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ofo is set to launch in Leeds on 15th May with a fleet of 1,000 bikes.
The Leeds scheme will focus initially on the city centre, expanding into suburbs and nearby towns shortly after.
The scheme will be ofo’s second in Yorkshire after launching in Sheffield in January, and add to existing operations in Cambridge, Oxford, Norwich and London. In Sheffield alone, over 28,000 trips have been made on ofo bikes so far, with figures showing almost a 20 per cent rise from January to February.
ofo operates in over 250 cities across 21 countries. It generates 32 million transactions daily and has provided over 200 million global users with six billion efficient, convenient and green rides.
Leeds residents will be able to hire a three-speed bike via the ofo smartphone app, ride it anywhere in the city and lock it again at a rate of 50p per 30-minute journey.
The entire fleet will be fitted with dynamo front lights, solar-powered rear lights, plus a front basket. They also have a hydraulically-adjusted seatpost.
“ofo’s arrival in Leeds is going to transform the way local residents get from A to B; providing a greener, healthier and faster alternative to the traditional modes of transport,” said Joseph Seal-Driver, ofo UK general manager.
“Following the success we’ve had in nearby Sheffield, we are delighted to be arriving in Leeds with strong numbers. We’ve worked closely with Leeds council to ensure that the scheme rolls out smoothly, meeting the needs of the locals and making sure the scheme is accessible as possible.”
