500 e-bikes available for use in TfL and Santander Cycles hire scheme

The extra bikes have been distributed across central London and can be docked at any of the 800 stations.
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500 new e-bikes are now available to use across the city as part of the Transport for London (TfL) and Santander Cycles hire scheme.

TfL says the e-bikes have been distributed across key central London locations, and will be dockable at any of the scheme’s 800 docking stations across London.

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The electric bicycles will cost £3.30 per 30-minute ride, or an additional fare of £1 per 60 minutes for monthly and annual Santander Cycles members.

The extra bikes have been distributed across central London locations and can be docked at any of the 800 stations. Credit: TfLThe extra bikes have been distributed across central London locations and can be docked at any of the 800 stations. Credit: TfL
The extra bikes have been distributed across central London locations and can be docked at any of the 800 stations. Credit: TfL

It follows record hire levels from the cycle scheme in the past year, with 9.5 million rentals so far - a million more than this time last year, TfL said. Initially the e-bikes will only be available to registered users only.

The e-bike launch coincides with the announcement that renting all Santander Cycles will be changed to a new flat rate of £1.65 per 30-minute ride, to match London bus fares.

There will also be a new £20 monthly membership option, which will permit unlimited 60-minute rides; the price of an annual membership will increase to £120 to reflect inflation.

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The introduction of e-bikes is part of a three-year, £18.75m extension of Santander’s sponsorship. City Hall said e-bikes would make cycling easier for people who struggle with their fitness, age or the length of their journey.

Sadiq Khan tries one of the new bikes. Credit: City HallSadiq Khan tries one of the new bikes. Credit: City Hall
Sadiq Khan tries one of the new bikes. Credit: City Hall

The mayor of London, Sadiq 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.

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“I’m determined to make cycling as accessible as possible as we continue building a safer, greener, more prosperous London for everyone.”

David Eddington, TfL’s head of cycle hire, said: “Santander Cycles is a vital part of London’s transport system and the scheme has gone from strength to strength, with cycle hire in the capital now more popular than ever.

“These new e-bikes will help to break down some of the barriers to cycling and make it even easier to travel sustainably.

“Santander Cycles has played an important role in encouraging more people to cycle and we’ll continue to improve the scheme to ensure a greener and healthier future for everyone in London.”