The West Midlands Cycle Hire (WMCH) has recorded more than 30,000 e-bike rides since launching the vehicles last December.
Between 6-12 June alone, more than 8,000 individuals have used the e-bikes, travelling an average of almost 3 kilometres per trip.
WMCH was developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and is operated by Serco. The bikes and docking stations are manufactured in the West Midlands.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who chairs the WMCA, said: “Our cycle hire scheme has been a phenomenal success and these latest figures show our decision to include e-bikes in our offering has been incredibly warmly received by the public.”
There are 150 power assisted bikes available for hire. Designed to make cycling easier, especially on longer journeys or hilly terrain, the e-bikes can be found in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
It costs £1.50 to unlock an e-bike and 10p per minute after that. They can be hired using the Beryl Cycle Hire app.
Adam Tranter, West Midlands Cycling & Walking Commissioner, said: “West Midlands Cycle Hire has, in a short space of time, become a key part of our sustainable transport network. E-bikes open up cycling to many more people, and it’s heartening to see their popularity so far.”
Investment in cycling facilities is a key part of the region’s plan to encourage more alternatives to the car for shorter journeys around busy towns and cities.
“Cycle hire is just one of the many ways TfWM and partner councils are making it easier for people to cycle or walk across the region,” said Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA Portfolio Holder for Transport and Leader of Birmingham City Council.
“We are developing miles of safe cycle routes, including our Starley Network, and making our town centres and communities more cycle and pedestrian friendly – as well as offering people training and encouragement to get on their bikes.
“This is a vital part of our plans to reduce car use, cut traffic congestion and meet our net-zero carbon climate change targets.”
Zag Daily took a deep dive into the WMCH which revealed some interesting and surprising trends of how micromobility is shaping the West Midlands.
