TfL: More than a thousand new Santander Cycles e-bikes coming to London

Transport for London (TfL) is introducing 1,400 additional e-bikes to its Santander fleet this summer to boost cycling in the capital.

The Santander e-bikes fleet will expand from the current 600 to 2,000. TfL says demand for its e-bikes “continues to exceed availability”, with more than 750,000 hires since they were introduced in October 2022.

A new day pass for the scheme’s traditional bikes will be introduced on March 3. The £3 pass will allow unlimited journeys under 30 minutes all day, with hires longer than 30 minutes incurring an extra £1.65 for each additional half an hour.

Santander Cycles e-bikes will be available for an additional £1 per half hour with the new day pass. E-bikes are otherwise available for £3.30 per 30-minute ride for non-members and customers without a day pass, or a fare of £1 per 60 minutes for monthly and annual members.

TfL said 6.75 million Santander member hires took place in 2023, the most in a single year since the scheme began.

David Eddington, TfL’s head of cycle hire, said: “Santander Cycles is a vital part of London’s transport system and we are constantly looking for ways to improve the scheme, as well as making it as accessible as we can.  

“Santander Cycle e-bike usage in the capital is now more popular than ever so these additional e-bikes will allow more people to be able to access them. 

“We've also listened to our customers regarding our fare tariff and are introducing a Day Pass to give people making multiple journeys in a day certainty about the overall cost of using the scheme.”

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The e-bikes have proved hugely popular since they were introduced and help break down the barriers that stop some people from cycling. The new day pass rate will also make Santander bikes one of the most affordable ways to travel in the capital.”

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.

As part of the current contract, Santander will sponsor TfL’s cycle hire scheme until May 2025.