Richmond Council’s Transport Committee has approved Forest as preferred sole e-bike operator in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

London’s homegrown e-bike operator, Forest, has been approved by Richmond Council’s Transport Committee as the preferred sole e-bike operator for the borough.

The decision follows a thorough, competitive tender process, in which the company was the highest scoring operator. The new agreement will see Forest roll out up to 1,500 bikes in the borough, which will be introduced gradually in line with user demand.

The partnership builds on Forest’s existing operations in Richmond and underscores the company and the council’s joint commitment to supporting sustainable and affordable travel. Forest will work closely with the Council to review performance, share data and insights, and explore opportunities to enhance the service, ensuring the long-term success of shared e-bikes in the borough.

The decision also reaffirms Forest’s position as London’s fastest-growing shared e-bike operator in the Capital, and strengthens its presence in south west London, where it is the only e-bike provider to offer a fully contiguous operating area across Kingston, Hounslow, Hammersmith and Fulham, Sutton and Wandsworth.

Forest is London’s only homegrown e-bike operator, operating in 18 boroughs, serving over 1.5 million customers across the Capital. It is the only London-based operator with zero emissions, powering all bikes and service vehicles with renewable energy.

Aguistin Guilisasti, founder and CEO of Forest, said: “We are delighted to be selected as the sole e-bike provider by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It’s been incredible to witness the demand for e-bikes and cycling grow in London since we first started Forest in 2021, and as the sole operator in Richmond, we are proud to bring our service to local residents who are seeking more convenient and sustainable modes of transport. It’s another step in our mission to help make London the best cycling city in the world.”