New £1.75 cycle hire flat fare launched for Hackney residents

Following an updated agreement between Hackney Council and dockless bike operator Lime, residents can register for a new discounted flat fare for rides starting in the borough. The £1.75 fare covers Lime bike journeys of up to 25 minutes. After that, rides continue at 31p per minute.

Unlike some other dockless bike offers, the discounted fare does not require a paid monthly subscription. 

The changes reduce the cost of a pay-as-you-go 25-minute Lime bike ride from £8.75 to £1.75, making it one of the most affordable transport options in London. Users can still access a variety of minute bundles, depending on journey needs and length.

Lower-income residents and key workers can also benefit from Lime Access, which currently offers a 50% discount on pay-as-you-go rides. 

Residents can already access £1.75 rides up to 30 minutes in Hackney through dockless bike operator Voi, which began operating in the borough last year. After 30 minutes, Voi rides cost 20p per minute.

To access the Lime discount, you must be a Hackney resident and sign up for a pass online by providing proof of residency. You can do this by submitting a document with your home address, such as a Council Tax or utility bill. Once verified, the discount will be automatically linked to the user’s Lime account. 

Residents can also apply for the Voi4Hackney pass through Voi’s website by submitting proof of Hackney residency. 

These discounted fares are part of Hackney Council’s efforts to make cycling a more convenient and accessible transport choice for residents. 

Alongside this, the Council is working with the operators to enforce tougher measures to monitor parking compliance. This includes creating 400 designated parking bays by the end of the year, which are the only places riders are permitted to leave the bikes. 

“We’re making cycling easier and cheaper than ever. With this flat fee, which is no more expensive than the bus, we’re helping more residents choose cycling for local journeys, removing barriers by providing a range of bike models and free cycle training to build confidence and keep people riding safely.

“As we head into spring and summer, dockless bike rides will only become more popular. We’ve put strict measures in place to ensure bikes are used and parked responsibly, and we’ll continue holding operators to account.”

Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport

Find out more and register for the discounts on the website.