The cost of hiring an OVO bike in Glasgow is set to rise next month.

NextBike, who runs the scheme, sent an email out to customers recently announcing the news.

In the email, the firm said they have had to adjust their rates to reflect 'current increases in global pricing for materials, shipping, and general market challenges'.

From Friday, April 5, the rental price for OVO bikes in the city is set to change.

Currently, it costs £1 to rent a standard bike for 20 minutes, while it costs £2 to rent an electric bike for 20 minutes.

However, with the changes next month, they will see standard bike fees for 20 minutes being £2 and electric bike fees being £3.50 for 20 minutes. 

A monthly membership currently costs £12 but it will double to £24 next month.

In the email, seen by the Glasgow Times, it said: "Beginning on April 5, our rental tariffs and membership prices will be changing.

"To keep bike sharing available for all, we, unfortunately, have to adjust our rates to reflect the current increases in global pricing for materials, shipping and general market challenges.

"We continue to believe that mobility should be sustainable and affordable for all and we’ve kept this as a guiding principle in our new pricing structure."

According to the email from NextBike to customers, the new charges are as follows: 

Pay as you go - standard bikes:

  • £2 - 20 minutes.
  • For £2 more, you can ride for an additional 20 minutes. 
  • 24-hour rentals are available for £20.

Pay as you go - e-bikes:

  • £3.50 - 20 minutes.
  • For £3.50 more, you can ride for an additional 20 minutes.
  • 24-hour rentals are available for £30.

Monthly memberships:

  • £24 / month (can be cancelled anytime with no commitment)
  • With this membership, you can ride with unlimited 30-minute rentals. An extra 30 minutes is only 50p and 24-hour rentals are £5.

Meanwhile, annual memberships will no longer be available.

Issuing advice to those with members, the email said: "Monthly memberships will automatically renew at the new rate after April 5.

"If you do not wish to continue your membership, you can easily cancel your membership in the app or contact customer service at info@nextbike.co.uk

"Annual membership will no longer renew but if your membership has already been paid it will remain valid until the year has expired or until the final cancellation date of April 6, 2025."

Jessica Murphy, Head of Public Policy at TIER: "The tariff for our Glasgow service will increase on April 5, 2024 and it will cost £2 for 20 minutes to hire a pedal bike and £3.50 for 20 minutes to hire an e-bike.

"This increase means that the scheme in Glasgow is now priced the same as other similar schemes across the United Kingdom whilst still providing an affordable way to travel sustainably.

"Monthly memberships remain available and offer a cheaper alternative for regular users of the service.

"They are available for £24 per month and can be cancelled at any time."