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To help Ireland achieve its climate action goals, we must electrify the transport sector. We are supporting these efforts in a number of ways including the launch of eHubs, a new innovative pilot project involving the installation of seven charge stations for shared electric cars, ebikes, and ecargo bikes. 

The aim of this pilot is to assess if the provision of sustainable shared transport options helps enable the reduction of private car use, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions.

The eHubs will be installed in phases. Galway's eHub will launch in March, followed by Malahide, Swords, and Sandyford Business Park in April. The remaining sites in Dublin, Waterford, and Donegal are scheduled to become fully operation by Summer 2025.

 

Galway eHub is now live

Users can now avail of four electric bikes, one ecargobike and two electric vehicles at our Galway site, located at the Westside Library.

Please click into the Enterprise Car Club link below to rent the EV or follow the details outlined below to rent an ebike/ecargobike.

Book a Shared Electric Vehicle

Visit the mobility operator websites to find out more and to book an electric vehicle. 

Booking an ebike and ecargobike

Take to the roads on an ebike or ecargobike!

The bikes are available at our eHubs in Waterford, Galway, Donegal and Dundrum (Dublin) and can be booked through the app linked below.

Stay Safe

Please follow all necessary guidelines for operation these vehicles on Irish Roads. For more information visit the RSA website – www.rsa.ie

To find out more about this project and our other initiatives, visit esb.ie/innovation.

User FAQs

Below is a list of all relevant FAQs to help use the transport options available at our ehubs. All of our partners on this pilot project provide detailed information on using their infrastructure. 

What should I do if I encounter a problem with the electric vehicle?  

Please contact the respective  car share operator using the details below, and they will provide the support you need. 

  • Drive You: 01 5541680 
  • Yuko Toyota Car Club:  01 6918816 
  • Go Car: 01 8122868 
  • Enterprise Car Club: 0818 202101  

Who should I contact if I encounter a technical issue with the EV charge station? 

If you are experiencing technical issues with an electric vehicle charge station or need to report an issue, please contact ESB at 0818 504500 (24/7 helpline). 

More information on ESB’s public charging infrastructure can be found at this website link here.  
 

Who should I contact if I encounter a problem with the electric bike or eCargobike?  

Moby Bikes operate and provide customer support for the ebikes at ESB eHub locations in Galway City, Waterford City, Letterkenny, and Dundrum Village in Dublin. Please contact Moby Bikes through the app or call them on 01 9036297 if you require any assistance.  

What is a shared emobility hub? 

Shared emobility hubs (eHubs) cater to various transport needs and offer charge stations and a diverse mix of electric modes like ebikes, ecargobikes and electric vehicles (EVs) for the public to share and use. Some eHubs focus solely on shared EVs, while others have ebikes and ecargoBikes present also. eHubs help to streamline the process of picking up, dropping off, and charging shared electric wehicles, which minimises downtime and maximises vehicle availability. 

How does shared emobility work at ESB eHubs?  

At an ESB eHub the process for charging and hiring electric cars and bikes is designed to be convenient and user-friendly. Here is how it works: 

Electric Vehicle Hire

Locate and Register. Check our interactive map to discover which transport options and mobility operators are available at each location. You will need to register with the shared mobility operator through their respective mobile app. This involves creating an account and providing necessary details such as a valid driver's license and payment information. 

Book the vehicle: The operator app will provide details about the electric vehicles and where they are parked. You can easily reserve a vehicle, pay for it, and unlock it right from your smartphone.  

Charging: 

Charging Stations: The eHubs are equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles and bikes. These stations are solely for shared electric vehicle charging. You cannot charge a privately owned EV at an ESB eHub. 

Before you Drive: Remember to stop the charge, unplug the charge cable, and put it safely in the boot. For instructions, please see the 'Charging the Shared EV' FAQ. 

Charging Process: To charge a vehicle, connect the vehicle to the charging station using the cable provided. The charging process can be started using the Charge Point Access Card. For instructions, please see the 'Charging the Shared EV' FAQ. 

Payment: The cost of charging is included in the rental fee for shared electric vehicles.  

Returning the electric vehicle: 

Drop-off: After using the car, you must return it to the same eHub. 

When you Return: Remember to plug in the charge cable and charge the EV for the next driver. For instructions, please see the 'Charging the Shared EV' FAQ. 

End of Hire: Once the car is parked and locked, you can end the hire through the app. The app will provide a summary of the trip, including the distance travelled and the total cost. 

 

Where are the ehubs and when will they be available? 

From March 2025, seven eHubs will be rolled out  across Ireland. The eHubs will be installed in phases. Galway's eHub will launch on March 21st, followed by Malahide, Swords, and Sandyford Business Park in April. The remaining sites in Dublin, Waterford, and Donegal are scheduled to become fully operation by Summer 2025. 

What types of vehicles are available? 

Three eHubs will focus solely on offering EV sharing and include an ESB Charge Point Station and twp EVs. Car Share Operators GoCar, Driveyou and YUKÕ Toyota Car Club will operate at these eHubs all located in Dublin - Sandyford Business Park, Swords Village and Malahide Village. 

Four eHubs will offer a mix of ebikes, ecargo bikes and electric vehicles and include an ESB Charge Point Station, and a charging station for five bikes. Enterprise Car Club and ESB ebikes will operate shared electric cars and bikes at these locations in Galway City, Waterford City, Letterkenny, and Dundrum Village in Dublin.  

What are the hours of operation? 

The electric bikes and vehicles  are available to rent 24/7 seven days a week. Please ensure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

How do I sign up for the service? 

Check our map to discover the shared mobility operators available at each location. Download their apps and create your account. With their app, you can easily reserve, pay, and unlock vehicles right from your smartphone.  

What do I need to sign up to a car share operator? 

To rent an electric vehicle, you will need to meet these requirements: 

  1. Smartphone: A smartphone is needed to install the app, locate, unlock, and manage your journeys. 
  2. Age: Follow the car share operator's age policy (usually have a minimum and maximum age) 
  3. Driving Licence: Have a valid, full Irish or international driving licence. 
  4. Payment Method: Have a major credit or debit card in your name. 

Steps to Sign Up: 

  1. Download and Install: First, download the car share operator's app from the App Store or Google Play Store. 
  2. Provide Your Details: Go to the car share operator’s app and register your details. 
  3. Upload Licence Photos: Upload clear photos of the front and back of your driving licence. 
  4. Upload Selfie with Licence: Take a clear selfie holding your licence and upload it. 
  5. Account Review: The car share operator will review your account and notify you by email once it is activated. This may take up to 24 hours. 

What do I need to sign up to use an eBike? 

To rent an ebike, you will need to meet these requirements: 

  1. Smartphone: A smartphone is needed to install the ESB eHub app, locate, unlock, and manage your journeys. 
  2. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to rent an ebike or ecargo bike. 
  3. Payment Method: You will need a major credit or debit card in your name. 
  4. Create Wallet: You will need to create a wallet which allows you to pay for the service and additional charges which may apply.  

  5. Minimum Top Up: A minimum top up of €10 is needed to start your first ride. 

Steps to sign up

  1. Download the eHubs App: First, download the eHubs app from the App Store or Google Play Store. 
  2. Provide Your Details: Complete the sign-up form to register your details. 
  3. Top Up: Top up the wallet by €10 to start your first ride. 
  4. For more information on the Wallet and how to sign up please see the eHubs App.  



What do I need to get started?  

To rent an ebike, you will need to meet these requirements: 

  1. Smartphone: A smartphone is needed to install the ESB eHub app, locate, unlock, and manage your journeys. 
  2. Age: You must be at least 18 years old to rent an ebike or ecargo bike. 
  3. Payment Method: You will need a major credit or debit card in your name. 
  4. Create Wallet: You will need to create a wallet which allows you to pay for the service and additional charges which may apply.  
  5. Minimum Top Up: A minimum top up of €10 is needed to start your first ride. 

Steps to Sign Up: 

  1. Download the eHubs App: First, download the eHubs app from the App Store or Google Play Store. 
  2. Provide Your Details: Complete the sign-up form to register your details. 
  3. Top Up: Top up the wallet by €10 is required. 
For more information on the Wallet and how to sign up please see the eHubs App.  

How do I book an ebike and start a journey?  

  1. Locate a Bike: Use the app’s map feature to find an ESB eBike at the eHub. The map will show available bikes and their battery levels. 
  2. Unlock the Bike: When you reach the bike, open the app to unlock the bike using the lock code. When the correct code has been inputted, the lock will unlock and you will be ready to go. 
  3. Start Riding: Push off with your foot and start pedalling. The electric motor will kick in to help you ride smoothly. 

How do I start the ecargo bike? 

  1. Power on: Locate the power button on the left handlebar and push to power on. 
  2. Adjust Control Settings: Adjust the + / - on the handlebar to select your desired assistance levels. Higher levels provide more electric assistance. 
  3. Start Riding: Begin pedalling and the electric motor will assist you based on the assistance level you have selected. Gears are located on the right handlebar. 

How do I pause my ride? 

  1. Secure the bike with the combination lock and cable. 
  2. Pause in the app by pressing "Pause." This locks the bike digitally and sets an alarm. 
  3. For the ecargo bike please ensure the back lock on the wheel is closed. 

How do I resume my ride?  

Unlock the bike by pressing "Start" in the app. If the lock does not open, try moving and shaking the bike. 

If the lock still does not open, press "Unlock" and scan the QR code again. 

How do I park my ebike at the eHub? 

Please return the bike to the eHub charge station where you initially picked it up and charge it for the next user. 

To park the bike:  

  1. Place the bike's kickstand on the yellow pad located on the charging tile. The tile light will turn blue when the bike is charging. 
  2. Use the combination lock to secure the bike to the ‘Sheffield’ stand next to the charging tile.   
  3. When the ebike is parked and locked correctly, press the “END RENT” button in the eHubs app to engage the electronic lock.  
  4. Take a photo clearly showing the ebike as locked, then submit it through the app. The ride will end automatically, followed by a beep sound from the bike. You will receive a pop-up confirmation that the bike was successfully returned. 

Can I carry a person or animal in the ecargobike tub? 

No, this is not allowed.  


What is the maximum weight allowed on the ecargobike? 

The total weight allowed in the tub is 180 kg.    

 

 

 

What are the costs associated with using the car share operator service? 

EV booking rates are set by the car share operators (Enterprise Car Club, GoCar, Driveyou and Yuko Toyota Car Club). Charges are based on the length of booking and the distance travelled. The cost to charge the shared EV is covered by the operator. For details, please check with your mobility supplier.  

What are the costs to hire an ebike? 

Unlocking and First Minute: 

Unlock fee: Each time you start a ride there’s a €1 unlock fee. 

Free First Minute: Your first minute is always free giving you time to unlock and inspect your bike for any damage. 

Ride Costs: 

  • ebikes: €0.25 per minute. 
  • ecargobike: €5 per hour. 
Daily Cost Caps 

  • ebikes: €60 per day (maximum) 
  • ecargobike: €60 per day (maximum) 
Wallet Balance Requirements: 

  • A minimum wallet top up of €10 is required to begin using the service. 
  • A minimum wallet balance of €10 is required to start a ride. 
 

 

How do I stop the charge if the vehicle is plugged in? 

There is a standard ESB AC Charge Point Station at each eHub  

  • If the car is plugged in to the ESB Charge Point Station, you must first stop the charge on the station 
  • Present the ESB charge point access card (usually in the vehicle glovebox) to the display on the charge point station  
  • Carefully remove the cable from the charge point and then from your vehicle.   
  • Always remember to return the cable to the boot and the ESB charge point access card to the glovebox before you drive away.  

Important things to check before you charge your car:  

  • Car is turned off and in “Park.” 
  • Car doors, windows, boot, and bonnet are fully closed. 
  • Car Bluetooth is switched off.  
  • No USB cables plugged in to a USB port in the car. 

How do I start the charge when I return to the eHub? 

Remember to charge the car for the next customer. 

  • Park safely within the designated charging bay ensuring the charge port is close to the charge point socket 
  • Turn off the car 
  • Retrieve the ESB charge point access card (usually in glovebox) and the charge cable from the boot.  
  • Connect the cable into EV charge port and then into the socket on the side of the charge point  
  • Start the charge by presenting the ESB charge point access card to the charge point reader  
  • Check the dashboard to confirm the car is charging  

How do I charge the EV away from the eHub? 

  • Use the ESB ecars charge point access card to charge the EV on ESB’s public charging network when away from the eHub.  
  • To find the nearest available ESB charge point to you, please check the map available on www.esb.ie/ecars 
  • You will find helpful videos on how to use the charge stations on  ESB’s public charging network at this website address via EV Driver Information.

I am a private EV owner; can I charge my EV at an eHub? 

The charge stations at our eHubs are solely for shared electric vehicle charging. You cannot charge a privately owned EV at an eHub and may be fined if you park your car in one of the designated EV share only bays. 

Can current ESB ecars customers use the charge point stations at the eHubs? 

No, ESB ecars customers cannot use the charge point stations at the eHubs. The eHubs are part of a pilot project specifically designed for car share operators. You may be fined if you park at an eHub. 

Can I disconnect the charger if the vehicle is not fully charged?  

Yes, you can disconnect at any time. Make sure that you have enough charge for your journey and that the charging cable is in the boot.  

How do I charge the eBike and ecargo bike? 

  • To charge an electric bike, simply place the bike's kickstand on the yellow pad located on the charging tile. The tile light will turn blue when the bike is charging.  

How do I know the bike is charging?  

  • The tile light will turn blue when the bike is charging.  

 What does the green light on the charging tile mean? 

  • The green light means that the bike is fully charged.  

Why is the light on the charging tile red? 

  • This means that the bike is not charging. Try placing the kickstand on the yellow pad again making sure to cover the yellow pad with the base of the kickstand. If the tile is still red and does not turn to green, please report issue by contacting 01 9036297.