A new e-bike hire scheme has been proposed for Worcester.

If approved by Worcestershire Country Council, the bike share scheme could see 225 bicycles – 175 of them electric – for hire across Worcester.

The £700,000 project would be supported through a £4.5m grant from the government’s Active Travel Fund.

The initiative is part of Worcester City Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, reports the BBC.

Bikes will be available to hire from May 2024 if plans are approved by councillors on 23 October.

The council has said the scheme would provide residents and visitors with a “convenient” and “easy” option for journeys around the city.

“Increasing the accessibility of cycling… will also help support the council’s goals to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality across the city,” he added.

If the scheme gets the green light, the bikes would be available from more than 50 parking bays around the city.

Emily Barker, from Worcestershire County Council, said the bikes would offer users “extra travel choice” and be easy to access.