The UK folding bike maker Brompton is to launch a subscription service next month, letting customers hire bikes on a monthly or annual basis, as demand for bikes has surged during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cycling levels have risen by up to 300% on some days, according to Department for Transport data, as people try to avoid public transport.
To hire a Brompton M3L bike, subscribers will pay £30 a month – about £1 a day – if they sign up to a 12-month contract; or £42 a month for a rolling monthly contract, if they only want to cycle during the summer months, for example. Insurance, repairs and twice-yearly servicing are included. The bikes typically cost £1,000 or more to buy.
Brompton already has a bike hire arm that allows people to hire a bike for a day for £6.50. If they pay a £25 annual fee, the daily price falls to £3.50.
UK folding bike maker Brompton to launch subscription service | The Guardian
Customers can hire bikes on monthly or annual basis after bike demand rises during pandemic
Julia KolleweWed 12 Aug 2020