A dockless bike hire company is launching their service in Wandsworth later this month.

Ofo hire scheme will mean people can register with an app to locate and hire a bike without having to access it via a fixed docking station.

It will work alongside the existing Santander cycle hire scheme, which does not operate across the entire borough, and will help encourage more people to get out of their car and use clean, sustainable transport.

The council’s transport spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: “We feel there is a place in the borough for a dockless bike hire scheme, but it must be the right one. We’re confident that we’ve found the right partner in ofo.”

The initiative will support the objectives of the council’s Cycling Strategy and other council plans, aiming for cycling to make up seven per cent of all trips by 2026.

It follows a decision by the council last year to stop the dockless bike hire firm O-bikes from operating in the borough following complaints about bikes being randomly dumped.

The scheme, which is expanding to cover ten boroughs, has strict safeguarding guidelines including ‘Geofencing’ technology which will ensure riders use the bikes within the designated ‘Home Zone’ which is visible in the app.

ofo will also have a team of marshals available seven days a week to answer any questions from users and ensure the service runs smoothly and that bikes are being parked responsibly.

The council has agreed provisions with ofo for prompt removal of any bikes causing an obstruction and the public can also report concerns on 0808 1101 7141 or by emailing cs_uk@ofo.com.

Customers can hire a three-speed bike via the ofo smartphone app, ride it to their destination and lock it again for 70p for a 30 minute journey. ofo has also introduced daily passes, offering unlimited rides for £2.90 and monthly passes, costing £9.90.

The scheme has been given permission to operate for a pilot period of 12 months with the potential to be extended or terminated earlier depending on how it’s working.

Joseph Seal-Driver, ofo’s UK general manager, said: “We will be working very closely with the council to ensure ofo’s rollout goes as smoothly as possible and to provide the best experience for residents. We are looking forward to seeing our distinctive yellow bikes on the streets giving people a fun, cheap and environmentally friendly way to get around.”