Totnes is about to get even more pedal-powered! This June, CatBikes, a fleet of brand-new electric bikes, are arriving as part of South Hams District Council’s drive to promote greener travel. The initiative is rooted in a broader mission: to tackle climate change and support vibrant, connected communities.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, these e-bikes offer a smooth, sustainable way to explore the town and surrounding countryside.
Where to Find a CatBike
CatBikes will be available from eight handy locations across Totnes, each with new racks ready to roll:
- Shady Gardens
- Rotherfold Square
- Steamer Quay
- Weston Lane, Bridgetown
- Totnes Leisure Centre
- Follaton House
- Totnes Railway Station
- Totnes Pavilions
Each site will have bikes delivered and fully tested before the big launch, ensuring everything is road-ready for curious commuters and curious tourists alike.
How It Works
Getting started is easy:
- Download the AppBike app (available on both the App Store and Google Play).
- Register for the scheme—it’s free!
- Choose your ride plan:
- £2 per 30 minutes
- £10 for six hours
- OR a monthly membership for £5, which gives you 30 minutes free every ride.
Cllr Julian Brazil, South Hams Lead Member for Community Services, Operations and Leisure, said: “The battery-powered bikes will make it easier to travel around the town, so people can see Totnes from a new perspective and coast up the town’s hardest hills.
“They’re a fun way to get around, and people who are keen to get on a bike now won’t need to be put off by the hills. They’re comfortable, and the beauty of e-bikes is that they open up cycling to everyone, even those who haven’t cycled for a long time.”
The project is funded through a UK Government grant to encourage cycling in rural areas. It’s being delivered by South Hams District Council in partnership with Active Cycling Projects, the team behind the AppBike platform. The scheme will kick off as a three-year trial.
Cllr John Birch, South Hams Executive Member for Economy, said: “We are hopeful that the Catbikes will prove to be something of an attraction and bring even more people into Totnes. It’s such a vibrant community, with a fantastic array of shops, markets, restaurants, cafes, pubs and more. It should give people the opportunity to explore the town from a different perspective and support our local economy.”
