Forest launches monthly subscription model in response to rising demand

Forest is launching a subscription model called ‘Forest Plus’ following consistent growth in the number of users and e-bike journeys.

The Forest Plus package costs the user £45 per month and enables them to ride for 60 minutes daily, alongside removing all parking fees.

Michael Stewart, Forest co-founder and head of marketing, said: “Forest Plus is the latest example of how we are constantly evolving our product with the user in mind.

“The scheme is great for anyone using our e-bikes regularly, whilst also encouraging new users to join the cycling revolution without having to purchase their own e-bike outright (costing on average £1,500). This all feeds back to our mission to get more people moving in a sustainable way.”

Forest has seen a doubling in ridership between May and September this year, alongside a 36% average month-on-month increase in journeys taken during the summer months.

The provider has a substantial population of riders who use the bikes to commute – approximately 60% of riders take two trips per day.

Moreover, the majority of rides are taken during commuting hours (8-10am and 6-8pm on weekdays).

Forest Plus will allow its riders to commute for as little as £1.50 a day (based on a 30 minute commute).

Forest claims that the same two journeys taken via the London Underground using a monthly travel pass (Zones 1 – 2), would be £5.21. This gives a monthly saving of £113.40.

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Forest Plus officially launched earlier this week and users will be able to cancel or rejoin the scheme at any time.

Users will make one payment per month (unless they ride for longer than 60 minutes daily), simplifying their overall experience and ensuring they have transparency over their travel costs.

Once a riders’ 60 minutes free are used, they will revert to paying a standard charge of 23p per minute.