Projects to improve access to e-bikes for disabled people and those in rural communities are among the latest to benefit from Scottish Government funding.
In total, £825,000 has been provided through the latest round of the eBike Grant Fund, delivering 216 e-bikes, 56 e-cargo bikes and 34 adapted cycles to 36 projects across the country.
Among the beneficiaries is the Shapinsay Development Trust, which has been awarded more than £16,000 for 10 new bikes on Orkney. The bikes will be available for rental by visitors, while residents will have free access for the project duration.
Meanwhile in Edinburgh, Leonard Cheshire Disability has been awarded more than £19,000 for two rickshaw adapted cycles. This will offer disabled people more opportunities to keep active through accessible cycling.
The Scottish Government says the funding will enable communities and organisations to encourage a shift away from car journeys.
Partick Harvie, Scotland’s minister for active travel, said: “I am delighted that our funding for e-bikes is unlocking sustainable travel options for communities across Scotland.
“E-bikes offer real advantages when it comes to moving cargo, tackling tough hills or longer distances – making it easier to choose cycling instead of car use.
“This funding will help us bring about the transformational shift that we need to help meet our 20% car kilometre reduction target whilst protecting our climate from damaging transport emissions.
“Many of the successful projects are widening access for disabled people, placing inclusivity at the heart of their approach and I look forward to seeing the success of these schemes in action.”
Across four years of the e-Bike Grant Fund, over £2.8 million has now been provided to support 170 projects with 996 e-bikes.
Comment on this story