Leeds City Bikes expands with new e-bike model and service areas

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BERYL BIKES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LEEDS CITY COUNCIL 

• Leeds City Bikes upgrades and service expansion delivered in partnership by Beryl, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
• Innovative new e-bike model offers improved ride quality, increased range, and more.
• New fleet set to launch on 22 April 2025.

Users of Leeds’ cycle hire scheme will benefit from a new model of electric bike when it launches next week.

From Tuesday 22 April, 265 improved and easier to use e-bikes will be introduced to the Leeds City Bikes fleet.

Delivered by leading British e-bike hire operator Beryl, Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the Leeds City Bikes scheme will also expand its service with 10 new docking stations being installed by next Tuesday.

The new ‘BBE2’ e-bikes are lighter and easier to lock and unlock, and boast a better range of up to 80 kilometres. The next-generation e-bike improves ride quality thanks to its 23-inch wheels with broad rims and puncture-resistant tyres, and a convenient 10kg capacity front basket. Accessibility is also prioritised with a low-step-through frame and adjustable seating for a wider range of riders (4'11" to 6'5"). Users are advised that the new e-bikes will feature a different lock mechanism than the existing BBE1 fleet.

Alongside the new e-bikes, Leeds City Bikes will be expanding its service area to include places like Roundhay and Oakwood – providing more residents and visitors with better access to sustainable transport options.

The new bikes will join the existing fleet, providing increased availability and choice for users.

Phil Ellis, CEO at Beryl, said:

“We are thrilled to be launching the BBE2 in Leeds and expanding the Leeds City Bikes service. Already, we have seen our bikes become a convenient and sustainable option for commuters and visitors alike – a practical and easy-to-use mobility solution. We look forward to seeing the reaction of riders to our innovative new BBE2, packed with new features and rider comforts.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

“Leeds City Bikes has welcomed over more than 22,000 unique riders complete over 120,000 journeys since launching in September 2023. With the introduction of the newest e-bike providing a lighter and easier way to travel by bike, my hope is it’ll provide commuters and leisure travellers more options to choose sustainable and active travel for their journeys.

“I live in the north of Leeds and I’m excited for the expansion further to the North where the scheme has been welcomed as a convenient and accessible travel option for many.

“The more riders we create, the more we can reduce congestion, improve air quality, and support the city’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, said:

“Our cycle hire scheme has many benefits, helping people get around and improving their health and wellbeing.

“That’s why we’ve invested in making it a success – so I’m delighted to see its expansion and the rollout of new and improved bikes.

“This is an essential part of our vision to create a fully integrated transport network in a greener, better-connected region.”

Find out more at: https://beryl.cc/scheme/leeds 

ENDS