A bike-sharing service is to be scrapped until 2023 after being hampered by technical issues.
The BTN BikeShare scheme will be taken off the roads after problems with Vodafone 3G signal made the bikes difficult or impossible to use.
Bikes will begin to be withdrawn throughout December with Brighton and Hove City Council claiming that a new fleet will be installed in the new year.
Councillor Steve Davis, co-chairman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We recognise that this news is disappointing and share the disappointment of users that we are having to pause the scheme, however we’re fully committed to seeing the return next year of a new-look bike scheme for Brighton and Hove.
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“I’d like to thank council and HourBike staff for their hard work during what has been a very challenging time for BTN BikeShare. Their dedication and perseverance have ensured the scheme has continued to operate, albeit on a more limited basis, during another busy year.
“However, the issues relating to the age of the fleet and Vodafone 3G have now made the continuation untenable and the scheme needs a refresh for the benefit of our residents and visitors.”
Customers who took out annual memberships or have pay as you go credit for the service will be given the option to either receive a refund or donate the money to a cycling charity.
Brighton and Hove City Council said it attempted to contact Vodafone UK regarding issues with the 3G links to the bikes, but did not receive a response.
Vodafone has been approached for comment regarding the issues with the 3G.
The scheme was first introduced in September 2017 but has seen a downturn in use due to the problems. It is estimated that over four million miles have been covered in that time.
As part of plans for the new version of the scheme, Brighton and Hove City Council has committed to introducing more docking stations for the bikes.
The council will introduce nearly 800 bikes in the new iteration of the service with over half of the bikes being electric.
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