Transport for London (TfL) has invested in the city’s Santander bikeshare service to increase the number of e-bikes by 200% this summer.
Improving access to cycling for those living in the capital, the number of e-bikes will rise from 600 to 2,000.
Since its launch in 2022, Santander e-bikes have seen more than 750,000 hires across the city with twice the number of hires per day compared to that of regular pedal bikes.
London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman told Zag Daily: “The Mayor and I are determined to increase public transport use and active travel in London, improving the health of Londoners and helping to achieve the Mayor’s mission for London to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.
“Making active transport as affordable and accessible as possible is key to this mission. This investment will make Santander cycles one of the most affordable ways to get around the capital, helping us to continue building a better, greener London for everyone.”
A new £3 day pass will be introduced from March 3 which offers riders unlimited rides under half an hour. For rides exceeding this length of time, an additional £1 will be charged per half an hour with the new day pass.
For non-members or users without a day pass, a half an hour ride is available for £3.30, or £1 per 60 minutes for monthly and annual members.
Richard Dilks, CEO of national shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) told Zag Daily: “It’s hugely welcome that TfL has ramped up its investment in this vital scheme, including by expanding its e-bike rental fleet.
“As our annual research has consistently shown, the benefits of bike sharing extend far beyond personal health and wellbeing. Bike sharing provides an option for people who do not have space to store a bike, playing a crucial role in getting people cycling again after time away from the saddle, and more broadly in our ongoing battle against climate change.
“We continue to engage with TfL, councils, boroughs and all bikeshare operators on the vision of a pan-London approach to bike sharing in the capital.”
