A company is hoping to cash in on Redbridge’s lack of Boris Bikes after it launched the borough’s first-ever cycle hire scheme.

Some 125 bikes will be deployed across the area by Ofo, which already operates similar schemes in four London boroughs and four other cities across the UK.

Users are able to download an app on their phone, allowing them to hire a bike for 50p per half hour until they drop it off at a designated parking zone.

The bikes will be available to pick up at 14 locations across Redbridge, including Snaresbrook station, South Woodford station, Wanstead Flats, Wanstead High Street and Woodford Green.

Joseph Seal-Driver, Ofo UK general manager, said: “We’re delighted that ofo has been selected to run a bike-sharing scheme in Redbridge.

“Our bikes have proven hugely successful across London and in other UK cities, and it’s particularly positive to be bringing Redbridge’s residents their first cycle hire scheme.

“This will give people more options for clean, green travel.”

The entire fleet of cycles will be fitted with bright dynamo front lights, solar-powered rear lights and a handy front basket.

Ofo is also working in partnership with Redbridge Council, which gave the green light to the scheme, to ensure the service is “valuable and reliable for the public”.

Cllr John Howard, Redbridge Council cabinet member for environment, said: “The new dockless bike scheme is an accessible and affordable way to get people more active and reduce air pollution in the borough.

“The partnership is a really exciting opportunity to make the borough greener, providing an option for sustainable travel. I can’t wait to start using them.”