BRIGHTON JOURNAL NEWSTEAM
There’s a new way for residents and businesses in Brighton & Hove to travel.The city has been chosen by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel England’s Innovation Fund to pilot the rollout of new shared electric cargo bikes.
The pilot is being delivered by OurBike in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Brighton with the aim of making e-cargo bikes accessible and affordable for residents and businesses that may not have the budget, storage, or confidence to own one.
The scheme has launched with shared electric cargo bikes being hosted at trusted local venues, including Rotunda Café in Preston Park, Detroit Club in Kemptown and Platf9rm in Hove, with additional bikes and host locations planned across Brighton & Hove over the coming weeks and months.
The bikes can carry up to two children, one adult or anything from small furniture to food deliveries.
Users book bikes through the OurBike mobile app, reserve in advance, and unlock directly from their phone using integrated smart lock technology. Rides cost £5 per hour or £1.25 per 15 minutes.
New users receive free minutes to help them get started:
- Residents receive 60 free minutes
- Businesses receive 180 free minutes
Emma Hughes, General Manager at OurBike, said: “This pilot is about making cargo bikes a realistic option for everyday life in Brighton & Hove, not just for people who can afford to own one or store one at home.
“We want these bikes to feel practical, visible, and easy to use for local residents and businesses. Whether it is carrying children, shopping, work equipment or deliveries, shared e-cargo bikes can replace many short car journeys while making active travel more accessible.”
