London e-bike scheme to get in-dock charging

TfL and Serco to make major upgrades to Santander Cycles

Transport for London (TfL) has awarded a contract to cycle hire operator Serco that will see the operating provider continue to run London’s flagship cycle hire scheme, Santander Cycles until 2031, with an opportunity to extend for a further five years.  

The new contract supports TfL to move forward with ambitious plans for the cycle hire scheme, to ensure it keeps pace with the extraordinary growth in rental e-bikes in recent years. 

The next six years will see improvements to the customer experience with a new mobile app and a new QR Code bike release system to make hiring a bike easier. 

Planned upgrades to the Santander Cycles scheme will also include the introduction of an in-dock charging system across terminals in the capital. The technology will ensure e-bikes are consistently charged and ready to ride. By eliminating the issue of low charge in batteries, TfL hopes customers will enjoy a more reliable cycling experience. 

Santander Cycles terminals will be modernised across the network to make hiring a bike easier and more accessible. 

There are currently 2,000 e-bikes in the Santander Cycle fleet, which has led to a significant increase in longer hires. In October, the scheme surpassed 109 million hires since 2015, with 3.1 million e-bike hires. 

TfL says daily hire figures have been particularly strong in the past 12 months (November 2024 – October 2025) with more than 9 million hires taking place, a 4% increase from the same time last year. 

Alongside Santander Cycles, TfL is working with boroughs and operators to manage and grow dockless e-bike schemes in a safe and sustainable way, including the introduction of designated parking bays and clear standards for operators.

Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling vommissioner, said: “London’s boom in cycling shows no sign of slowing down, so it’s great to see further investment in improvements to the Santander Cycles scheme including in-dock charging for e-bikes and a new, easier-to-use app. Following a record number of Santander Cycles member hires in October 2025 and soaring numbers of bike trips across the capital, the Mayor and I will keep investing in sustainable and accessible transport options as we continue to create a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.” 

David Eddington, head of cycle hire at TfL, said: “Our cycle hire scheme has gone from strength to strength thanks to our successful operating partnership with Serco. We look forward to continuing working with Serco to see even more innovative and creative technologies introduced ensuring that Santander Cycles can continue to be the best choice for Londoners.” 

Anthony Kirby, Serco Group chief executive, said:  “We are delighted to have been awarded this new contract that will see significant service improvements for TfL and the thousands of Londoners and visitors who use the bikes every day.    

“As part of our operation, we have committed to partner with TfL to help decarbonise London and we are supporting the Mayor’s transport strategy, under which 80% of all trips in London will be made by walking, cycling and public transport by 2041.”