Overview

Municipal e-bike sharing systems offer electric bicycles to residents and visitors, promoting sustainable mobility and reducing traffic congestion. This model is common in the EU. The LOCAL4GREEN project (Interreg MED 2014-20) helped the San Lawrenz municipality design and implement a fiscal policy that waives rental fees for electric bikes for residents with renewable energy installations (RES). These residents receive a special code allowing free use of the bikes. RES verification is done through a utility bill presented during the application process. This policy encourages the adoption of clean technologies and rewards those contributing to energy sustainability.

Evidence of success

In a small municipality like San Lawrenz, the impact of e-bike use on greenhouse gas reduction is modest. However, the policy’s key feature is the direct engagement of residents, who are recognized for their commitment to renewables by easily accessing everyday municipal services like bike sharing.

LOCATION

San Lawrenz (ML)

TIMESCALE

2019-ongoing

Potential of learning or transfer

Municipal e-bike sharing systems are quite common across the European Union. Many cities have implemented these systems to promote sustainable mobility and reduce traffic congestion and pollution. The fee waiver for residents that use renewable energy at home has a quite relevant replicability potential and it is easy to apply, with a large and direct impact in the citizens’ daily life.

Contacts

For the Maltese municipalities:
MIEMA: info@miema.org