An electric bike rental scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality has launched in Sutton.

The 50 new green cycles, operated by LimeE, are part of an initial trial which could be expanded if successful.

Users can unlock and lock the bikes using a dedicated mobile app, picking them up from ten key sites around the borough.

Sutton Council’s Chair of the Environment & Neighbourhood Committee, Councillor Manuel Abellan, said: “These new electric bikes are just the latest part of Sutton’s ambitious plans to become one of London’s greenest boroughs.

“Improving local sustainable transport options and air quality will be key.

"In just the last few months, Sutton has seen the launch of the first-ever app-based London bus service, Brompton bikes for hire at Sutton station and we have plans for new electric vehicle charging points.

“Sutton’s Cycling Strategy aims to make cycling a natural choice for people of all ages and backgrounds for more of their trips in the borough.

"These new electric bikes will help encourage a shift locally from cars to bikes for shorter journeys and promote cycling to a wider range of people.”

The launch comes in the same week Sutton declared a climate emergency, committing to work towards carbon neutrality by 2030.

The bikes are fitted with a gyroscope and GPS tracker so LimeE are able to identify any which are not upright or have been parked outside of designated areas.

Pick up locations have been chosen so as not to inconvenience pedestrians and residents - they do not use fixed docking stations.