Leeds City Bike scheme will be the first fully electric public bike hire service in the UK, allowing more people to cycle short journeys.
The brand new e-bikes gearing up to come to Leeds have been revealed, following the final green light for the hiring service to launch this autumn.
The £2.86 million scheme will see electric bikes available to hire at docking stations, both in the city centre and along key routes to the north-west and south of the city.
Designed by British e-bike operator Beryl and in partnership by Leeds City Council, this will be the first scheme of it’s kind in the UK.
The fantastic scheme has been made possible thanks to funding secured through the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal.
The scheme was given the green light at the end of May when members of the Combined Authority’s Transport Committee approved the funding in full.
Initially an estimated 300 e-bikes will be available from docking stations at key locations.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “We want Leeds to be a city where you don’t need to own a car and a key part of that is expanding and supporting our cycling network. Cycling is a great way to travel for short journeys, as well as long, and this proposal will make it easier for people to make that change.
“We know that compared to conventional push bikes, e-bikes are an easier access point for new users including older people, women, people with limited physical strength, people who have limited cycling confidence or experience and people who are looking to take up cycling. I hope that Leeds City Bikes will encourage more people to try cycling without the investment of buying their own bike.”
