TfL Santander e-bikes rolled out across capital
By Joe Talora, Local Democracy Reporter
Rental e-bikes were rolled out across London yesterday as part of TfL’s Santander cycle hire scheme.
A total of 500 electric powered bikes will be available to hire from the 800 docking stations located around the capital.
It will cost users £3.30 per 30-minute journey on top of a one-off £3 registration fee to hire one of TfL’s new e-bikes.
Alternatively, holders of a £20 monthly or £120 annual membership to the Santander cycle hire scheme will face a £1 surcharge to hire an e-bike for 60 minutes.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said it was “another momentous moment” for cycling in London following a “record-breaking year” for TfL’s cycle hire scheme.
A record 9.5 million hires have been made already this year so far, 1.2 million more than at the same point last year.
Mr Khan 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.”
Last month, ahead of the rollout of e-bikes, TfL changed the fares structure for the cycle hire scheme to make it “less complex and more flexible”.
Users wishing to hire a regular Santander Cycle will pay a flat rate of £1.65 per 30-minute journey, replacing the £2 charge which covered unlimited 30 minute journeys in a 24-hour period.
The £20 monthly membership or £120 annual membership grants holders unlimited 60-minute journeys on any of the 14,000 pedal-powered cycles available across London as part of TfL’s hire scheme.
Pictured top: New rental e-bikes (Picture: TfL)