London's Santander Cycles shut for five days as new app launches November 17

London's Santander Cycles hire scheme is suspended from the evening of Friday (November 13) until the evening of November 17, while Transport for London (TfL) launches a brand-new app. During the outage, customers cannot hire bikes, buy access periods or access their account information.

New app: scan to unlock, mobile payments

The new app launches on November 17. Customers will be able to buy passes before travelling and find available bikes and docking stations more easily. Hiring is transformed: riders can unlock a bike in seconds by scanning a QR code printed on the bike, and payments are easier with Apple Pay and Google Pay. TfL is also installing new in-dock charging systems for e-bikes, due next year, so e-bikes can charge while docked and stay ready to ride.

Free ride and pass extensions

To thank customers for their patience, TfL is offering a free ride to everyone who downloads and registers on the new app, redeemable with the code NEWAPP; Santander e-bikes are included. Annual Pass holders will receive a free seven-day extension and Monthly Pass holders a free five-day extension, applied from November 17.

Santander Cycles recorded 7.6 million hires in 2026 so far, up 2.5 percent on the same period last year, with e-bike hires up nearly 10 percent year on year. TfL has also extended its long-term partnership with Serco to support further investment, including rolling out more e-bikes.

Source: Transport for London (TfL) press release.