It is hoped the scheme will encourage sustainable travel behaviours among new and returning students as the new academic year begins.

See also: Guildford eBike Scheme Still Awaited But SCC Are Not Back-pedalling

Transport operator Beryl was appointed by a project partnership made up of Surrey County Council, which is contributing £1.05million to help the start-up of the scheme, Guildford Borough Council, which is contributing £250,000, and the University of Surrey. The UK-based operator was awarded the contract following a restricted tender process.

Beryl installed a scheme for Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole Council. Image Beryl

The pilot phase will accelerate over the coming weeks, and by the end of October there should be 200 bikes with 46 bays across a wider part of the town as we enter the winter months. A full complement of 300 bikes will then be available across 56 bays in spring 2025 – those final bays will be in the outer areas of the town completing a comprehensive network.

Cllr Matt Furniss

Matt Furniss (Con, Shalford), Surrey County Council’s Cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “I’m really pleased that Beryl has been chosen to launch the first e-bike hire scheme in Surrey. It will be a sustainable and affordable way to help people to travel around the whole town and surrounding locations like Jacob’s Well, Merrow and Shalford. We’re contributing more than £1 million to help start this scheme which, if successful, we’ll expand to other locations around the county.

“Surrey County Council is investing millions of pounds in highways and transport improvements every year. This will support easier, cleaner travel which will reduce emissions, improve air quality, improve health and wellbeing, and help tackle the climate emergency.”

Cllr George Potter

Guildford Borough Council’s lead councillor for Environment and Climate Change, George Potter (Lib Dem, Burpham), said: “We’re very pleased to be joining up with Surrey County Council and the University of Surrey to help fund the launch of this brilliant scheme. Tackling the climate emergency is a key priority for us, and giving people greener alternatives to travelling by car is an important part of this given that transport accounts for 51 per cent of carbon emissions in our borough.

“I’m particularly pleased that we are partnering with a scheme operator which has B Corp sustainability certification and that the new scheme will reach far beyond the town centre, with the opportunity to hopefully expand it further in the future if it proves successful.”

Map showing the distribution of eBike hubs in the town and beyond there are more planned off this map. The circles indicate hubs where comments were received in the consultation including the number of comments and whether they were in favour (green), neutral (amber) or against (red).

Professor Bob Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Executive Board lead for Sustainability at the University of Surrey, said: “The University is delighted to support this new e-bike scheme which will provide a cheap and sustainable alternative way of getting around our town.

“For our students and staff, the scheme offers both a convenient and green transport option and also a contribution to health and wellbeing, encouraging access to fresh air and exercise – albeit with a bit of electric oomph to help with Guildford’s many hills.”

Beryl CEO and co-founder Phil Ellis said: “Our core aim is to remove the barriers to sustainable travel for as many people as possible, encouraging people out of the car by providing them with a sustainable, convenient, reliable, cost-effective and fun alternative.

“We’re very experienced at delivering schemes with local authority partners and we look forward to working closely with Surrey County Council and with key stakeholders to ensure this scheme provides the best possible service to users.

“By swapping the car for an e-bike journey you’re not only boosting your own health and fitness, you’re also contributing towards reducing congestion and improving regional air quality.”