ELECTRIC bikes are available to hire across the region to give more people the chance to cycle.
The 150-plus eBikes, made by Stratford-Upon-Avon based Pashley, are the latest addition to the West Midlands Cycle Hire (WMCH) scheme which is on offer across the region including Solihull, Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
Their arrival will allow riders to make longer journeys more easily and will offer extra help to those who may have difficulty pedalling a regular cycle or struggle with hills.
The roll-out follows the successful launch of the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme earlier this year which has so far introduced 1,350 distinctive green and grey branded pedal bikes onto the region’s streets and seen more than 169,000 rides taken.
The new eBikes have their own green and purple branding to make them easy to identify but will use the same docking stations.
West Midlands cycling and walking commissioner Adam Tranter added: “eBikes have totally transformed cycling for many people, including me; using an eBike made it much less likely for me to use a car
“From a quick trip across town or to meet friends, having electric assistance is really helpful on the hills or just when you want to take it easy. I’m pleased that more people in the West Midlands now have the chance to use an eBike thanks to this new fleet.”
Investment in cycling facilities is a key part of the region’s plan to encourage more alternatives to the car for shorter journeys around busy towns and cities with a view to reducing congestion, improving air quality and helping the region achieve its net zero-carbon target.
WMCH is operated by Serco under a five-year contract from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
It costs £1.50 to unlock an eBike and 10p per minute after that – or 5p per minute with a WMCH bundle deal which means a half-hour ride could cost as little as £3.
The bikes are hired using the Beryl Cycle Hire app where the eBike locations are clearly marked.
Further information on the eBikes visit wmcyclehire.co.uk.
