By now we already know that Londoners can’t get enough of e-bikes. In fact, one in 10 cycle journeys in the capital was made on a dockless electric bike in 2025, with cycling in general rising by 12.7 percent in the past year. If you’re one of those two-wheeled citizens, we bring you good news, because TfL has announced that major upgrades are coming to Santander Cycles in 2026.
Transport for London has just extended its contract with Serco, the company that looks after the TfL bicycles. Serco will now operate Santander Cycles until 2031, with an opportunity to extend for a further five years. Serco promises to bring a range of improvements to the TfL bike rental service, which saw its record number of monthly member hires in October 2025, with more than 728,000 hires.
Among the upgrades, TfL said it wanted to launch a new cycling app and introduce a QR code bike release system, similar to what Lime already uses. TfL will also bring in the UK’s first in-dock charging system for e-bikes across terminals in the capital, meaning you’ll never have to find a bike without charge again. The terminals will also be modernised to become more accessible and user-friendly.
TfL added that it is also working with boroughs and operators to manage and grow dockless e-bike schemes (that’s your Lime and Forest bikes) in a safe and sustainable way across the city, including the introduction of designated parking bays and clear standards for operators.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: ‘London’s boom in cycling shows no sign of slowing down, so it’s great to see further investment in improvements to the Santander Cycles scheme including the UK’s first in-dock charging for e-bikes and a new, easier-to-use app.
‘Following a record number of Santander Cycles member hires in October 2025 and soaring numbers of bike trips across the capital, the Mayor and I will keep investing in sustainable and accessible transport options as we continue to create a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.’
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