New and improved cargo bikes available to rent in Hackney
Eight new cargo bikes are now available to rent in Hackney, as the borough re-launches its pioneering share scheme with upgraded models and a new location.
Now operated by OurBike, the UK’s largest community e-cargo bike share operator, the scheme features newly introduced bikes with an open-top box design. These models make it easier to carry bulkier items, including shopping, deliveries, small furniture, or even passengers (two children or one adult) weighing up to 100kg.
The electrically assisted cargo carriers can be picked up from any of the five outdoor hubs across Hackney: Fleetwood Street in Stoke Newington, Broadway Market, Calvert Avenue in Shoreditch, Dalston Square, and Chatsworth Road in Clapton. In August, the Council launched its newest location on Chatsworth Road, with an additional bike being added to the hub this October.
First launched in 2021 as the country’s first publicly available cargo bike sharing scheme, Hackney’s service, now delivered by OurBike, continues to support more sustainable transport options across the borough.
Aimed at both residents and businesses, the scheme offers a practical, low-emission alternative to using cars or vans for short trips and light deliveries.
It costs £5 to rent a cargo bike for an hour, or £1.25 per 15 minutes. Users can choose between two types of bike: Back to Base bikes, which must be returned to the start location, and “Flexi” bikes, with a pink sticker, which can be dropped off at any hub for an additional £5 fee.
To celebrate the new location, a community event will take place at Chatsworth Road Market on Sunday 19 October, from 11am to 2pm, featuring live demonstrations, free bike checks, and the chance to try out the cargo bikes as a rider or passenger.
The scheme is funded by the Mayor of London and the Zero Emissions Network (ZEN), a Hackney-led initiative that supports businesses and residents in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, and the City of London in saving money, reducing emissions, and improving local air quality.
Two additional cargo bikes are also launching this month in Westminster on Church Street Market, as well as another cargo bike in the City of London on Goswell Road, coordinated by the ZEN team. They form part of a wider OurBike network, with over 50 cargo bikes across London.
Newham and Tower Hamlets will also be joining the scheme in the new year.
New users can redeem 60 free minutes (for residents) or 180 free minutes (for businesses) by downloading the app and signing up: https://ourbike.co.uk/
Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said
“It’s fantastic to see so many residents and businesses renting cargo bikes for their everyday errands, thanks to this new partnership with OurBike.
“Our scheme offers a sustainable, affordable and practical way to transport substantial loads without needing a car or van. Whether that’s parents doing the school run, pharmacies delivering prescriptions, or local tradespeople doing home visits, we’re making it easier than ever for more people to choose cleaner, greener transport.”
Emma Hughes, Head of Business Development & OurBike Lead at Peddle My Wheels, said
“We’re excited to expand OurBike across Hackney and the wider Zero Emissions Network — helping more people in Hackney, Westminster, the City of London, Tower Hamlets and Newham make the switch to clean, practical transport.
“Our shared e-cargo bikes are a brilliant addition to London’s growing micromobility landscape — especially for families, businesses and community groups who need to carry more things or people than a standard bike allows.
“Each bike is hosted by a local business or organisation, meaning the scheme is deeply rooted in the community, easy to access, and shaped around real, local journeys. With 74 bikes now live across London and rural areas, we’re proud to be the UK’s largest community cargo bike share — and we’re looking forward to helping even more people move affordably, sustainably and joyfully.”
Douglas Racionzer, Social Enterprise and Community Development Manager at Hackney Co-operative Developments (HCD), said
“We at HCD are committed to alleviating poverty, advancing education, and overcoming discrimination. Over four decades now, we have supported initiatives in Hackney that promote human flourishing and the common good.
“Recognising the climate emergency's impact on our stakeholders (local citizens, social entrepreneurs, and tenants), we formed a small team at our head office in Dalston to host the cargo bike initiative. We remain dedicated to it and cheer its roll-out across London and beyond.”
Remy, owner of L'Épicerie @ 56, said
"What a smart solution for getting around! Whether it is to deliver to our customers, pick up goods from our suppliers and just use it to get around with my family. We just love it, all the more as we can not afford a car or a van. Well done OurBike."