Set to launch this autumn, the £2.86m scheme will see e-bikes for hire at docking stations in the centre, and along key routes to the south and north-west of the city.
Leeds City Bikes will be designed, developed, and delivered by British e-bike hire operator Beryl, in partnership with Leeds City Council, and has been made possible thanks to funding secured through the West Yorkshire Mayoral devolution deal.
The scheme was given the final green light at the end of May when members of the Combined Authority’s Transport Committee approved the funding in full.
Cllr 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.
‘We know that compared to conventional push bikes, e-bikes are an easier access point for new users including older people, women, people with limited physical strength, people who have limited cycling confidence or experience and people who are looking to take up cycling. I hope that Leeds City Bikes will encourage more people to try cycling without the investment of buying their own bike.’
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