New bikes for hire are coming to Exeter

'Exeter needs a scheme that works in practice, not just in principle'

New bikes for hire are coming to the streets of Exeter this spring.

Similar to London’s famous ‘Boris Bikes’, they will be available from 10 ‘stations’ across the city initially, with more to come in the future.

The Sprint bikes are the brainchild of 23-year-old local businessman Thomas Lloyd Foster, who says they will offer a practical alternative to taking short car journeys.

Mr Lloyd Foster says his scheme will fill the gap left when Exeter’s Co Bikes network collapsed in 2023.

His Sprintco company intends to launch a pilot scheme in the next few weeks, looking to attract commuters and people who want connections to railway stations, shopping trips and everyday travel.

A not-for-profit and privately-funding organisation, it intends to re-invest any surplus back into the service.

Mr Lloyd Foster said the intention is for Sprintco to become the natural successor to the former Co Bikes scheme, building on the demand that already exists for shared electric bikes in Exeter.

He added: “I have been working on developing this idea for the past two years.

“What started as an idea after seeing a gap left when Co Bikes stopped operating has grown into a serious effort to build something sustainable, reliable and locally rooted. I genuinely believe Exeter needs a scheme that works in practice, not just in principle.”

He said congestion across Exeter had continued to increase, particularly at peak times and around key routes. Many people would choose not to drive short distances if there were a reliable and convenient alternative, he said.

“Sprintco is designed to fill that gap with something affordable, accessible and easy to use.”

Riders will hire electric bikes through a mobile app and collect them from small docking racks around the city. The free-standing bike racks and solar-powered signage mean no permanent works or grid connection are required.

Mr Lloyd Foster went on: “We have secured 10 confirmed stations across Exeter for the initial phase, primarily on private land in high-footfall areas. We are also in discussions with Devon County Council regarding potential city-wide infrastructure use to support wider rollout and integration with transport hubs.

“We would actively encourage other local businesses and organisations to get involved with the pilot. Hosting a station is straightforward, requires minimal space, and can help increase footfall while supporting sustainable travel across the city.”

Co Bikes ceased operating in July 2023 along with short-term car hire company Co Cars, saying it had been ‘severely affected’ by the Covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis, high fuel prices and vandalism to its bikes.

The business was first founded in 2005 with just one car but built up to a fleet of 50 electric and low-emission shared cars and more than 200 electric bikes. The scheme was widely used by people working in the gig economy, mainly delivery drivers for apps such as Deliveroo and Just Eat.