E-bike scheme announced for Hemel Hempstead with three year trial confirmed

A three-year trial with an option for two further years has been agreed in the Hemel Hempstead area.

It is the first time e-bikes will be available to rent in the town and the initial bikes will be placed between Hemel Hempstead Railway Station and the Maylands area.

E-bikes are being made available to the public to lower the number of short as an alternative to a short car drive. It is hoped that e-bikes will make cycling more viable in the hilly areas of Hemel Hempstead.

There is scope to expand the scheme and the council has highlighted similar trials taking place in south west Hertfordshire. Funding for the scheme has come from Community Infrastructure Levy which developers building homes in Dacorum have paid.

At this time the council has not selected a transport company to run the scheme on its behalf.

Councillor Adrian England said: “Electric bikes mean hills don’t stop you, open up riding short trips to a far wider range of people, and this trial will help us understand how an e-bike infrastructure network for one of the biggest towns in Hertfordshire can make space for people who currently get stuck in traffic at rush hour.

This option will make it easier for people to choose healthier, cleaner, easier and more sustainable ways of getting around Hemel Hempstead, helping more residents get in the saddle and move in the right direction.”