Tech giant Uber has launched a pilot scheme of 350 electric bikes in the UK.
The trial, which begins in Islington, will expand into London boroughs in the coming months.
The ‘JUMP’ service sees the bright red bikes added to its existing Uber app as an alternative to hailing one of its cars.
Uber acquired the bike-sharing company last year and already offers the service through its app in US and Canada, Berlin, Brussels, Lisbon and Paris.
The e-bikes can be found and rented through Uber’s existing app and feature an electric motor which is assisted by pedalling, with a maximum speed of up to 15mph.
Fitted with a phone mount, GPS tracker and cable lock, the bikes must be locked in a designated area the trip ends to ensure they are properly parked.
There will also be zones in which the bikes cannot be parked without a fine, including canals, hospitals, and some parks. Site:
Before riding the bike, the Uber app will explain the features of the bike and safety instruction to first-time users.
The service costs £1 to unlock and 12p per minute to use, with the first five minutes free.
Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager of Northern and Eastern Europe at Uber, said the new service would help to make London a cleaner city.
“Over time, it’s our goal to help people replace their car with their phone by offering a range of mobility options – whether cars, bikes or public transport,” he said.
General Manager of JUMP, EMEA, Christian Freese, added: “We’re excited to bring JUMP bikes to Islington, our first launch in London.
“With our electric bikes, we hope to encourage more people to try an environmentally friendly way to get across the city.
“Our JUMP bikes have been designed with safety in mind, with a sturdy frame and a bright red colour that makes them visible to other road users.
“We encourage everyone to think about wearing a helmet, follow all traffic laws and brake early and gradually.”
In April, the firm announced that it was adding public transport options to its app.