Pony: Electric scooters arrive in Bourges

The city of Bourges hosts its first self-service scooter rental service, provided by the company Pony, offering 250 units since April.

Originally from Angers, the mobility company Pony initially launched its self-service bike and electric scooter rental service at home. It then expanded to other French cities including Paris (500 bikes designed by Fifteen), Bordeaux, and Grenoble, and even internationally, including Turin (Italy), Namur, Liège, and Brussels (Belgium).

This time, Bourges joins the Pony portfolio, during the Printemps de Bourges music festival.

250 scooters at €0.22/min

Since April 15, 2022, Pony has been established in Bourges. Thus, residents and visitors can access approximately 250 self-service scooters. The model is OKAI ES400, with dual pneumatic suspensions and a range of 55 km.

But what is the company charging for rentals? The cost per minute is €0.22, with an additional €1 for unlocking.

Access is available 24/7, but only via the mobile app, after registration and geolocation. Once at the destination, users must park the scooter in designated “P” areas on the app, which are color-coded “coral.” Regarding rules to follow, they are similar to EPDM regulations.

“This new mobility offer aligns with the City of Bourges’ goal to facilitate residents’ travel and promote alternative mobility options to private cars,” states the official release. Indeed, Pony’s electric scooters join the Bik’Air service, which has been offering dozens of electric bikes since June 2021.

Pony scooters to be self-funded!

The unique feature of Pony is the possibility to purchase a unit! Through a participatory system, the buyer spends €1,090 and receives half of the revenue from trips. The other half goes to the operator to ensure recharge and maintenance of the vehicles. Recharging is quick since the scooters have removable batteries.

Also read: Test Red-Will 2022: a very comfortable electric bike rental