Transport for London (TfL) and Santander have announced that e-bikes will be launched through the Santander Cycles scheme from 12 September onwards across London.
TfL and Santander will reportedly add 500 e-bikes to the fleet in an effort to modernise the scheme. The bikes will be located at central locations across London, with the pair claiming they will be available through any of the current 800 docking stations.
According to TfL, the scheme recorded its busiest month in its history in July, with more than one million hires throughout the month.
TfL has also announced changes to its fare tariff from 12 September to improve the flexibility of the service based on customer feedback.
The current system of an annual fee or daily £2 fee for unlimited rides, with additional charges for journeys in excess of 30 minutes, will be replaced with a 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.
The e-bikes will initially only be available to registered users for a fee of £3.30 per 30-minute ride, or a fare of £1 per hour for monthly and annual members.
David Eddington, head of cycle hire at TfL, said: “Santander Cycles is a vital part of London’s transport system and is more popular than ever, with the scheme seeing 11 record-breaking months in a row.
“We want to make sure that the scheme continues to be one of the easiest and most sustainable ways of travelling in the capital.
“The new bikes, alongside our simpler new tariff, will ensure that the scheme can build on this success and be financially sustainable, playing a full role in a green and healthy future for London.”
TfL has also announced new docking stations across Southwark to open later this year at Burgess Park Albany Road, South Bermondsey station, Clements Road, Harris Academy, Brandon Street, Crimscott Street and The Blue. They will be built with funding from Southwark Council.
The scheme will be temporarily closed between the evening of Friday 9 September and the morning Monday 12 September to allow for system upgrades.
