How does it work?

Simple: Take a Scratchbike from one of the racks, ride it, then return it to any Newcastle uni bike rack.

To do this follow 5 simple steps:

1.       Sign Up to Scratchbikes: Sign up online to get access to all our bikes for the rest of your uni life for just £7.50.

2.       Find any ScratchBike and text the bike number (eg. BIKE123) to 63333.

3.       Unlock your Scratchbike using the code in the reply text (this is your 50p payment), unlock the bike by twisting the numbers into the combination lock.

4.       Ride your Scratchbike: Take the lock with you and ride safely. Use the lights provided and wear a helmet for safety.

5.       Lock your Scratchbike: When you’re done, lock the bike up at any ScratchBikes or uni bike rack by closing the lock and shuffling the numbers.

‘With up to 150 bikes available day and night, you’ll never be without wheels again.’

See: http://www.scratchbikes.co.uk/

About the team behind Scratchbikes: Inspired by the cycle schemes they had seen across Europe, Robert Grisdale, 24 and Jack Payne, 23 realised the potential to translate the idea into something more suited to their own lifestyles as students. After graduating from Newcastle University with degrees in Civil Engineering, they decided that university self-service bike hire was an opportunity just too good to ignore.

With a more modest budget than any other scheme of its kind, they were forced to take a fresh look at the self-service bike hire concept and use their creativity to find a solution that would work. They have stripped away some of the unnecessary complexities and focussed on user experience.

We’ve tried to create the perfect journey for students. Focussing on getting from A to B in the easiest, and most fun way.Robert and Jack hope that ScratchBikes will kick start the cycling revolution in Newcastle.

Awards

Robert and Jack have picked up various awards for their idea:

• University Enterprise Challenge 2009 – TEDCO Business Award
• Newcastle University Enterprise Challenge 2010 – RMT New Trader
• Shell Livewire Grand Ideas Award
• Santander Business Incubation Award

NB From 31st January 2011, WhipBikes officially becomes ScratchBikes