The initiative is part of the European project In-Mob, coordinated by the University of Catania, which aims to test the performance of electric bicycles in areas with steep slopes and assess their acceptance as an energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable mode of transport for short distances. The vehicles have been developed using recyclable materials.
The Municipality of Funchal has secured funding of 144,000 euros for this demonstrator, which will run for six months. It will include a fleet of 15 electric bicycles and a charging infrastructure powered by photovoltaic panels, to be installed at the university residence located on Rua de Santa Maria.
The proposed model involves no cost to the user and aims to facilitate travel between the residence and the University of Madeira. The pilot project, with Funchal and Palermo as pilot cities, seeks to gather relevant data on the performance of this transport mode in geographical areas with challenging topography.
The project launch was marked today at the Baltazar Dias Municipal Theatre, with the presence of the vice-president of the CMF, Carlos Rodrigues, and the signing of a protocol between the University of Madeira and the municipality.
