1,400 new e-bikes added  to London’s Santander Cycles scheme

This summer, London’s Santander Cycles scheme will add a whopping 1,400 new e-bikes to its fleet, increasing it from 600 to 2,000 in an effort to promote active transportation.

This expansion aims to make e-bikes more easily accessible to a wider range of people.

Additionally, starting in March, Santander Cycles will introduce a new day pass for just £3, allowing unlimited rentals under 30 minutes within a 24-hour period.

These affordable rates make e-bikes a budget-friendly option for navigating the UK capital. This strategic decision was made in response to user feedback requesting more economical pricing.

Since its launch in 2022, the e-bike rental program has been a success, with over 750,000 rentals and double the daily usage of traditional bikes, proving that Londoners have enthusiastically embraced this eco-friendly alternative. The new e-bikes will be dispersed across key locations in central London to ensure accessibility for all.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is a strong advocate for the e-bike movement, stating, “I’m thrilled to announce that we are adding 1,400 new e-bikes to our fleet, nearly tripling the number available for rental. The popularity of e-bikes since their introduction has been undeniable, and they help to break down barriers that may prevent 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. I am committed to creating a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous London for everyone, and Santander Cycles plays a crucial role in making active transportation accessible to all.” Santander UK’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dan Sherwood, also praised the scheme, saying, “It’s fantastic to see so many people choosing to get around in a healthy and sustainable way.

With the introduction of more e-bikes and new tariffs, I am excited that the Santander Cycles scheme will be even more accessible and affordable for all.” As London gears up for a cycling revolution, Santander Cycles is positioned as a key player in the effort to create a cleaner, healthier, and more accessible urban landscape.

The addition of new e-bikes and the introduction of the affordable day pass is expected to make pedal power the preferred choice for navigating the bustling metropolis.

Speaking about the news, David Eddington, TFL’s Head of Cycle Hire, commented, “Santander Cycles is an essential part of London’s transportation system, and we are always looking for ways to improve the scheme and make it more accessible. The usage of e-bikes in the capital is at an all-time high, and these new additions will allow even more people to take advantage of them.

We have also taken into account customer feedback regarding fare tariffs and are introducing a Day Pass to provide certainty about the overall cost of using the scheme for those making multiple journeys in a day.

Santander Cycles has played a critical role in encouraging more people to cycle, and we look forward to seeing more Londoners utilizing both e-bikes and traditional bikes to create a greener and healthier future for everyone in the city.”