A HIRE scheme for e-bikes has launched a three-hour pass, allowing people to cover longer distances and explore more destinations.

Forth Bike, the electronic bicycle hire scheme, has launched the pass to allow longer trips without the need to dock bikes every 30 or 45 minutes.

Suvi Loponen, Forth Bike's community outreach and business development officer, said: "This type of long-duration membership has been highly requested and I am sure that it will be a much-used one, for both locals wanting to have a nice afternoon on the bike, and visitors alike.

"Many of our users have told us they would like to have breaks on their ride, for example, to grab a coffee or lunch.

"The new pass will allow the user to take Forth Bike out for three hours and by using the secondary lock, they can have as many stops and breaks as they wish during the rental.

"This will also allow them to visit attractions that might not have a station near them."

Last year, Forth Bike has opened three electric bike charge and hire stations in the Wee County and experienced a surge in use over the lockdown months across the wider Forth Valley.

The three-hour pass adds to the existing membership options, which usually require the user to dock their bike at a station within 45 minutes to avoid extra time fees.

Costing £6, the three-hour pass is being launched during Canal Encounters' Cycling Week in Falkirk.

For the duration of the week, until this Sunday, August 22, the three-hour pass is being offered at half price with rentals costing £3.

Suvi added: "It made sense to launch the pass alongside Canal Encounters' Cycling Week because the new pass gives an amazing opportunity for people to check out all the exciting activities and installations.

"We have some Forth Bike group rides and pop-ups happening towards the end of the week, so if you're curious to try the bikes before becoming a member, I'd recommend checking the programme out on the website."

For more information, visit forthbike.co.uk or download the official Forth Bike application.