Virgin Limobikes offers Londoners the advantages of getting through traffic on a motorcycle, even if you don’t own one. Heading for the soccer match and not looking forward to fighting the traffic? Limobikes can get you to and from the match on a Yamaha FJR1300 ABS, they’ll even supply everything you need.
The passenger gets an Arai helmet fitted with an intercom, Hein Gericke protective clothing and there’s a waterproof blanket available so the ladies can even ride in a skirt. The riders are all very qualified with over 10 years of experience and passengers can be a complete novice to motorcycles, everything is explained before the ride begins. The bikes are set up with a tall backed passenger seat for comfort and security.
Obviously, if you’re heading to the airport with six suitcases, you’re out of luck, but smaller carry on bags will work fine and heading cross town during rush hour is where this service could really shine. Limobikes is relatively new, I believe, so it will be interesting to see how well they do and if they expand their hours and locations. Nice idea.
Link: Limobikes via Treehugger
F451 says
I’ll wear my own helmet, please. Other than that it sounds like an idea that will work fairly well in a niche market.
GenWaylaid says
I’ve heard this service mentioned among Branson’s “image” businesses. They don’t have to make money, they only exist to put the “Virgin” logo in the public consciousness. Another such image business is the Virgin Galactic space tourism thing in New Mexico.
The motorcycle taxi concept may or may not succeed on its own. It certainly would be faster than a conventional taxi in congested areas, but the limitation to a single passenger and little luggage does limit its appeal. Open-air riding probably isn’t too popular this time of year, either.
Don’t expect this in the U.S. With no congestion taxes and 49 state laws against lane splitting there isn’t much advantage to be had. A regular taxi with passenger can use HOV lanes anyway. This would make a nice “courtesy service” for motorcycle dealers, though.
Bryce says
I’ve ridden on the back of a few bikes, but I only felt relaxed and comfortable with one person.
Chacoura says
There’s someone here who used the service recently and post about it.
http://www.zdistrict.com/2007/01/11/review-virgin-limo-bike/
Liz says
I just used this service two days ago (having never ridden a motorcycle before) and thought it was fantastic. It was speedy, they provide washed liners for you to go under the helmet, and the drivers were positively amazing. My only problem was surprise at British driving on what I thought of as the “wrong” side of the road.
julian kempson says
and now there is a bike taxi up north in stoke on trent, I surply all the gear or you can use your own.