Electric bikes available to hire for first time in Birmingham

Wednesday, 8 December 2021 19:31

From 08 December 2021, electric bikes may be hired from any of Birmingham's 85 docking stations situated in the most popular areas.

Ebike hire is part of the Birmingham Transport Plan to lower pollution and increase health by encouraging more people to cycle or walk short journeys rather than take a car.

Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment Councillor Zaffar said:

I am delighted that our partner, Transport for West Midlands has allocated 60 ebikes to hire within Birmingham. This will add to the 500 standard bicycles already available for hire from 85 docking stations in Birmingham. Both electric bikes and standard bicycles may be collected and dropped-off at any docking station that may be found via the Beryl application.

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA Portfolio Lead for Transport and Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

Cycle Hire has already proved a success this year, especially good for those people who cannot buy a bike outright or don’t have room at home for one. Now ebikes will make cycling even more accessible for those people who need a little extra help with cycling.

But this is just one part of the £40 million investment TfWM and partner councils are making in cycling and walking including the new safe cycle routes under construction, bike storage racks being installed and schemes to encourage more people to give it a go.

150 electric bikes are available for hire across the West Midlands from Wednesday 8 December, giving more people the opportunity to cycle.

Made in the Midlands by renowned cycle manufacturer Pashley, ebikes are the latest addition to the West Midlands Cycle Hire (WMCH) scheme which are now available across eight town and city centres.

Allowing riders to make longer journeys more easily, they will provide extra help to those who may have difficulty pedalling a standard bicycle.

Affordable hire costs give those deterred by the expense of buying a new ebike the opportunity to give it a go.

Check for the availability and location of electric bikes by downloading the Beryl cycle hire application.

Station map - West Midlands Cycle Hire (wmcyclehire.co.uk)