Plymouth City Council secure nearly £60,000 to get people using electric bikes

They will be delivering five schemes to give locals first-hand experience of using an e-cycle

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 23rd Jun 2021

Plymouth City Council have secured just under £60,000 to run a number of trial schemes designed to encourage greater uptake of electric bikes.

The Department for Transport has awarded the local authority £59,835 to deliver five schemes that will give people first-hand experience of using an e-cycle, the skills to maintain one and the confidence that they can be safely stored.

They include a free e-cycle loan scheme and, in partnership with local bike shops, the introduction of a small number of ‘courtesy’ e-cycles, so that customers have the opportunity to try one out while their conventional bike is serviced.

"I’m really pleased that Plymouth has secured this funding. This is a hilly city and electric bikes offer a real opportunity to help get more people cycling, improving people’s health, reducing congestion and helping deliver our climate change commitment. It’s great that, through this programme, more people will be able to give an electric bike a go."

Councillor Jonathan Drean - Cabinet Member for Transport

Maintenance courses and open access workshop sessions will also be available to give people the confidence and ability to service and maintain their e-cycle, helping to reduce the costs of ownership.

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