The e-bikes scheme is launching this summer thanks to £8m of funding from the Department for Transport and Cycling UK

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Hull residents will be able to ride e-bikes for free, thanks to a new £8m scheme due to launch in the city this summer.

The 'Cycling made e-asy' initiative is already under way in Manchester and is set to be introduced by the end of July to Hull, as well as Sheffield, Luton and Dunstable and Leicester. The e-bikes will be available to loan for up to three months.

The Department for Transport are funding the scheme, which will be run by Cycling UK and other partners. The aim is to encourage more people to take up cycling.

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Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK's chief executive, said: "Each of our chosen locations will have a variety of e-cycles available to suit a variety of participant's needs. We understand taking the first step to start cycling can be a difficult prospect for many people. This project will allow them to access an e-cycle without obstacles holding them back, to help them make real changes to their travel habits."

Support and training will be available to book for people wishing to use the service who have not cycled for some time or are unfamiliar with e-bikes. Cycling made e-asy forms part of the government's wider Cycling and Walking plan, with the aim of half of all journeys within towns and cities to take place by walking or cycling by 2030.

Cycling Minister Trudy Harrison said: "E-cycles are a great way for people with longer or hillier journeys to travel and the £8m we have provided for this scheme will help make cycling the natural first choice for many journeys - a key government commitment from the prime minister's cycling and walking plan."

In March, six e-bikes were made available to loan from cycle hubs in Trinity Market and the University of Hull. Hull City Council, the university and charity R-evolution funded the project, which allows e-bikes to be hired at a rate of £20 per day, or £100 per week, with a £100 refundable deposit.

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