As part of a region wide launch, electric bikes (eBikes) have been added to the West Midlands Cycle Hire Scheme for the first time in Solihull. From today, you’ll be able to test one out for yourself and make the most of the 10% off launch day offer.
eBikes are rapidly increasing in popularity, both for leisure and commuter travel. They offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around town and explore your local area. With 68% of journeys in the UK being less than 5 miles, eBikes are ideally suited to these trips. They can be especially handy on those seemingly never ending hills that you may encounter from time to time. The electric motor will begin assisting you as soon as you start pedalling all the way up to 15.5mph to give you that extra boost.
To find your nearest eBike, download the Beryl Cycle Hire App and look for the nearest lightning bolt symbol. Then click on the dock icon to open up a screen which shows you how many eBikes are available and their existing range. When you arrive at the docking station, hiring an eBike is no different from a pedal bike – simply scan the touchpad or enter the Bike ID and you’ll be ready to go.
eBikes cost £1.50 to unlock and 10p per minute of riding. Alternatively, users can hire them as part of a minute bundle and only pay 5p per minute. You can find out more about eBikes by visiting West Midlands Cycle Hire’s blog. Once you’ve downloaded the Beryl app, you’ll also find handy help-guides available in-app too.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Tourism and Sport, said:
“It’s fantastic news that anyone is now able to hire eBikes here in Solihull. This is a brilliant opportunity for those who have always been curious about trying one out but have never had the opportunity to do so. Being able to readily hire one, even if it’s just for a taster session, will hopefully lead to more people considering eBikes as one of their regular modes of transport in the future.
“It’s great to be working with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to improve the cycling infrastructure across the whole of the West Midlands. We share their ambition to deliver an integrated approach by creating a world class network of docking stations.
“We’re always keen to encourage active travel, given the health, well-being and environmental benefits that it delivers. On top of that, encouraging more active travel has a key part to play in reducing congestion issues, especially with traffic now very similar to pre-pandemic levels. I encourage everyone that’s tempted to experience an eBike to download the Beryl Cycle Hire app and give it a go.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“It has been a fantastic year for Cycle Hire going from nought to 1,500 bikes on the streets since March and now these eBikes are ready to take to the scheme further.
“The greater range makes it a clean and green alternative to the car for even more journeys around our region, it also opens up the opportunity to cycle for many more people.
“We are not stopping here, Cycle Hire has proved popular and we are looking to expand it further, reaching more people and more communities so they too have easy access to bikes – after all cycling is good for the environment, good for our health and great fun too.”
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