BRADFORD Council is seeking an operator to run a new e-bike hire scheme that is due to begin next year.

Council bosses signed off on the scheme over the Summer, in the hope it would match the success of similar schemes in other cities like Leeds.

The scheme would involve around 200 hire bikes and see around 50 docking stations, where people can pick up and drop off the bikes, set up across the district.

Money raised through the Bradford Clean Air Zone would fund the scheme, and a report to Council bosses this Summer said it could be self-funding within 18 months.

Bradford Council has now put out a tender seeking for a business with experience in similar schemes to run the programme.

The contract would begin in December and run until the end of 2026.

Previous reports to Bradford Council have said docking stations could be set up at sites including Bradford Interchange, Forster Square Station, Darley Street Market, the University of Bradford and Bradford College and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Areas outside the city including Bingley 5-Rise Locks, Haworth, and East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley could also be included.

The tender offer, which is open until November 1, says: "The total maximum cost for this Tender should not exceed £700,000. It is anticipated that 25 per cent of this total provides an operating subsidy and 75 per cent is utilised for capital expenditure (i.e. e-bikes, docking stations).

“This total is subject to potential increase as the Council is in discussion with key stakeholders who are interested in partnering on this scheme.”

When asked about the contract, Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “We are seeking proposals from experienced service providers for the design, implementation, management, and maintenance of an e-Bike Hire Scheme for the Bradford district.

“This initiative aims to provide an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive transportation option for residents and visitors, encouraging active travel and reducing the district's carbon footprint and levels of air pollution.

“The future for Bradford district is exciting as the sustainable transport systems are improving across the district with cycling playing a significant role in achieving our net zero aims. We want everyone to be able to be able to enjoy active travel.  “We aim to have the scheme up and running during 2025 which will be a great way to travel around the district and take in the City of Culture activities.”