The firm selected to run a trial e-bike scheme in Peterborough has blamed extra regulations for a delay in getting the scheme off the ground. Micro-mobility company Voi Technology says it hopes that the bikes will be available for hire within 10 weeks.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has appointed Voi on a 12-month trial basis to provide e-bikes across the region and also to test out e-scooters in the centre of Cambridge.

Peterborough Today reports that while the e-scooter trial is now underway, unspecified extra regulations are being blamed for a delay getting the e-bike scheme up and running.

“There have been a few more regulatory hoops to jump through than previously expected – hence the delay,” said Richard Corbett, UK general manager of Voi Technology. “But all is well and we will definitely be live in Peterborough this year.”

A council spokesperson added: “We are delighted to be part of the Combined Authority’s trial e-bikes hire scheme.

“Work is underway locally to designate the e-bike area which will include the city centre, the hospital, Lynch Wood and Hampton. It may be extended depending on the level of interest in other areas of the city.

“Officers are looking at suitable spaces for drop off, pick up and storage of the bikes to be put in place.”

Voi are planning a dockless system with just a small number of e-bikes available for hire initially.

The firm has also launched scooter hire schemes in Northamptonshire, Bristol and Bath and Liverpool.

The trial in Coventry was suspended just five days after it launched due to concerns about users riding on the pavement.