A new e-bike share scheme has launched in Stevenage.

The scheme, which is operated by Beryl in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council, consists of 150 e-bikes available for hire from 45 bays across the town.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, chair of the Stevenage Development Board, added: "We are very proud of this scheme as it not only shows that Stevenage has an eye on providing future solutions for our residents, but it is also a nod to just how well thought out the town was at its inception."

The new scheme is part of a drive to improve access to sustainable transport, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality and public health.

The scheme has been funded in part by the UK government's Towns Fund, through the Stevenage Development Board, and contributions from developers.

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: "We’ve operated bike share schemes in Hertfordshire for nearly five years and will use that knowledge and experience to make this scheme as accessible, easy-to-use and convenient as possible.

"Our e-bikes are a really fun and versatile way to travel and their extra power can really open up areas, enabling riders to tackle hills and undertake longer journeys."

The latest annual Beryl Rider Report, a survey of thousands of Beryl users across several schemes undertaken in the summer of 2023, showed that Beryl e-bikes have a positive impact on lapsed cyclists.

Of all e-bike riders asked, 21 per cent said they had used Beryl e-bikes to ride for the first time after a long break (five-plus years) from cycling.

A further three per cent said Beryl e-bikes had encouraged them to cycle for the first time ever.

Councillor Lloyd Briscoe, cabinet member for economy, skills and transport, said: "We are delighted that this scheme has launched today, as we continue to encourage active travel across the town.

"We hope that this scheme will allow experienced and first-time cyclists to experience travel throughout Stevenage in a different way, using a pollution-free method of transport and will open up cycling to a greater number of people."

Residents can hire an e-bike through the Beryl app.