**Cardiff Council Unveils Plans for New E-Bike Scheme Following End of Nextbike**
Cardiff is set to see a significant shift in its cycle hire landscape, as Cardiff Council has revealed intentions to introduce a comprehensive e-bike rental scheme by early 2026. This initiative is aimed at reviving and modernising cycle sharing across the capital following the abrupt termination of the city’s previous Nextbike scheme in 2023, which was plagued by persistent vandalism and theft.
All cycles offered under this new system will be electric, marking a notable upgrade from the older, more traditional bikes previously in use. Officials anticipate that as many as 2,500 e-bikes could be deployed around the city, offering greater accessibility and convenience for both residents and visitors. The council believes that electric models are generally more resilient, require less frequent upkeep, and—with their additional weight and locking mechanisms—are more difficult to damage or steal.
An essential element of the scheme will be the integration of GPS tracking systems across the fleet. According to council representatives, this technology is not only expected to aid the recovery of missing bikes, but will also act as a deterrent to would-be thieves. Each bike will also be required to be left in so-called ‘geo-fenced’ zones—designated, digitally mapped areas where drop-off and collection can occur. These measures are aimed at keeping footpaths uncluttered and the scheme itself easier to administer.
The Nextbike scheme, which operated in Cardiff between 2018 and 2023, proved popular in its early years and logged more than two million rides. Nonetheless, the system struggled to cope with the sheer scale of anti-social behaviour targeted at its bikes. Councillors were left with little choice but to suspend operations, citing unsustainable losses and ongoing safety concerns.
In discussing the replacement scheme, Cardiff Council has reassured the public that the management and funding of the project will fall to a private operator. The council’s role will be limited mostly to installing painted bays to accommodate the parked bikes, ensuring minimal additional pressure on local budgets.
Looking to the future, there remains the possibility of expanding the service to incorporate e-scooters, though this would depend on both council approval and changes in transport regulations at the national level. Currently, e-scooters are not permitted on public highways in Wales, but the Department for Transport is said to be considering trials and a potential change to this policy.
The scope of the new e-bike venture could also extend beyond Cardiff. Neighbouring authorities in the Vale of Glamorgan and Newport have already signalled interest in collaborating, suggesting the prospect of a broader, regional approach to sustainable urban mobility in South Wales.
Councillor Dan De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, spoke enthusiastically about the forthcoming changes. “We’re reintroducing a cycle hire scheme that’s better suited for Cardiff—one that prioritises safety, intelligence, and reliability. It’s a prime example of delivering modern services to residents without additional strain on the council’s finances,” he commented. “We’ve paid attention to public concerns and learned from past missteps, and now we’re committed to getting Cardiff cycling again.”
From a larger perspective, the council’s revised approach reflects a growing trend among urban areas in the UK, where shared transport schemes must balance green ambitions with security and practicality. The move towards fully electric bicycles and advanced digital management could offer a model for other cities wrestling with similar challenges.
Residents and cycling enthusiasts eager for updates can register for Cardiff Council’s daily news bulletins, as further details regarding the rollout and operational partner are expected to be announced in the coming months. The scheme, if successful, promises to play a significant role in making Cardiff a cleaner, more accessible, and cycle-friendly city for all.