E-scooter operator Tier has partnered with the London Borough of Islington to deploy 500 e-bikes, ahead of plans for a wider roll-out in the capital.

Tier’s London e-bikes will initially be available from parking bays across Islington and will be charged at the same rate as e-scooters

The e-bikes will initially be available from parking bays across Islington and will be charged at the same rate as e-scooters – £1 to unlock and £0.15 per minute riding. Regular riders, such as those using e-bikes for full or partial commutes, can make use of day and monthly passes.

The scheme follows the successful introduction of Tier’s e-bikes to European cities including Paris and Eindhoven, as well as in the UK last April in York.

They’re intended to help reduce reliance on cars; according to the Urban Transport Group, an evaluation of e-bike schemes across continental Europe found that typically around half of e-bike trips replaced car trips.

Georgia Yexley, head of cities UK and Ireland, said: “At Tier we are passionate about cutting emissions and improving air quality in cities across Europe. We know e-bikes can play a significant role in encouraging people to ditch their cars and switch to greener modes of transport.

“We’re really excited to bring our e-bikes to London following their successful introduction in York this year. With the ULEZ expanding and Londoners thinking more about how they can travel sustainably, we want to provide them with an active and sustainable as well as accessible and affordable option to get around the city.”