by Emily Rooney
Starting in spring 2021, docked e-bikes will become available for hire around Leicester, in partnership with e-bike specialist Ride On.
The scheme, similar to the bikes for hire around London, will be named Santander Cycles Leicester, and will be the largest docked e-bike hire scheme in the UK when it launches.
Ride On started in Spain, but has since spread internationally, running e-bike sharing schemes in Spain, Miami, and a forthcoming scheme in Dundee.
Cllr Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor for environment and transportation, said: “The scheme will be low-cost and very easy to use, with people able to pick up and return the e-bikes at the docking stations, where they charge up when not in use.
“The coronavirus pandemic has meant we have had to delay the launch of the scheme, but this gives us the opportunity to test it ahead of a public launch next spring.
“We also know that the pandemic has led to much more interest in cycling, so we will be able to build on that momentum to launch the scheme.”
The project is being funded by Santander, Ride On, Leicester City Council, and Ride On’s delivery partner, Enzen Global.
Miguel Vital, CEO of Ride On, said: “For Ride On, it’s an honour to become the operator and manager of the bike share scheme for Leicester City Council, and to receive support from Santander UK. Today we begin a journey that will make Leicester a smarter city in terms of mobility and will contribute to it becoming an environmentally sustainable landmark.
“Our system is a highly innovative docked e-bike scheme, meaning that in addition to keeping the fleets organised and parked only at our stations, the e-bikes are also efficiently charged. The end result means we are able to optimise time, costs and our environmental footprint. You will all enjoy the experience!”
More information is available at www.rideonleicester.com
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