A new e-bike hire scheme could soon be introduced across Stoke-on-Trent, offering residents a convenient and affordable alternative to the car for shorter journeys.

Plans approved by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s cabinet today (Tuesday 11 August) could see up to 1,000 e-bikes made available at locations across the city’s six towns.

The scheme would be delivered at no cost to the council, with an operator appointed through a competitive procurement process to provide, maintain and manage the bikes under a concession agreement.

The proposals form part of a wider programme of transport investment across the city. The council has secured more than £105 million in government funding for transport improvements between 2026 and 2030, including investment in buses, roads and cycling and walking routes.

With around 70 per cent of car journeys covering less than five miles, and 25 per cent less than one mile, the council says e-bikes could provide an alternative for some shorter trips, helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality and ease pressure on the road network.

The bikes could also make cycling more accessible for longer journeys and hilly routes, while providing another option for travelling to town centres, workplaces, education settings and public transport hubs.

Similar schemes are already operating in cities across the UK. An e-bike hire scheme launched in Glasgow in November 2025 recorded 170,000 journeys during its first five months.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the scheme would give residents “more convenient and affordable choices” for getting around the city.

He added: “Many everyday car journeys are relatively short. E-bikes could offer a practical alternative for some of those trips, helping people travel to work, education, town centres and public transport connections.

“The scheme would be provided and maintained by an experienced operator at no cost to the council, with clear arrangements in place to ensure it is safe, well managed and works for our communities.”

The council will now begin the competitive procurement process to appoint an operator.

If approved following the procurement process, the operator would be responsible for supplying and maintaining the bikes, while the council would monitor the scheme to ensure it is safe and effective.