The launch of e-bikes in Glasgow has proven popular with cyclists, with the electric-powered vehicles being rented at double the rate of standard rental bikes in the city.

Bike rental firm nextbike have announced that the new fleet of e-bikes have been rented nearly 3,000 times since their launch on October 8th.

nextbike’s UK Managing Director, Krysia Solheim, said: “”Considering that October traditionally marks the start of bike share rentals falling in many cities – it’s phenomenal that we’re seeing e-bikes being rented double the rate of our standard fleet.”

The launch was backed by Glasgow City Council, who hope that the initial enthusiastic response is a sign of progress towards the promise of making Glasgow carbon-neutral by 2030.

Andy Waddell, director of operations for Glasgow City Council’s Neighbourhoods and Sustainability department, said: “We were confident that people would be interested in assisted cycling as part of the nextbike scheme, but we are currently exceeding our own expectations.”

The fleet consist of 63 e-bikes ans 21 charging stations throughout the city.