More than 500 on e-bike waiting list

More than 500 people are on a waiting list to hire electronic bikes in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership made 100 available in a pilot scheme which started in November and it is planning to make another 120 available soon, with the aim of encouraging more people to take up cycling.

The bikes are being offered at a cost of £10 a month for the first 12 months, rising to £20 a month after that.

The Shropshire Council member responsible for transport Ian Nellins said the scheme offered "a really great opportunity for people who aren't overly familiar with cycling".

"It's great to see that the people of Shrewsbury have really engaged with this," he said.

The bikes from the partnership, a coalition of local authorities and businesses, come supplied with child carriers, helmets, a charger and are serviced by Shropshire Council.

Mr Nellins said he felt electronic bikes would be especially useful for people "who maybe haven't got the energy to cycle up some of the hills in Shrewsbury".

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