The new electric bike-hire scheme has been criticised for its “excessive” pricing.

Brighton’s e-bikes have been launched but prospective users have complained about prices compared to its predecessor.

Beryl e-bikes are priced at 15p per minute on top of a £1 “unlocking fee” meaning that the bikes could cost £10 per hour, although a “minute bundle” reduces this to £7.50.

One Twitter user said: “I’ve just parked in town. Two hours cost me £8.80. Two hours on a bike would cost £18. I’ll stick with rip off parking charges, thanks.”

Another commenter added: “At those prices, I'd just get in the car. Better, quicker, dryer - and just generally more convenient.”

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While Brighton’s e-bike scheme works out at £7.50 an hour, others across the UK are cheaper.

In London, an hour on a Boris Bike works out at £6.60 for a 60-minute ride. In Manchester, where the “bee bike” scheme is also run by Beryl, an hour’s trip would cost £7.

For further comparison, for the price of a single bus fare from Brighton to Tunbridge Wells, capped at £2, you can cycle from Churchill Square to the Royal Pavilion, costing £1.90.

Council leader Phelim MacCafferty described how the old non electric bike scheme was popular during the lockdowns and is hoping that popularity will return for the new e-bikes.

He said: "My understanding of the cost as it stands is because of the limited roll out we have so far, but it has been the subject of negotiation. As we roll out more and with the growth of the scheme, we will be able to negotiate round unit cost.

"I think it is fair to say we've had a period of time without them. The city has missed them.

"The real proof in the pudding for the scheme was through all the lockdowns and use of the bikes went through the roof. We're hoping to emulate that and grow the scheme.

“It's not just about the seafront - the key thing about e-bikes is that it will enable people to get around more easily. That's good for physical and mental health, but it's also about slowly but surely changing each and every journey in the city."

Phil Ellis, Beryl’s chief executive and co-founder, said: "Our e-bikes and bikes offer a fun, sustainable and easy to use alternative to road transport journeys and actively reduce traffic congestion and harmful carbon emissions while boosting air quality and public health. 

"They're also cost-effective, especially when compared to private vehicle ownership, removing the costs associated with fuel, tax, storage, maintenance, MOT and insurance."