Issued: 8 May 2025

A new fleet of hireable electric bikes will be available on the streets of Totnes in June.

The new “Catbikes” are being introduced as part of South Hams District Council’s commitment to promoting cycling. The bikes will provide people visiting and living in Totnes the chance to travel around the town and surrounding areas in a greener, more sustainable way.

Electric bikes will be available from several key places across the town and accessed by a mobile app 24/7. We’ll be providing further information on the Catbikes – which stands for “Cycles Around Town” - closer to the scheme’s launch.

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams Lead Member for Community Services, Operations and Leisure, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the Catbikes scheme. Totnes is a town that is known for its commitment to sustainability, and this exciting project will give people living and visiting here to get around sustainably.

“The e-bikes are a fun way to travel, and the extra boost that you get from an e-bike should make cycling up hills and around town a breeze. When the scheme is up and running, we hope that it will encourage more people to cycle.”

Cllr John Birch, South Hams Executive Member for Economy, said: “As well as the environmental benefits, we hope that the Catbikes scheme will bring visitors into Totnes who want to explore the town, look around our shops and spend time in our markets, visit the castle, enjoy delicious local food and everything else that the town has to offer.

“It’ll be straightforward to sign up, and we really hope people embrace the opportunity to cycle around town.”

New bike racks will be popping up across the town ahead of the scheme’s launch at busy spots across the town, including at:

• Shady Gardens
• Rotherfold Square
• Steamer Quay
• Weston Lane, Bridgetown

There will also be new signage going up showing the locations of Catbikes at a number of existing bike racks:

• Totnes Train Station
• Totnes Pavillions
• Follaton House

If you’d like to find out more about the e-bikes, South Hams District Council will have representatives showing off the bikes at the Transition Town Totnes’ Energy Wise and Eco-Homes Show at Totnes Civic Hall on Sunday 11 May, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Active Devon will be at the show with the Council, offering the chance to ride the Catbikes for free.