E-bikes scheme set to return to city centre in early 2023

Derby City Council has announced that a new pay-as-you-go electric bike hire scheme is to be rolled out from spring.

In total, 550 e-bikes, which are being made available at no cost to the council, will be operated by the world’s leading shared electric vehicle company Lime.

The initial launch will see 150 e-bikes rolled out in key locations. A further 400 e-bikes will be introduced at a later stage.

The council said it is planning to re-invest the funding secured from the Department for Transport, which had initially been allocated to the scheme, to support cycle infrastructure within local communities and popular cycle locations.

Councillor Steve Hassall, the city council’s cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport, said: “I’m thrilled to announce that we will be welcoming this new fleet of e-bikes to Derby through our partnership with Lime.

“E-bikes are an excellent alternative to shorter car journeys, providing citizens with a clean, convenient and cheaper transport option.

“This scheme is another step towards our ambition to make electric transport more accessible within Derby and achieve our target to become carbon neutral by 2035.”

Lime will be launching its latest Gen4 e-bike model in Derby, which features a range of 64km with swappable replaceable batteries, which will be monitored by Lime, keeping the e-bikes on the streets for longer.

They will also feature built-in front and rear lights – with rear lights that brighten when the bike brakes.

They will have increased motor power to help riders climb hills and restart their ride after stopping.

They will even have phone holders, allowing riders to easily navigate and follow directions without having to stop and check directions.

Hal Stevenson, senior public affairs manager for Lime in the UK, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our e-bikes to Derby next year.

“Our new service will offer residents and visitors a new active and sustainable travel option to get around the city.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Derby City Council, with our scheme supporting their wider plans to install more cycling infrastructure and reduce local reliance upon cars.”

The e-bikes will be available for hire via the Lime app and will cost £1 to unlock and then 17p per minute.

According to the city council, the new scheme will build upon lessons learned from previous schemes, with increased security and support from local partners.