trips.

Visit goebike.uk for more information.