Last updated: 22 March 2024
Next review: 19 April 2024
We want as many people as possible to choose sustainable and active travel in our borough.
If you'd like to access a bike, you'll find details of our schemes below.
Community Cycle Loan Scheme
We have more than 30 community bikes and a range of cargo bikes available for loan to anybody who lives, works or studies in Waltham Forest. For a small refundable deposit, you can loan a bike for up to one month. As the scheme is so popular, there is often a waiting list.
Standard bikes
We have a fleet of standard two-wheeler bikes you can hire for up to one month. All we need from you is a £30 deposit, which we'll return once the loan is over. All bikes come with a helmet, lights and a lock. The bike and any equipment must be returned once the hire period is over
Bakfiets Cargo Bike
A classic two-wheel cargo bike from The Netherlands that has a familiarity to ride with stability in mind. Our Bakfiets is not electric assist, but due to the positioning of the wheels, the rider can comfortably pedal a range of loads. Our Bakfiets can fit two children or up to 80kg of cargo.
Bike specifications:
- Dimensions: 225 x 63 x 115 cm
- Cargo Volume: 126 litres
- Cargo Box Dimensions: 70 x 63 x 51 cm
- Max Load: 80 kg
- Bench with seat belts and hood cover
- Gold standard lock and lights
Christiania Classic Cargo Bike
Our Christiania Classic is a great choice for local trips, for example to the shops or school. It is designed to carry loads of up to 100 kg with ease and is very easy to power along with seven low gears. This version has a bench, three-point harness and waist belt to accommodate two children.
Bike specification:
- 208 cm long x 85 cm wide
- 3 wheels
- 7 gears
- Bench with seat belts and hood cover
- Carries up to two children
- Weight load capacity 100 kg
- Box size 88 cm x 62 cm
- Gold standard lock and lights
Christiania Taxi
From Denmark, the Christiania range of bikes won the Danish Design Awards in 2011. Our electric-assist taxi model has three-wheels and is great for pedalling older children, teenagers and adults. The bike is amazing for social rides and like all Christianias is unique for having one handlebar. This design feature helps stability with the rider encouraged to steer with just one hand positioning in the centre of the handlebar.
Bike specification:
- Dimensions: 235 x 100 x 114 cm
- Max Load: 150kg
- 3 wheels
- Bike comes with cushions and a weather hood
- Gold standard lock and chain
Nihola Family-E
The Nihola Family-E cargo bike is our most popular model for families with children.
The Family-E cargo bike can carry up to 100kg in the cabin and there is space for 2 children of up to the age of 7 to 8 years old on the bench.
The Nihola Family cargo bike has been awarded the best 3-wheeled cargo bike for transporting children by the Danish newspaper Politiken and the Dutch ”Fietsersbond” (Dutch Cyclist Union).
Bike specification:
- Dimensions: 200 x 89 x 110 cm
- Max Load: 100kg
- 3 wheels
- Gold standard lock and chain
Raleigh Pro
The Raleigh Pro is an electric assist cargo bike that makes moving items easy. The bike is easy to manoeuvre and can carry up to 80kg. It has robust and smooth feel to ride. This cargo bike cannot transport passengers but is ideal for moving heavy or multiple items.
Bike specifications:
- Dimensions: 255 x 65 x 110cm
- Max load: 80kg
eCarla Cargo trailer
The eCarla can be used either as an electric assist trailer with a regular bike, or pulled along as an electric assist hand cart. This trailer has a spacious flatbed and can be used to transport a variety of items to suit your logistical needs!
Bike specifications:
Trailer weight: 45kg
Trailer dimensions: L 230cm x W 95cm x H 75cm
Platform dimensions: L 165cm x W 65cm (1.5m3 loading volume)
Max total weight: 150kg as trailer, 200kg as hand trolley
Jorvik trike
The Jorvik trike in our fleet was kindly donated by a Leytonstone resident. The trike features a low step-through frame, seven gears and disc brakes, Based in York, Jorvik Tricycles provide the freedom of two wheels, with the safety and stability of three wheels.
To hire a bike please get in touch
Why not trial one of our cargo bikes or standard bikes free of charge? Simply follow these three easy steps.
1) Email cyclehire@walthamforest.gov.uk and tell us:
- Which bike you'd like to hire
- How long the hire is for
- The date of hire
- If you're hiring it on your own or as a couple or family - all users will need to have an induction
- Your preferred contact details.
2) We’ll get in touch:
When we get your email, we’ll check availability and get in touch to book you in. There is a refundable deposit of £100 for a cargo bike and £30 for a standard bike (we'll email instructions on how to pay this).
3) We’ll train you up:
As cargo bikes are different to standard bikes, we’ll invite you down on the day of pick up for an on-road induction. This will help you get used to the bike (secure cycle parking is available too). You'll also need to sign either a cargo bike loan agreement or a standard bike loan agreement.
Please note:
- This scheme is for anyone who lives, works or studies in Waltham Forest.
- Bikes must be collected on weekdays between 9am and 4.30pm.
Peddle My Wheels: Try Before You Bike
Try Before You Bike is a user-friendly scheme that is specifically designed to encourage people to cycle.
- Pay monthly for a bike (including hybrid, folding bikes, e-bikes, e-cargo bikes and adaptive bikes) with an easy to order process
- Free friendly delivery to your door with accessories (helmet, lights and lock) and guidance
- No deposit or hidden fees
- Affordable purchase options and Cycle To Work available
- Free collection if you decide the bike is not for you
- Support and encouragement given to help you get confident on the roads.
Sign up with Peddle My Wheels who run the programme on behalf of Waltham Forest Council.
Brompton bike hire
Brompton Bike Hire has been operating in the borough since 2015. There are now 41 cycle docks across the country, with two of these in Waltham Forest. You can hire a bike from Walthamstow or Leytonstone stations for £5 per day.
Visit Brompton Bike Hire for more information.
Secondhand Bikes
Do you have a bike that you no longer use? Please let us know, as it may be suitable for our Community Cycle Loan fleet.
For more details, email cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk.