People across South Yorkshire will soon be able to hire e-bikes and keep them at home as part of a pioneering new transport initiative that aims to make cycling more affordable and accessible.
The scheme, announced by Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. Unlike traditional city bike hire programmes, which require users to rent bikes for short journeys and return them to designated locations, the new model will allow residents to take e-bikes home through a long-term subscription service.
Set to launch in spring 2027, the initiative forms part of the South Yorkshire People’s Network and is designed to give residents greater freedom and flexibility when choosing how they travel for work, education and everyday activities.
Speaking about the new programme, Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard said:
“The idea at the heart of the South Yorkshire People’s Network is that transport should work for everyone in South Yorkshire, giving us all freedom and choice about how we travel and move.
“That’s why we’ve designed this pioneering new e-bike subscription service; because it’s not enough to simply build bike lanes and cycle networks, we need to give everyone the chance to use them.
“So, from next spring, people across South Yorkshire will be able to hire a new e-bike on a long-term loan, for an affordable monthly price. That’s potentially game changing for anyone who wants to make different travel choices but has been priced out up to now.
“I’m proud to say we’re the first place in the country to develop this type of scheme, but I know we won’t be the last. South Yorkshire is leading the way again, putting the public back in public transport.”
The project has received an initial £1.3 million investment, with procurement now underway for the first 275 e-bikes. The move marks a significant step forward in South Yorkshire’s ambitions to create a more sustainable, connected and inclusive transport network.
The subscription model has been informed by research highlighting the benefits of e-bikes in helping people travel longer distances while making daily journeys easier and more practical. It has also drawn on insights from existing short-term bike loan schemes operating across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
With transport costs continuing to affect household budgets, the scheme will feature a flexible tiered pricing structure designed to ensure affordability remains at its core. Regional leaders hope the initiative will remove one of the biggest barriers preventing people from choosing active travel options.
The programme also supports the region’s Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy, which aims to make active travel a realistic and attractive choice for more residents. By combining infrastructure investment with affordable access to e-bikes, South Yorkshire hopes to encourage more sustainable travel habits while reducing reliance on private cars.
As local authorities across the UK explore new ways to cut emissions, tackle congestion and improve public health, South Yorkshire’s innovative approach could provide a blueprint for other regions looking to expand access to active travel.
Image credit: iStock
