If you already use Colchester’s shared e-bikes, or have noticed them around the city, you’ll soon see some positive changes. Colchester City Council has agreed a new contract with Dott to expand and improve the e-bike scheme, as more people choose e-bikes as a practical, active way to get around.
More than 800 Dott e-bikes are already available across Colchester, with around 1,900 people riding each week. Since the local e-scooter trial ended, most riders have naturally switched to e-bikes, and demand continues to grow. This new agreement is designed to build on what’s already working for you.
Under the new contract, Dott will continue running the service in Colchester, with the ability to increase the fleet to up to 1,000 e-bikes if demand continues to rise.
Mandatory parking to keep streets clear
From April, you’ll start to see a fully mandatory parking system in place. This means that when you finish a journey, you’ll need to park your e-bike in a designated parking location.
More than 500 new parking locations will be introduced across the city. This will help keep pavements and public spaces clear and make day-to-day operation of the scheme tidier and more reliable for everyone.
Reaching more parts of Colchester
The e-bike scheme will expand into additional wards across the city, making it easier for you to find a bike where and when you need one.
A seasonal e-bike service will also be introduced in Mersea, giving both residents and visitors a sustainable way to get around during the busier months.
Better cycling infrastructure
As part of the agreement, Dott will support improvements to cycling infrastructure across Colchester. This includes more designated parking bays, as well as future plans for on-street markings and bike corrals to make cycling around the city clearer and safer.
Making e-bikes more affordable and supporting local businesses
If you use e-bikes regularly, a new Cycle Saver option will be launched to help reduce the cost of frequent riding. The contract also strengthens partnerships with local businesses, supporting promotional activity and local economic benefits.
Helping us improve the scheme
Colchester City Council and Dott want to hear from you as the scheme continues to develop. Mandatory parking will help reduce problems, but your feedback remains important.
If you see an e-bike that has been parked irresponsibly, notice unsafe riding, or have suggestions new parking locations, you can contact Dott through the Dott app or by emailing colchester-parking@ridedott.com.
Will e-scooters return?
No. Colchester has chosen not to continue with the national e-scooter trial. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on public roads, and we have no plans to reintroduce a rental scheme. By focusing on e-bikes, the council keeps local control and, through its partnership with Dott, helps ensure safe and responsible use.
Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Sustainable Development, said: “I’m pleased that the transition has been smooth and without a drop in service, as the majority of users have happily transferred to use the e-bikes instead of e-scooters. This decision puts Colchester in control of its active travel future. By focusing on e-bikes, we’re supporting a cleaner, safer and more inclusive transport option for our residents. The new contract will help us build on what’s already working – expanding into more areas, improving parking and supporting cycling infrastructure so that the scheme continues to meet local needs.”
Iqbal Ahmed, UKI Public Policy Director at Dott, said: “We’re delighted to agree this new contract with Colchester City Council. It allows us to improve and expand the service by growing the fleet, introducing mandatory parking and extending the scheme into new areas. We’re also looking forward to launching Cycle Saver, supporting local infrastructure and working with local partners, to make shared e-bikes an even more convenient and affordable option for Colchester.”