London, 22 September, 2022: HumanForest, London’s most affordable and sustainable eBike operator, has launched in the boroughs of Kingston and Sutton, growing its South West London presence.
HumanForest’s unique pricing, giving all users 10 minutes free cycling per day and the opportunity to earn more free minutes via its Treecoin loyalty programme, has led to a strong uptake of the service across London.
Over the last year, HumanForest has completed almost one million rides in London with users avoiding over 150 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere. HumanForest’s zero emission operations, powered by 100% certified renewable energy, will help Kingston and Sutton achieve their decarbonisation targets.
The shared service is a gateway into more sustainable transport behaviours without the financial burden of purchasing your own bike, complementing both Kingston and Sutton’s goals to make cycling accessible. With a historic focus on affordability, which has become even more relevant during the cost of living crisis, HumanForest provides a cost-effective solution to households who have had to re-evaluate their travel choices.
In partnership with the Councils, HumanForest has implemented 80 virtual parking bays across the two boroughs. These are located in designated eBike parking spots and shown in the HumanForest App, as Green Bays.
Riders park for free in Green Bays which means a trip that is under 10 minutes and ends in a Green Bay is free of charge. Green Bays promote mindful and positive rider behaviour, avoiding obstructed pavements and maintaining positive relations with pedestrians, all of which further encourage local cycling uptake.
Councillor Ian Manders, Kingston Council Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainable Transport, said:
"Kingston Council is promoting 'active' travel to help improve local peoples' health and ensure a greener future. Cooperating with Human Forest to promote their e-bikes supports these objectives".
The launch of the new e-bike hire scheme in Kingston, with Sutton, offers local sustainable travel to more residents. These e-bikes should encourage people who don't want to 'sweat it out' on an ordinary 'push' bike, but still want the door-to-door convenience of cycling and green travel. As you pay per journey - after your free 10 minutes - you avoid the considerable cost of buying and maintaining your own e-bike. In this cost of living crisis, this shows that being green can also mean being lean".
Councillor Barry Lewis, Chair of Sutton’s Environment & Sustainable Transport Committee, said:
I’m delighted that Sutton is now home to this brilliant new e-bike scheme. Riding an e-bike is great for physical and mental health and helps keep Sutton’s air clean for everyone.
All residents get 10 minutes free cycling time each day, so it's an affordable way to travel around the borough, and we hope the scheme will help local people switch from cars to bikes for shorter journeys.
We want to make it easier to walk, cycle and take public transport in our borough, and this new e-bike scheme is just one of the many ways in which we are supporting our residents as they switch to sustainable modes of transport.
Caroline Seton, Co-Founder & Head of Growth at HumanForest, said:
“We’re delighted to be expanding into Kingston & Sutton, bringing HumanForest’s sustainable and affordable eBikes to even more of London’s residents. Accessibility and inclusivity will be at the forefront of the partnership, working with local groups to encourage and support uptake from all areas of the community.
Kingston and Sutton are both being proactive in contributing to a cleaner, greener London and HumanForest are pleased to be supporting them in achieving their sustainability goals. We’re looking forward to working with both Councils in implementing a successful and collaborative partnership.”
