The city's bike rental scheme returns this month but this time the cycles will be electric.

Micromobility brand Beryl launches Beryl BTN from March 31, with 75 electric bicycles available to hire across 19 hubs from Portslade to Rottingdean.

There will eventually be 780 e-bikes in the city by the end of this year.

It comes after the hugely popular BTN Bikeshare scheme was pulled last year due to connectivity issues, making the old pedal-powered bicycles nearly impossible to use.

Phil Ellis, chief executive and cofounder of Beryl, said: “We’re truly excited to be working in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council and launching our service in one of the country’s most progressive and vibrant cities.

“We have a proven track record of working in partnership with major cities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders to deliver successful schemes that play a crucial role in integrated urban transport systems.

The Argus: The new electric bikes will launch on March 31The new electric bikes will launch on March 31 (Image: Beryl)

“Our vehicles are not only good for the environment, they’re also fun, easy to use and cost effective, removing the need for vehicle ownership expenses such as fuel, tax, MOT, storage and maintenance.

READ MORE: Brighton bike-sharing service halted after Vodafone issues

“We hope that, from the launch of the first phase later this month, the scheme will encourage as many people as possible to switch to more sustainable transport.”

The new bikes will be spread across 100 docking stations around the city and can be hired directly through a mobile phone.

Councillor Jamie Lloyd, of the environment, transport and sustainability committee at the city council, said: “What a fantastic way to start the spring.

“The Beryl BTN bikes look fantastic, and I can’t wait to see people using them. 

“Cycling is a great way to get around Brighton and Hove, but not everyone has the space to store their own bike. The e-bikes will also make it easier to navigate some of the city’s steeper roads.”

The new e-bikes will need to be returned to an active bay as the scheme is rolled out, and a rider may incur a charge for parking their bike in a bay that is not yet in use.