E-bikes to help Santander Cycles go from strength to strength

A fleet of 500 e-bikes will be added to London’s cycle hire scheme next month, in a bid to broaden its appeal.

The e-bikes are being introduced as part of a programme of work to modernise the Santander Cycle scheme, which also includes a new, simplified tariff.

They will be distributed across key central London locations and can be docked at any of the scheme’s 800 docking stations

It is hoped their addition will break down the barriers that stop some people from cycling, including fitness, age and journey length.

Last month, the scheme recorded its busiest month in its history, with more than 1.3 million hires.

David Eddington, TfL’s head of cycle hire, said: “Santander Cycles is a vital part of London’s transport system and is more popular than ever, with the scheme seeing 11 record-breaking months in a row.

“We want to make sure that the scheme continues to be one of the easiest and most sustainable ways of travelling in the Capital.

“The new bikes, alongside our simpler new tariff, will ensure that the scheme can build on this success and be financially sustainable, playing a full role in a green and healthy future for London.”

Under the new tariff, the £2 daily access charge will be replaced with a £1.65 flat rate per 30-minute ride. This matches the price of a bus fare.

Meanwhile, a new monthly membership is being introduced, costing £20 per month, allowing customers to make unlimited 60-minute rides.

TfL has also confirmed that a number of new docking stations are set to open in the London Borough of Southwark later this year, the scheme’s first expansion since it was introduced to Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in 2019.

Dan Sherwood, marketing director at Santander UK. said: “Broadening out the appeal of Santander Cycles through the addition of the new e-bikes is great news for Londoners, meaning more people can take advantage of a sustainable and healthy way to travel.

“With popularity of the scheme at an all-time high, we hope the introduction of e-bikes, along with a simplified tariff structure, will ensure Santander Cycles continue to go from strength to strength.”

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