Hiring an e-scooter or e-bike can take seconds. For many people, their first journey may also be the first time they have ridden one.

Getting familiar with the acceleration, braking and balance takes practice. So does learning how to position yourself, anticipate hazards and remain aware of the people around you.

At Bikeworks, we believe access to new ways of moving should be accompanied by access to the skills people need to use them well. That belief has led us to develop an area of expertise that many people may know little about.

As Bikeworks kicks off our 20th anniversary year, our e-mobility work tells an important part of the Bikeworks story: how practical cycling experience has informed new training, built relationships with TfL and operators, and given people somewhere to learn as the vehicles on London’s streets have changed.

 

From experience to developing new practice

 

Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Jim Blakemore, has been closely involved in this work, connecting Bikeworks’ training experience with Transport for London and operators including Voi and Lime.

Bikeworks developed an e-scooter riding standard and training materials, alongside a syllabus for e-scooters and e-cycles. By the time our Lime partnership was announced in 2023, the team had already spent two years writing, delivering and refining that syllabus. Jim described its purpose as providing practical experience on and off road for people looking to incorporate new ways of travelling into their lives.

Developing the training meant looking carefully at the vehicles and what riders needed to learn. Familiarity with a conventional cycle does not automatically prepare someone for an e-scooter’s standing position, or for the feel of electric assistance on an e-cycle. Riders need time to become familiar with the controls and understand how the vehicle responds.

The work brought together the development of teaching materials and the experience of delivering them. Instructors could see where people needed more practice, which explanations made sense and how to translate information into something a rider could actually use.

That connection between developing training and delivering it is an important part of what Bikeworks brings to these partnerships.

Putting the training into practice

 

Over the summer, Bikeworks has continued to develop its e-mobility training with TfL, Voi and Lime, introducing 40-minute lunchtime sessions to give more people the opportunity to learn.

Participants could ask questions, get familiar with an e-cycle or e-scooter and practise with an experienced instructor alongside them, away from the pressure of making an actual journey.

“We regularly meet people who have never ridden an e-scooter, and some have never ridden a cycle either. These sessions give people the chance to learn how the vehicle feels, practise their riding skills and become more aware of others sharing the road. As more people use shared e-cycles and e-scooters, access to learning how to ride matters.” Jim, Co-CEO Bikeworks 

The sessions covered starting and stopping, balance, steering and managing speed, alongside signalling, positioning and hazard awareness. Participants had time to experience how the vehicles responded and receive guidance on their riding. Information about where to ride and park could be discussed alongside the practical skills, connecting the individual journey with consideration for others using the street.

Training was free, with vehicles provided, a helmet to keep and ride codes. The lunchtime format made space for learning within the day, without needing to own a vehicle or commit to a longer course.

One participant had this to say after their session:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my session, and it was the first time I have been on an electric scooter. I see them around but I was quite apprehensive to try one because I am used to a bike already. After the session I feel more confident to try one out for short (cycle lane only!) journeys. I really appreciate the extra credit as well to practice further and the helmet is cool!” Ololade

And another participant after their e-bike training:

“Tutors were great. Well-paced. Informative. Nice bunch of people. Great free helmet!” Ian

Bikeworks then met with TfL, Voi and Lime to review the sessions and discuss further delivery, with locations being explored across the City of London, Camden, Lambeth and Hammersmith & Fulham.

Skills and awareness alongside access

 

The question behind the work extends beyond any individual session. When people can hire a vehicle almost immediately, how do we make sure they also have an opportunity to learn?

For Bikeworks, practical training has a clear role. It gives riders time to develop control, understand the rules and build awareness of everyone around them. Those skills matter to the person making the journey and to the people sharing the streets they travel through.

Working with TfL, operators and boroughs creates the opportunity to make that learning part of how shared e-mobility is provided. The vehicles, information and practical instruction need to work together, with accessible opportunities to train built into the offer.

Twenty years of putting experience to work

 

Many people know Bikeworks through our All Ability Clubs, Cycle Connect, cycle training or cycle mechanics. Our role in developing e-scooter and e-cycle training adds another dimension to that picture.

Across 20 years, we have continued to develop our work in response to the people, places and changes around us. In e-mobility, that has meant applying established training expertise to different vehicles, developing a syllabus and riding standard, and working with partners to put them into practice.

Jim’s involvement, from the partnership discussions to delivering sessions alongside the team, connects that wider work with the people it is intended to reach.

This is part of the experience Bikeworks brings into its next chapter: the ability to develop practical responses to new needs, grounded in years of teaching people to ride. As the ways people travel continue to change, access to skills and awareness deserves the same attention as access to the vehicles themselves.

To discuss e-cycle or e-scooter training with Bikeworks, get in touch.

Join Our Journey — 20 Years of Impact.

We have just celebrated our birthday. From our beginnings as “Olympic Bikes” –  a grassroots idea born in the run-up to the 2012 Games – through to today, we’ve held one vision: to make cycling accessible to everyone. What started as a response to inequality in East London has grown into a social enterprise with impact across the capital, and beyond.

As we approach our 20th anniversary in 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect. The journey has been full of collaboration, persistence, and belief in the power of cycles as a tool for good. One of the clearest examples of that vision in action is our Inclusive Cycling Hub, based at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

A Capital Investment That Built a Legacy

The Inclusive Cycling Hub stands as a testament to what’s possible when vision meets support. The London Marathon Foundation played a pivotal role in turning our idea into a physical, living hub.

Their investment wasn’t just about creating a building. It was about removing barriers to activity and inspiring participation for people of all ages and abilities, especially those who are too often excluded from cycling. The Hub provides access to specialist cycles, expert support, and a welcoming space –  disabled people, older adults, their families and carers experience the freedom and wellbeing that cycling brings.

Through their capital investment in the Hub, the Foundation created a lasting legacy in East London: a space that continues to be activated through programmes, inclusive cycle sales, and outreach. Built to endure beyond the initial investment, the Hub reflects the Foundation’s mission to improve lives through physical activity, inclusion, and accessible spaces.

 

In Their Words

We’re proud to share this journey with the London Marathon Foundation, whose vision and support helped make the Hub possible. Here’s how they describe the impact of their capital investment:

Hal Davidson, London Marathon Foundation’s Head of Impact, said:
“The Inclusive Cycling Hub is a fantastic facility that supports our vision to inspire activity for all. When you create new opportunities for people to be active, it can completely transform their lives – especially for communities who for too long have faced the biggest barriers to being active. With support from our Active Spaces Fund, Bikeworks has created a community-led space that’s already engaging thousands of people in inclusive cycling – allowing more people to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits that come from being active, today and for years to come.”

Recognition for Design With Social Purpose

Designed by Foster Kirk Architects, the Hub has gained recognition not only for what it enables, but also for how it was built. Awards and features include:

• RIBA Journal MacEwen Award 2024 (long-listed) – recognising architecture “for the common good.”
• Open House Festival 2023 – Design Partner (winner) – one of just five projects chosen that year for architectural merit and public/social value.
• Architects’ Journal Retrofit & Reuse Awards (shortlist) – under £500k category.

 

 

We partnered with Constructive & Co, East-London makers with experience delivering joinery across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, including for Plexal at Here East. They produced robust, high-quality fitted elements for the Hub, built to support frequent movement of specialist cycles and the demands of an active adaptive-cycling environment. The finish reflects the ambition for a durable, quality and welcoming space that can stand up to daily programme delivery.

The result is a fit-out designed for heavy daily use and specialist equipment, without compromising quality.

 

Cycling in Action: The All Ability Club

Right outside the Velodrome, the Hub comes alive every week through our All Ability Club. Here, people who are disabled or have limited mobility, along with their friends, families and carers, can try from our fleet of specialist cycles in a safe, welcoming space.

It’s about more than learning to ride. It’s about joy, confidence, and connection. Week by week, we see people discover cycling for the first time, or return to it after many years, often saying they never thought it would be possible.

Participation has almost tripled in three years, demonstrating both rising demand and the impact of consistent, relationship-based delivery.

All Ability participation (Apr 2022 – Mar 2025):

8,100 → 16,400 → 22,400 experiences

2,300 → 4,000 → 5,600 participants

The growth is driven by people returning, bringing others, and becoming part of the community.

This shows the scale of demand and the life-changing impact inclusive cycling brings. With the Hub as a base, the All Ability Club isn’t just an activity – it’s a movement that breaks down barriers and makes cycling part of everyday life for thousands of Londoners.

This growth shows the scale of demand, and the life-changing impact inclusive cycling brings. With the Hub as a base, the All Ability Club isn’t just an activity – it’s a movement that breaks down barriers and makes cycling part of everyday life for thousands of Londoners.

The Hub Today: London’s First Inclusive Cycle Salesroom

Today, the Hub is home to London’s first specialist inclusive cycle salesroom – the only place in the capital where you can try and buy adaptive bikes. From trikes and handcycles to side-by-side tandems, cargo bikes and recumbents, we provide expert guidance on specialist cycles for disabled people, families and older riders.

What makes it different is the knowledge and lived expertise of our instructors and staff. They don’t just sell cycles; they help people find the right fit, gain confidence, and discover the freedom of cycling in ways they may have thought impossible.

For anyone searching for adaptive bikes in London or looking for inclusive cycles for sale, the Hub is a unique destination.

Why Visit?

The Hub sits at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, surrounded by world-class venues and new cultural landmarks. Visitors can:

• Combine a trip to Bikeworks with a walk through London’s most iconic park.
• Explore the East Bank district: V&A Storehouse, Sadler’s Wells, BBC Music studios and UCL East.
• See the Olympic legacy in action – not just in sports arenas, but in community spaces where inclusion and wellbeing come first.
• …and see how inclusive cycling sits at the heart of the Park’s legacy as a place for everyone.

With easy transport links and parking nearby, the Hub is a place to experience both cycling and the wider life of the Park.

 

Why Buy Social?

When you buy a cycle from Bikeworks, you’re not just purchasing from a shop – you’re supporting a social enterprise. Every sale helps us deliver programmes like the All Ability Club, giving thousands of disabled people, children with SEND, families and older adults the chance to enjoy inclusive cycling.

Choosing Bikeworks means your purchase directly funds social impact, keeping inclusive cycling accessible for the communities that need it most. In other words, when you buy a cycle from us, you buy social.

Reflecting Back, Looking Forward

As we reach this milestone, we’re proud of what Bikeworks has achieved, and excited for what comes next. The Inclusive Cycling Hub stands as proof of what can be built when funders like London Marathon Foundation back bold ideas rooted in community need.

As we look to 2026, our 20th anniversary year, we’re inviting partners, stakeholders, and visitors to Join Our Journey.

Together, we can keep breaking down barriers, creating access, and using cycles as a tool for good.

You can be part of it too:

• Test ride a specialist cycle at our weekly All Ability Club outside the Velodrome.
• Or book a visit to London’s first inclusive cycle salesroom to try, compare and buy – with specialist cycles and expert advice from our team.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy adaptive or specialist cycles in London?
At Bikeworks’ Inclusive Cycling Hub in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – London’s first inclusive cycle salesroom. We stock a wide range of adaptive bikes and specialist inclusive cycles from leading brands such as Van Raam, ICE Trikes, Hase, Pashley and more. You can try, compare and buy with guidance from our expert team.

Can I try a cycle before I buy?
Yes. At Bikeworks you can book a visit to our inclusive cycle salesroom for tailored advice and test rides, or join our weekly All Ability Club outside the Velodrome to try different adaptive bikes in London in a safe, supportive environment.

What types of cycles are available, and who are they for?
Our fleet includes trikes and e-trikes, handcycles, recumbents, side-by-side tandems, and cargo cycles. These cycles are designed for disabled people, disabled children, children with SEND, older adults, families, and carers, anyone looking for inclusive cycling opportunities or the chance to try adaptive bikes. Visitors travel from across London and all over England to find the right cycle for their needs.

Social prescribers connect people with the activities and support that make the biggest difference to their health and wellbeing. And what better tool than cycling — affordable, sustainable, confidence-building, and joyful. This summer, Bikeworks joined forces with the GLA, TfL, and the Tower Hamlets GP Care Group to launch a new Santander Cycle Hire offer, designed to put cycling firmly into the hands of social prescribers across the borough.

A true partnership in action

Behind the scenes, partners from GLA, TfL, and the GP Care Group worked closely with Bikeworks to shape an experience that would let social prescribers feel the benefits of cycling first-hand, before offering it on to their patients and communities.

On 30th July, more than 20 social prescribing link workers gathered in Victoria Park for a cycle skills session using Santander bikes. Led by Bikeworks’ qualified instructors — including Co-CEO Jim Blakemore — the group explored off-road routes, rebuilt cycling confidence, and rediscovered the simple joy of riding together.

As Zoe Portlock, Co-CEO of Bikeworks, reflected:

“At Bikeworks we’ve seen time and again how cycling can transform people’s confidence, wellbeing, and connection to others. As an inclusive cycling social enterprise, we’re proud to bring our expertise into partnerships with health professionals like the GP Care Group — making cycling part of everyday care and support, and ensuring the people who will benefit most have the chance to rediscover it in a safe and welcoming way.”

Positive first rides

The energy on the day spoke for itself. Many participants hadn’t cycled in years, while others were trying Santander bikes for the very first time — and the feedback was immediate.

Elsa Robinson (GLA) reflected on the impact: “There was some really nice feedback from people who hadn’t cycled in a long time and loved it.”

For Preet Johal (Tower Hamlets GP Care Group), the session went beyond enjoyment, sparking inspiration among the team: “The social prescribers said they had a lovely time. I think you may have inspired some of us to get back into cycling!”

And as Sahdia Warraich (Social Prescribing Manager) shared the following morning, the experience was still resonating: “Everyone had a great time. They were all talking about it at this morning’s Social Prescribing team meeting!”

Cycling as “More Than Medicine”

This pilot shows the potential of integrating cycling into the “More Than Medicine” approach that social prescribing is built on. By working together — the city-wide reach of GLA and TfL, Bikeworks’ expertise in inclusive cycling, and the trusted role of GP Care Group link workers — we are opening up cycling to people who might otherwise be excluded.

The session gave social prescribers the chance to experience cycling first-hand. With this confidence, social prescribers can now champion cycling as part of their work, encouraging residents who are less likely to cycle — whether because of confidence, cost, or lack of opportunity — to give it a go.

This is just the start. By equipping social prescribers to lead the way, we can ensure more people across Tower Hamlets — and beyond — discover the freedom, confidence, and connection that riding a bike brings.