Transport Scotland has announced details of two initiatives to encourage more people to ride electric bicycles – particularly for shorter journeys.
Through the E-Bike Grant Fund, £700,000 will be allocated to local authorities, public sector agencies, community organisations, colleges and universities to encourage large scale e-bike adoption.
Transport Scotland says the funding will be given to initiatives such as e-bike pools and projects to provide secure cycle parking and safety equipment.
A further £100,000 will be available through the E-bike Grant Fund to allow members of the public test ride e-bikes at Home Energy Scotland advice centres, active travel hubs and community centres.
The £500,000 Low Carbon Transport Loan Fund will make interest-free loans of up to £3,000 to help individuals and businesses purchase e-bikes and e-cargo bikes.
Fergus Ewing, cabinet secretary for the rural economy and connectivity, said: “These funds are the latest in a range of measures the Scottish Government is introducing to encourage sustainable and active travel.
“We want more people, who undertake shorter journeys, to leave their cars at home and go by bike for the benefit of their health and our environment.
“E-bikes can be a great way of getting started with active travel as they offer as much assistance as the rider needs. They also make it easy for people to take heavy bags with them using panniers, trailers or by opting for an e-cargo bike in the first place.”
Possibly not Pat but the range is probably further than the rider’s ability to avoid frostbite unless they start wearing motorcycling clothing.
Guzzi, Newport
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Good luck with the project however make sure the bikes are secure when not in use, have ID and are insured. Otherwise a £3k bike may be easy to steal and change hands in the pub (or any other place of refreshment) for a night’s beer money.
p.s. Batteries don’t like the cold so does any one know the range of an electric bike in a Scottish winter?
Pat, Wales
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