Australia’s first smart electric bike share system in a residential building has been launched.

Hunter based company, BYKKO has teamed-up with developer, Art Group, to provide 10 electric shared bikes at the new On Forbes apartments in Turner, Canberra.

The initiative was launched by ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris MLA last week.

The new apartments feature a free twelve-month e-bike share subscription for residents. BYKKO uses the latest technology from Europe to provide lightweight power-assisted bikes suitable for people with all levels of fitness and ability.

BYKKO Founder and Managing Director, Monica Zarafu said that international research has found e-bikes encourage more people to cycle.

“Around the world, electric bike share stations are delivering proven benefits, encouraging more healthy and active living and helping people minimise their carbon footprints,” Monica said.

“Bike share stations have also been found to add up to three per cent to property values. Developers are starting to see that bike share options can add value to residents in much the same way as pools and gyms.”

The BYKKO station will include a charge station and bikes that offer integrated locking and e-bike charging technology, one swipe checkout system, user-friendly web/app platform and intelligent fleet management and maintenance.

The lightweight, power-assisted bikes offer a number of levels of use to suit all stages of fitness and ability, from manual peddling through to complete motorised travelling.

Art Group’s Project Director, Brett Smith said that BYKKO’s e-bikes, with a daily range of 50 kilometres and speeds of up to 25 kilometres an hour, offer a new model of active transport for the city.

“Canberra already has one of the highest cycling rates in the country – but less than three per cent of Canberrans commute to work. We hope this trial will be the start of a new movement in Canberra that will encourage more commuters to embrace active travel, and will contribute to Canberra’s growing reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking city,” Brett said.

“BYKKO is thrilled to partner with a visionary organisation like Art Group to get Canberrans out of their cars and onto a sustainable mode of transport that can lighten their carbon footprint and boost their health and wellbeing,” Monica said.

IMAGE | Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris, launched BYKKO’s ten new bikes in Canberra.