Leeds City Council has revealed its new e-bike fleet ahead of the launch of its public hire service this autumn.

The scheme will initially offer around 300 e-bikes, available from docking stations at key locations around the city

Dubbed Leeds City Bikes, it’s said to be the UK’s first fully electric public bike hire service and will initially offer around 300 e-bikes, available from docking stations at key locations. The service will also incorporate tricycles and e-cargo bikes.

The £2.86m scheme is being delivered by British e-bike hire operator Beryl, in partnership with Leeds City Council.

The e-bikes will be available for hire from launch at docking stations in the centre, and along key routes to the south and north-west of the city, before expanding to other areas.

The scheme launches with the help of funding secured through the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal, and it’s hoped that further e-bike services will roll out across West Yorkshire.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “We want Leeds to be a city where you don’t need to own a car and a key part of that is expanding and supporting our cycling network. Cycling is a great way to travel for short journeys, as well as long, and this proposal will make it easier for people to make that change.”

The scheme will draw on Beryl’s experience in providing affordable bike, e-bike, e-cargo bike and e-scooter schemes in locations around the country. It also provides technology for London’s Santander Bikes and the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme, among others.

Philip Ellis, CEO of Beryl, said: “We have a proven track record of working in partnership with cities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders to deliver successful services that play a crucial role in integrated urban transport systems.

“Our vehicles are not only good for the environment, they’re also fun, easy to use and cost-effective, removing the need for vehicle ownership expenses such as fuel, tax, MOT, storage, parking and maintenance.”