Bradford e-bike hire scheme to launch in March 2026

AN e-bike hire scheme will finally begin in Bradford in March, almost a year after its proposed start date.

The scheme will see dozens of bike docking points around Bradford where people will be able to use card payments to rent e bikes.

There scheme is partly being funded with money generated by Bradford’s Clean Air Zone.

Bradford Council has announced that the contract for the scheme has been awarded to Beryl – described as “the UK’s largest shared sustainable transport provider.”

Work to install the docking points at locations across the city will begin in the New Year.

The scheme was first announced in 2024, and was initially due to begin in Spring 2025 – in time for Bradford’s City of Culture year.

In May 2025 the Local Democracy Reporting Service asked why there had been no progress on the scheme, and was told by Bradford Council: “The target launch date for the scheme is under review to ensure that we maximise the bike usage when it is launched.”

More details of the scheme were revealed to members of the Council’s Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday evening.

Members were told that as well as e bikes, there would also be a e scooter hire scheme launched at the same time.

A report to members said £800,000 of CAZ revenue would be used to help fund the scheme, with the majority coming from the operarot.

It said: “It is expected that Council funding will provide up to 200 e-bikes and at least 41 docking station hubs in the district.

“There will be a mix of docking stations, painted bays and geofenced areas, with design considerations for people who are visually impaired.

“The Mayor (Tracy Brabin) has asked if the scheme can use the ‘Weaver’ branding. “The Council has applied to DfT to be allowed to carry out an e-scooter pilot alongside the E-Bike Share Scheme, where the supplier will provide 50 e-scooters.”

Andrew Whittles, Director for Sustainability explained the delay in the scheme’s introduction. He said: “We had a supplier ready, but under Council standing orders we need to see the goods before we pay for them.

“But the bikes have now been delivered.”

He added: “The locations will go up as far as Saltaire and Shipley.”

Councillor Faiz Ilyas (Lab, Wibsey) pointed out that such vehicles have been used for crime such as muggings in London. He asked how that would be prevented in Bradford.

Mr Whittles said: “If someone gives us their credit card details to hire a bike you’d think they wouldn’t then use it for crime.

“I think any crime will likely be more crime against the scheme rather than the scheme supporting crime.”

The docking bays would be based in areas where there was CCTV cover or regular police patrols – the meeting was told.

Announcing the appointment of Beryl on Friday, a statement from Bradford Council said: “The scheme is designed to promote sustainable transportation and enhance the quality of life for our community. This innovative initiative represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions, improving public health, and fostering a more connected and environmentally conscious district.

“The new e-bike share scheme will feature a fleet of electric bicycles, strategically located at key points throughout the district. Residents and visitors will be able to easily access these e-bikes, offering a convenient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective mode of transport for short journeys, daily commutes, and recreational activities.

“Beryl will begin installing the e-bike docking stations in the coming months, ensuring readiness for the March launch.

“In January, we will begin engaging with residents and businesses on the proposed site locations which will focus on gathering feedback about specific locations, rather than the overall scheme, to ensure that any local concerns are heard and carefully considered.”

Areas covered by the scheme will include Bradford Interchange, Forster Square Station, the University, Colleges, hospitals and existing cycle lanes.

The statement added: “The e-bike share scheme is funded by ring-fenced Clean Air Zone revenue, ensuring no additional cost to the core Council budget, with Beryl also sharing financial and operational risk to support the scheme’s long-term sustainability.

Philip Elis, Beryl CEO, said: “Bradford has shown real leadership in prioritising sustainable transport and cleaner air for its residents. Our experience operating across the UK has shown us that e-bike share schemes transform how people move around their cities, making every day journeys easier, healthier, and more enjoyable.

“We’re committed to working closely with the Bradford community to ensure the scheme meets local needs and becomes an integral part of the district’s transport network.”