The promised new GIRA bikes have finally hit the streets. They are part of the batch of 730 new bicycles delivered to EMEL by the consortium that brings together the operator MEO and technology Soltráfego, following a public tender concluded at the end of 2020. A hundred of the new bikes should be in circulation by the end of this week. Manufactured in ÁguedaThese are identical to the previous ones but have some differences and bring some interesting new features. Lisboa Para Pessoas went to explore the new GIRA.
If it weren't for the stickers and the more rectangular frame, we wouldn't even notice the difference between the new bikes and the old ones. At a closer look, we can see the two main differences: one padlock on the rear wheel for quick stops (which doesn't work yet, not until the new GIRA app arrives); and a holder to attach a plastic bag to the rear wheel. child seat (which may be purchased from EMEL in the near future). O basket front is back, more robust and with the same capacity for a maximum weight of 6 kg; the bell is now golden.
As for the electrical component, this is now limited to three levels of electric assistance, instead of the usual five. The older bikes have been updated to also have only three modes, as Lisboa Para Pessoas has confirmed with EMEL and also had the opportunity to experience. EMEL, which has been running the GIRA service on its own since May last year, justifies the change as a question "technical, performance and durability". What is certain is that now, pedaling with the help of the motor on flat terrain, a GIRA bike travels between 20 and 21 km/h, hardly passing 22 km/h - far from the legal limit of 25 km/h for electric assistance.
There is another important detail in these new GIRAs: there is a level 0, which allows you to use the bike without any electric assistance, which is a good addition for those times when, for example, you want to take the bike by the hand without the motor getting in the way.
According to public data, obtained via EMEL's API through the Community website Ciclovias.ptThe GIRA network has around 500 bicycles in circulation and 84 stations are active, with an average occupancy of 34%. EMEL will have about 300 bicycles under repair and will have a total of 600 bicycles. The new 730 bicycles should reinforce the network in the coming months; this year it is planned to acquire another 1700-2000 bicycles, the installation of 80 new stations (in a first phase there will be only 30) and the opening of the stations that never opened on the riverfront and university city.
Lisboa Para Pessoas contacted EMEL about the availability of the new version of the GIRA app, as well as about the process of acquiring the child seat, but so far has not received any information. We will update this article if warranted.
