Major upgrade coming to Santander bikes in London
Key Points
- TfL and Santander will launch a new Santander Cycles app on 17 November 2026.
- The new application will make it easier to find and hire cycles, as well as add support for Apple and Google Pay.
- After the new app is launched, customers will be able to hire cycles by scanning a QR code on their phone.
- There will be a service outage ahead of the launch, after which those who download and register on the new app will receive a free first ride.
Santander and Transport for London (TfL) will launch a completely new Santander Cycles app in November, bringing significant improvements and making the bikes easier to find and hire than ever.
The new application will roll out on 17 November and will allow customers to buy passes before they travel. The upgraded app will also bring several long-awaited features that will make it much easier to find and hire bicycles.
Using the new Santander Cycles app, customers can hire a bike by scanning a QR code printed on the bicycle itself, similar to how Lime and Forest bike hire works.
Support has also been added for Apple and Google Pay, making it much easier for riders to pay for a bike rental directly from their phone without manually inputting their card information.
Upgrades to the Santander Cycles fleet are not limited to the mobile application. TfL said that next year, it would begin to install new in-dock charging systems that allow e-bikes to charge when docked.
This will make it much easier to find an e-bike with sufficient charge that is ready to ride, as they will automatically be topped up when docked.
When the new app is launched on 17 November, customers will be unable to use the old application. Additionally, Santander Cycles will not be available from the evening of 13 November until the new app goes live, meaning customers will be unable to hire bikes or access their accounts.
Once the new application is live, TfL will offer a free Santander Cycles ride to anyone who downloads and registers on the new application. The free ride can be redeemed by entering the code: NEWAPP and is available for e-bike rentals, too.
Those who hold annual and monthly passes will receive free seven- and five-day extensions to their subscription, respectively.
“We’re really excited to be launching a brand-new Santander Cycles app and to introduce a range of improvements that will make hiring a bike and using the scheme quicker, simpler and better than ever before.,” said TfL Head of Cycle Hire David Eddington.
“These upgrades will transform the customer experience, from being able to unlock a bike in seconds using a QR code, to faster payment options and better access to fully charged e-bikes.”
“Whether you’re commuting, exploring the city or making a short journey, the new technology will help people get on a bike and start riding with ease,” he said.
