ELABORATOR Follower city Ioannina rides towards a greener future with 55 new e-bikes

The Municipality of Ioannina is making strides towards sustainable micromobility by expanding its commitment to active transport solutions under the ELABORATOR project. Recently, the city added 55 electric bicycles to its shared bicycle system, a milestone that complements ongoing efforts to create an integrated, greener mobility landscape.

Through the ELABORATOR Living Lab in Ioannina, the Municipality is co-designing an innovative municipal e-bike system. This involves optimising the placement of e-bike docks based on factors like land use, population density, and usability. The design process actively engages local authorities, citizens, cultural clubs, neighbourhood groups, and private companies to ensure the system meets the needs of the community.

The project also aims to create bike lanes connecting the city centre to the lakefront, addressing safety challenges and improving accessibility for cyclists.

Features of the e-bike system

The planned e-bike stations will feature automated rental and charging, ensuring convenience without the need for staff. For the first two years, residents will enjoy free access to electric bicycles, encouraging the adoption of micromobility solutions. A mobile application will provide real-time updates on bike availability and station status, enhancing user experience.

Three of the eight stations will include touchscreens and integrated card readers, while the remaining stations will operate exclusively via the mobile app. These stations will feature advanced charging systems with industrial computers and 4G connectivity for seamless functionality.

A green future for Ioannina

Ioannina’s work under ELABORATOR demonstrates its commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions and creating accessible, sustainable mobility options. With ambitious targets to cut emissions by 20% in the short term and 40% by 2030, the city is poised to become a leader in urban transport innovation.