Beryl’s e-bike scheme set to double in Leeds, UK

Credit: Beryl

In a joint effort between Beryl, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, an ambitious expansion of the e-bike hire service in Leeds is underway. The initiative aims to double the number of bays, extend the service area and introduce over 200 new e-bikes by the end of March 2024.

The expansion is poised to revolutionise commuting, leisure activities, shopping and academic pursuits for countless individuals as spring unfolds. Extending beyond the city centre, the scheme will now reach into suburban areas like Chapel Allerton, Meanwood and student hubs such as Hyde Park, facilitating seamless connectivity between residential areas and educational institutions.

To enhance affordability, a new 50 Minute Bundle offer has been introduced through the Beryl app. This package allows users to purchase 50 minutes for £8, waiving the £1 unlock fee for every ride and enabling the utilisation of minutes within 12 months of purchase. Complementing the recent launch of the 100 Minute Bundle offer, this initiative aims to maximise flexibility for customers and promote sustainable transportation.

Phil Ellis, CEO of Beryl, said: “By swapping the car for a Leeds City Bike journey you’re not only boosting your own health and fitness, you’re also helping to reduce congestion and harmful carbon emissions, so why not give it a try.”

The expansion, valued at £2.86 million, has been made possible through funding secured via the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal. 

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Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “It’s wonderful to see more e-bikes available to hire outside the city centre and I’m sure people across Leeds will be making the most of them over the coming weeks and months.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, said: “Our ambition is for Leeds to be a city where you don’t need to own a car. With the Leeds City Bikes scheme expansion into more suburbs of Leeds, we’re giving people choices to integrate and access different transport modes to choose the most suitable mode for their journey.”

Notably, the Beryl Annual Rider Report for 2023 highlighted the importance of convenience and cost for users, with 96% emphasizing convenience and 92% citing cost as crucial factors in their decision to use e-bikes.

Since its launch in September 2023, the scheme has already facilitated nearly 14,000 journeys, covering almost 36,000km. The ongoing expansion marks the first phase of the rollout, with further bikes and bays anticipated to be delivered in the summer.