Hertz Helps Londoners get on Their Electric Bikes in Car Rental Industry First

LONDON, June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Hertz Provides Customers With the Chance to Explore the City in the Summer on fun Ultra Motor Electric Bicycles

Hertz, the world's largest general use car rental brand, has now become the first major car rental company to offer electric bicycles for rental, with the introduction of Ultra Motor electric bicycles to London (http://www.hertz.co.uk/electricbikes). Visitors and residents alike can now explore the capital by electric cycling with the fun Fast4ward Edge and A2B Hybrid 24 models, at up to speeds of 15.5mph. Twelve bikes are available for daily rental from Hertz's Marble Arch location, for GBP20 per day. With every electric bike hire, customers will receive full training, a lock, optional helmet and a copy of the AA Leisure Guide to London with suggested bike rides around the capital.

The Fast4ward Edge is a folding bike which offers the choice of using throttle and cruise power or to pedal, while the A2B Hybrid 24 has a sensor that detects the amount of pedalling and applies power in tune with that pace. Both models provide a fun and safe way to explore London in the fresh air, allowing riders to cover more ground than on foot or using a traditional pedal bike.

The Ultra Motor electric bicycles can be easily parked and locked to bike racks so customers can use them as a mode of transport to reach London landmarks, or to explore London parks in a fun and unique way. The bikes are also perfect for people who are put off cycling up big hills or facing strong headwinds, or want a change from pedal bikes.

The Fast4ward Edge will assist up to 25 miles and the A2B 24 electric battery will assist for up to 40 miles, depending on the rider's weight and luggage. Bikes are supplied fully charged and a charger will be supplied with all rentals. If the bike needs to be recharged it can simply be plugged into any mains socket.

Michel Taride, President of Hertz International, commented: "Whether you're a Londoner wanting to explore hidden treasures or find new places to shop, or a tourist wanting to see all London has to offer, the Ultra Motor bikes are a fast, green and economical mode of transport. Always committed to providing our customers with a range of mobility solutions, we are pleased to offer electric bikes for an easy and fun way to explore the capital."

Mark Loveridge, UK Managing Director, Ultra Motor, added: "It's really exciting to be providing the general public with the Fast4ward Edge and the A2B 24 with Hertz, as it means that more people will be able to experience the bikes and enjoy a really fun way to explore London. You don't need to worry about running out of pedal power on your day out on a bike, as the electric battery will be your new best friend by helping you up steep hills or through strong headwinds."

The introduction of electric bikes complements Hertz's broader Global EV eco-mobility program, which is championing an electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem that incorporates transportation options and a charging station grid for ease of use. As the world's largest general-use car-rental brand, Hertz is uniquely positioned to introduce multiple groups of consumers - urban drivers, university students, travelers and corporations - to all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. As part of this strategy, Hertz is forming partnerships with manufacturers, charging station providers, municipalities, NGO's, corporations and other stakeholders.

About Hertz

Hertz is the world's largest general use car rental company, operating from over 8,500 corporate locations in 150 countries worldwide. Hertz is in its 92nd year of delivering quality car rental solutions to leisure and corporate customers. Product and service innovations such as Hertz #1 Club Gold, Worldwide Online Check-in, specially designed NeverLost(R) satellite navigation systems, and unique cars offered through the company's Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition.

Hertz Press Contacts

     
    Alicia Mistry
 
    Ketchum Pleon
    T: +44(0)20-7611-3574
    E: alicia.mistry@ketchumpleon.com
 
    Ultra Motor Press Contact
 
    Kat Adams
    PR4
    T: +44(0)20-3142-6806
    E: kat@pr4.com
 
    Caroline Trotman Dickenson
    Ketchum Pleon
    T: +44(0)20-7611-3686
    E: caroline.trotman-dickenson@ketchumpleon.com