The Capital’s hire bike scheme has officially welcomed 500 e-bikes to its fleet, a move it is hoped will break down some of the barriers that stop people from cycling.
The new e-bikes have been distributed across key central London locations and can be docked at any of the Santander Cycles scheme’s 800 docking stations.
They have been introduced as part of a programme of work to modernise the scheme – and as part of efforts to break down the barriers that stop some people from cycling, including fitness, age and journey length.
Initially e-bikes will be available to registered users only, for a fare of £3.30 per 30-minute ride or an additional fare of £1 per 60 minutes for monthly and annual members.
Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said: “I am delighted to see our first ever Santander Cycles e-bikes in action on London’s streets today, and to join Londoners riding these e-bikes around our city on their first day.
“Their launch is another momentous moment for cycling in London after a record-breaking year for TfL’s Santander Cycles which saw over 12.5m hires.
“The new e-bikes have an important role to play in breaking down some of the barriers that prevent Londoners from getting on a bike, whether that be fitness, age or length of journey. I’m determined to make cycling as accessible as possible as we continue building a safer, greener, more prosperous London for everyone.”
12 October 2022