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Cardiff to launch electric bike hire scheme in early 2026
The new scheme will be fully funded and operated by a private company, with Cardiff Council only covering the cost of installing painted parking bays.
Cardiff Council has confirmed plans to launch a new electric cycle hire scheme offering residents and visitors a cleaner, safer and more reliable way to get around the city.
The scheme in the Welsh capital city will be fully funded and operated by a private company, with the council only covering the cost of installing painted parking bays. This means the scheme will come at no cost to the council for day-to-day running.
Nextbike programme
The new scheme follows the success – and challenges – of the previous Nextbike programme, which saw over two million rides between 2018 and 2023. That scheme was eventually suspended due to high levels of vandalism and theft.
This time, all bikes will be electric. E-bikes are more robust, less likely to be vandalised, and require less maintenance. They will also be equipped with GPS tracking to help recover bikes if they are moved or stolen while not in use.
The bikes will be parked in designated geo-fenced areas – virtual zones that ensure bikes can only be left in approved locations. This helps keep pavements clear and makes the scheme easier to manage, according to the council.
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The council reports it has spoken to leading cycle hire operators across the UK and Europe, and there is strong interest in running a scheme in Cardiff. Up to 2,500 e-bikes could be rolled out across the city, with the option to add e-scooters in future, if a decision is taken by council and pending the decision by the Department for Transport (DfT) on the e-scooter trials, and legal changes being made to allow them to be used on public land in Wales.
Neighbouring councils in the Vale of Glamorgan and Newport have also expressed interest in joining the scheme, which could lead to a wider regional network.
“We’re bringing back a cycle hire scheme that works for Cardiff – one that’s safer, smarter, and more secure”
“We’re bringing back a cycle hire scheme that works for Cardiff – one that’s safer, smarter, and more secure,” said councillor Dan De’Ath, cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning and transport. “This is a great example of how we can deliver better services for residents without extra cost to the council. We’ve listened, we’ve learned, and we’re ready to get Cardiff cycling again.”
The scheme is expected to launch in spring 2026, with a new fleet of e-bikes for the public to use.
Why not try these links to see what our SmartCitiesWorld AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
How will GPS tracking improve e-bike security and recovery?What benefits do geo-fenced parking bays provide for bike management?How might e-bikes reduce maintenance compared to traditional bikes?What impact could regional expansion have on the e-bike scheme?How does private funding affect the sustainability of the scheme?
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