Barking and Dagenham Council has partnered with provider Voi to bring the e-bikes to Barking as part of a one-year pilot programme. 

E-bikes are a low-cost, low-carbon alternative to traditional public transport and offer users greater mobility. The Voi e-bike scheme is already live in other boroughs in the capital, including Hackney, Hounslow, Southwark, Kensington and Chelsea, and Ealing.

In Barking, Voi will cover all costs relating to the management and provision of the e-bikes.  

Cllr Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I’m really excited to see these e-bikes around the borough, offering our residents a handy, greener way to get about in the Barking area. 

“We expect them to ease the strain on our roads and local rail network, while giving residents a new and fun way to get to work or out to one of our lovely parks.”

Paul Roberts,  Head of New Business and Innovation at Barking Riverside Ltd, said: “As a sustainable transport-first development, we are excited about being part of this trial scheme in partnership with Voi and the wider borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Early uptake statistics are positive, revealing that each bike is used twice per day on average. We look forward to seeing this alternative mode of transport gain even more momentum, facilitating greener journeys for our residents across the borough.”

Harry Foskin, Voi's UK Public Policy Manager, said: “We’re excited to bring Voi e-bikes to Barking, offering residents a convenient, safe, affordable way to commute across the borough - whilst helping cut congestion and emissions.”

“This project is another endorsement of our responsible approach to running e-bikes in London - working in close partnership with the Council and the community, prioritising safety, and keeping pavements clear.”

Riders will be required to return the bikes to designated bays once they’ve finished using them or they could face a fine. 

Residents will be able to report any bikes left outside of designated bays by scanning a QR code on the bike. Voi will aim to collect any poorly parked bikes within two hours of them being reported. 

To discourage any anti-social behaviour on the bikes, users will have to register through the Voi app to be able to use them. 

Users can choose to use the bikes on a pay-as-you-go basis, through a subscription or on a minute bundle basis. 

Find out more about the pilot scheme here.