Co Cars and Co Bikes awarded the first ever double accreditation by national shared transport charity

Car club and bike share operators Co Cars and Co Bikes have been awarded joint accreditation by the UK’s shared transport charity. 

Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) runs the national scheme which provides assurance to local authorities on an agreed set of standards expected by operators when providing services. 

South West England operators Co Cars and Co Bikes have received the first double accreditation across shared cars and bikes from CoMoUK, having fulfilled the robust application process. 

Co Cars is the South West’s leading shared mobility organisation. The car club runs a network of low and zero emission shared cars for people, communities, and businesses across the region.  

Co Bikes offers on-demand electric bike share in Exeter and Falmouth with more locations coming on stream soon.  

Together the cars and bikes form an economical, and sustainable network of shared transport options to help reduce dependence on private car ownership. 

CoMoUK is a charity in England and Wales as well as Scotland, established for the public benefit of shared transport such as shared cars, bikes, e scooters and rides. 

It runs the national accreditation schemes for car clubs and bike share schemes, ensuring a collectively agreed set of standards is upheld across the industry to maintain the reputation of shared transport. 

Both accreditation schemes have been developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. Requirements include environmental, ethical, and safety standards. 

Mark Hodgson, managing director of Co Cars and Co Bikes, said: “What an honour it is to receive the first ever double accreditation from CoMoUK.  

“We’re committed to upholding the high standards and reputation of shared mobility and continue our quest to change people’s travel habits for a more sustainable future.” 

Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUk, said: “We are delighted to announce the first double accreditation of a shared transport operator and congratulate Co Cars and Co Bikes on achieving this. 

“Accreditation ensures a collectively agreed set of standards is upheld across the industry to maintain the reputation that these shared transport schemes have gained.  

“The criteria have been carefully chosen to provide a robust framework, while not stifling innovation. 

“Shared transport schemes such as car clubs and bike share are vital for a more sustainable future, enabling people to use transport without the need to own it, reducing the impact on the environment and transport infrastructure.”