Good practice:

Azores promotion of electric mobility and the e-bikes pilot

In recent years, the Azores has implemented its energy policy according to the national/international commitments regarding energy and mobility. To this end, the Strategy for the Implementation of Electric Mobility in the Azores was published with strategic priorities, through the electrification of the land transport sector and to carry out awareness campaigns. It involves the implementation of a public access charging network for e-vehicles and incentives for the adoption of e-mobility (financial and non-financial). The implementation of the e-mobility policy in the Azores implies the existence of planning instruments, such as: Plan for Electric Mobility in the Azores (PMEA) and Municipal Electric Mobility Plans. There is a great dependence on vehicle use in the Azores. In 2019, 30% of fossil fuels in the archipelago were used by road transport. Both PMEA and the mentioned incentives give room to support initiatives such as shared mobility solutions. In this regard, supported by regional funding, Atlantic Bikes is the first start-up, whose shared bicycle system (dockless) allows users to travel in a sustainable way while also contributing to mobility improvement in São Miguel Island.
In total, 33 points are present in Ponta Delgada (the airport, schools, the historic centre, the university, hotels, beaches, among others) and 1 in Lagoa.
Currently, Atlantic Bikes has a fleet of 85 bicycles: 45 electric and 40 traditional. Bike rental is done through the Atlantic Bikes app.

Investment of €105,000, co-funded by 75% on behalf of the former Rural Development Program in the Azores (Prorural).
Currently, Atlantic Bikes comprises a team of 3 people.

E-mobility in the Azores has gained significant improvement. For instance from 2015 to 2021, 655 new EVs were sold in the Azores.
Atlantic Bikes, in 2021, registered 2387 hours of use. Based on an average of 10 km/h, this means that a 2196 kg of CO2 emissions was avoided.
More than 2300 users with about 40 different nationalities (tourists included).
Collaboration with regional, national and European stakeholders, including the University of the Azores and co-working companies.

Need for more advanced (e)bike technology in order to make the Azorean cities safer, both for cyclists and the population in general.

This good practice can be easily replicated in other regions, as long as it is adapted to local budgets and dissemination practices.
Additionally, we have found that promoting awareness within each community strongly benefits everyone involved. This can be done through social media platforms.
Investing in a traditional and e-bike sharing system can be beneficial for many other regions as it promotes sustainable mobility while contributing toward health betterment.