"Unfortunately, after installing the bicycles, we immediately began experiencing battery problems. We contacted the supplier, who offered to replace some of the batteries. They came here, repaired the bicycles, and things started working more or less, but shortly after, we continued to have battery problems," municipal councillor Eduardo Pereira recalled to Lusa.

Last year, the Faial city government invested approximately €207,000 in the acquisition of 32 electric bicycles and seven parking/charging docks, installed at various points throughout the city, with the goal of offering sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility not only for residents but also for tourists.

"In addition to the problems with the batteries, corrosion problems were also observed on the dock pins and vandalism," explained the councillor responsible for the Environment and Alternative Energy, noting that the Horta City Council again urged the supplier to send technicians to the island to repair the damage.

He explained that the supplier's technicians ended up making another trip to Faial and, given the problems they detected, suggested that the electric bicycles be removed from service for more in-depth repairs.

"We were only sent a quote for repairs in June, and the quote surprised us because it was around 14,800 euros, plus VAT, and also because we believe we are not responsible for the entire cost," the mayor emphasised.

Eduardo Pereira lamented that the service, which had been available to residents and visitors to the island for just a year, was suddenly suspended and admitted that the municipality was disappointed by all these constraints.

"This disappoints our expectations, just as I think it disappoints the expectations of our population and also of those who visit us," the councillor admitted, adding that he hopes the problem will be resolved soon.

The project, 85% financed by EU funds, is now awaiting an agreement between the Horta City Council and the supplier regarding the costs of repairing the electric bicycles.