CYCLISTS have gone on more than 30,000 journeys on ebikes since they were launched on the West Midlands streets in December.
During Bike Week, which runs from June 6 to 12 West Midlands Cycle Hire (WMCH) revealed more than 8,000 individuals have used the ebikes and travelled and average of almost three kilometres per trip.
The power assisted bikes, which can make cycling easier especially on longer journeys or hilly terrain, are available for hire in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
WMCH say the ebikes, of which there are 150 available for hire, have also attracted new users to the scheme with more than 2,700 people using an ebike for their first WMCH ride.
Adam Tranter, West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “West Midlands Cycle Hire has, in a short space of time, become a key part of our sustainable transport network.
“E-bikes open up cycling to many more people, and it’s heartening to see their popularity so far. Alongside new infrastructure, we’re committed to giving people choices in the way they travel.”
WMCH was developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and is operated by Serco.
The bikes and docking stations are manufactured here in the West Midlands.
West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: “Our cycle hire scheme has been a phenomenal success and these latest figures show our decision to include e-bikes in our offering has been incredibly warmly received by the public.
“Citizens across the West Midlands have made more than 30,000 e-bike journeys over the winter and spring. Now as we move into the summer season, e-bikes are sure to prove even more popular than they have so far.
“We’re keen to enable cycling uptake in our region given all of the health and environmental benefits; e-bikes are a great way for people to get started and experience the benefits of active travel.”
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.
