
Forest riders clock 24M km in 2024, saving London 1,104 tonnes of CO₂e
Forest, one of London’s e-bike operators, has launched its latest Sustainability Report, highlighting how the company is supporting the capital’s shift to more sustainable and affordable forms of travel.
The new report reveals that their riders covered nearly 24 million km in 2024, with every journey taken by a Forest rider saving on average 46g of CO₂ emissions per km travelled, equating to more than 1,100 tonnes of CO₂e saved in the past year.
Pedalling towards zero emissions
This year, Forest made its largest yearly reduction in CO₂ emissions yet and is far outperforming competitors, achieving a 53% reduction in the company’s overall carbon footprint compared to last year. The company has no Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with all Scope 3 emissions offset via its partnership with The Great Reserve.
The use of second hand but unused electric bikes to power its fleet has played a key role in Forest’s progress, with every second hand e-bike purchased reducing the company’s carbon footprint by 262kg.
To further support Londoners in the adoption of transport methods that are more sustainable, affordable, ease congestion and promote healthier lifestyles, Forest also:
- Is the only e-bike provider to power its fleet with renewable energy from the outset
- Reduced CO₂ emissions (kg) per km travelled by 74% in the past year
- Continued its collaboration with partners OKAI and Fivrec to improve battery cell design and recyclability
Recently ranked 22nd out of 250 in Sifted’s fastest-growing companies in Europe, sustainability and affordability will remain central to Forest as it continues its growth. In the next year, the company is aiming to increase the number of gifted minutes to users to 50 million, and prevent 1500 tonnes of CO₂ from being emitted into the Capital’s air.
Saving money, one ride at a time
With the costs of traditional transport methods rising, Forest remains committed to providing Londoners with a more cost-effective alternative. The company is the only provider that gifts users ten minutes of free rides per day. In 2024, Forest gave away approximately 40 million gifted minutes, costing the equivalent of over £11 million.
The company is also supporting commuters with their journeys to and from the office through its own Cycle to Work scheme, offering participants savings of up to 47% by purchasing a subscription through schemes such as CycleSaver.
‘The only thing we greenwash is our uniforms’
To coincide with the launch of its new report, Forest is rolling out an out-of-home campaign throughout June titled “The only thing we greenwash is our uniforms.” The campaign, which culminates on Tuesday 17th June with an interactive billboard, offers the public a behind-the-scenes look at how Forest operates London’s most sustainable and affordable shared e-bike service – setting a clear benchmark in an industry where competitors often make questionable claims about their environmental credentials. As part of the campaign, individuals also have the chance to win one of Forest’s iconic green worker jackets.
Head of Sustainability at Forest, Laura Elms said: “Sustainability has never been a side project for Forest Bikes – it’s been central from day one. We started out as the only provider to use renewable energy across our entire operations – our eBike fleet, our service fleet and our warehouses – and retain this strong position today.
“We’re extremely proud of our position as the most sustainable shared e-bike provider and the progress we have made over the past 5 years, but we’re not done. At a time when sustainability is at risk of being deprioritised by businesses and governments alike, we believe losing focus now would come at a cost none of us can afford – socially, environmentally, and economically.
“While we are growing fast, providing a sustainable transport solution will remain our top priority. We are committed to openly and honestly sharing our sustainability story, and hope that cities and other mobility providers recognise the value of investing in cleaner and more sustainable transport options.”
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