Kerb starts bike taxi service in Dublin with Freenow

A new electric bike taxi service with pedal-assist has recently launched in Dublin: The provider Kerb uses a nimble e-cargo bike for two passengers. The company plans to operate the bikes in collaboration with the taxi and mobility app Freenow. Prices are tiered according to the time of day and supply/demand. There is no maximum price, but there is a minimum price of €4. The cost for a 2 km journey ranges between €6 and €13, with prices being higher during off-peak times.

"With the help of bike lane infrastructure, we will be able to bring people from A to B faster and cheaper than a conventional taxi. For too long, we have focused on accommodating cars and heavy vehicles, and have thought little about how people can enjoy the limited space in our cities," explained Alan Browne, one of the co-founders of Kerbs.

The idea is to show what is possible when you can replace a two-ton car with a small, lightweight, and carbon-neutral vehicle that can travel on bike paths and save valuable space for family and friends. Brown added that the service would be offered through the Freenow app. The Armadillo e-cargo bike from Swedish cargo bike manufacturer Velove features a passenger attachment from fellow Swedish company Quicab. According to the manufacturer, it's designed to fit in bike lanes. The bike is equipped with a screen door that closes during the ride, and there are seat belts for the passengers.