Donkey Republic has started operating in Antwerp Region today
Deployment and operations of 1,650 electric bikes across 32 municipalities with possible extension on individual request of companies and organisations
Company Announcement No. 10 2022
As of today you can ride a "Lydia", a "Koen" or an "Erdem" in Antwerp! Those are the names of the first three Donkey Republic electric shared bicycles that were officially presented by Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters, Koen Kennis, chairman of the Antwerp Transport Region and Erdem Ovacik, CEO of Donkey Republic. The official presentation also marks the start of the roll-out of Donkey Republic brand new electric model, which will involve the distribution of 1,650 shared bicycles across 32 municipalities in Antwerp and a few in Waas. It is expected to complete and deliver the last bicycles in Beveren in November.
Donkey Republic will receive EUR 1.6m per annum from Lantis for running the operation. In addition, Donkey Republic will collect the rider revenue plus potential proceeds from sponsoring deals and other corporate partners. A total annual revenue of EUR 2-3m is expected throughout the 10 year life time of the contract.
Donkey Republic, which is already active in Ghent and Kortrijk is in the first phase of the rollout of 1,650 electric shared bicycles for the entire region, and this for a period of at least 10 years. Depending on the interest from the various municipalities in the Transport Region, the basic network can be further expanded. Municipalities, companies or organisations will have the possibility to extend the basic network with ordinary or electric shared bicycles at their request.
Koen Kennis, President of the Antwerp Transport Region: “What is being presented here today is the fruit of a long and intensive collaboration and shared ambitions across 32 cities and municipalities. The Antwerp Transport Region wants to achieve a modal shift on a large scale, in an area with 1.1 million inhabitants. This is unprecedented in Flanders. I am convinced that other transport regions will be able to learn from our experiences”.
Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters: “Donkey Republic's electric shared bicycles will play an important role in realizing the modal shift towards sustainable travel. The (electric) bicycle is a viable alternative to the car for more and more people because longer distances are becoming achievable. But of course it remains necessary to invest in safe and comfortable infrastructure and we are also doing the same with Flanders: during this legislature we will invest more than a billion in cycling infrastructure.”
Erdem Ovacik, CEO of Donkey Republic: "Donkey Republic is excited to expand to Antwerp, for the special project of regional bike share. It is the first of its kind that we know about, where bike sharing is taken to a regional level. We hope to create a comfortable, enjoyable and affordable ride with Donkey e-bikes for all citizens in the region. Our e-bikes have a long range and are designed for durability and comfort. Our app and pricing are designed to make sure we can cater for different types of transport needs”.
On the road in a few clicks with Donkey Republic App
The bikes will be distributed throughout the Transport Region in the coming weeks and months. They can be found in a designated 'hub'. You can find the exact location of the hubs in each municipality in Donkey's app. You will also need this app to reserve your bike. You can rent a one-off ride (Just Ride), or you can book a bike for several days. Subscriptions are also possible. Ride for less than €4 a day and choose a membership that works for your daily needs.
Unlocking the bike is done with the (bluetooth) connection of your phone. During your use, you can lock or unlock the bike as often as you like. When you're done riding, you return the Donkey to an available drop-off location near you and end the rental in your app.
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