Electric 'Co Bikes' rental stations near Exmouth Leisure Centre, and on Fore Street in Topsham, have been removed.

Operator Co Mobility told Nub News it had decided to replace the metal stands with "full docking stations", which would charge the bikes when users return them.

Spokesperson Sergio Soares said: "The plan was never to have dockless stations in Topsham and or Exmouth, so we have removed them until we are authorised to put full docking stations in both Topsham and Exmouth.

"Bikes need to charge after a long ride, and the only way to do that is to have docking stations in both places.

"We are putting them back on as soon as we have authorisation to do so." 

Riders have been warned not to return bikes to the Exmouth or Fore Street Topsham stations as they will continue to be charged.

A notice on the app used to rent the bikes reads: "Exmouth and Topsham stations… closed from 1 June until further notice. Do not return bikes as you will continue to be charged."

Current Co Bikes stations map (Co Bikes)

The nearest drop-off stations are currently on the outskirts of Topsham.