A Belfast entrepreneur with almost 15 years’ experience in the sustainable energy sector has invested £250,000 to launch a new electric bike sharing business aimed at changing how people move around the city.
Brendan Boyd, owner of Hopp Belfast and founder of sustainable energy business Aircore, has introduced the international e-bike sharing service to Belfast after seeing the success of undocked bike schemes in cities including London.
“People’s attitudes towards transport have changed significantly over the past decade,” he said.
“There is much greater awareness of sustainability, congestion and the environmental impact of how we travel. When I spent time in London, I found myself using undocked electric bikes regularly because they were simply the easiest way to get around.
“You don’t need to own a bike, worry about maintenance or commit to a full day’s hire. You unlock it with an app, make your journey and leave it in a designated area. It’s quick, flexible and surprisingly affordable.”
The business has launched with an initial fleet of more than 100 electric bikes and has already created one full-time position and two part-time roles, with plans to expand both the fleet and workforce across Belfast and Derry as demand grows.
Hopp is an established electric micro-mobility operator headquartered in Iceland, with services operating in more than 70 locations internationally. Belfast is one of the latest cities to join the network.
The bikes can be unlocked through the Hopp mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Unlike traditional bike hire schemes, Hopp operates on a pay-per-minute model, allowing users to make short trips across the city without paying for a fixed rental period.
Boyd believes Belfast is well placed for a service that connects key neighbourhoods and busy routes across the city, including the Falls Road, Shankill Road, Antrim Road, Ormeau Road and the Titanic Quarter.
He added: “Running Aircore gave me a strong understanding of sustainable infrastructure and how consumer behaviour is changing. More people are looking for practical ways to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience.
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“This investment is about building a long-term Belfast business that supports cleaner, smarter urban transport. We’re starting with more than 100 bikes, but the ambition is to grow the fleet, create more local jobs and make Hopp part of everyday life in Belfast.”
Safety and responsible use are central to the service. Before taking their first ride, users complete a short in-app safety tutorial covering responsible riding, parking guidance and local road regulations.
The bikes operate within a controlled geo-fenced service area that includes slow-speed zones and preferred parking areas across Belfast. A local operations team monitors bike usage, parking compliance and fleet maintenance to help ensure the service operates safely and responsibly.
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