Source: Cycling Industry News, Simon Cox

The ‘Cycling made e-asy’ scheme runs from 2022 into 2023, offering free e-bike loans to citizens in 5 pilot areas, beginning with Greater Manchester

The UK Department for Transport has provided £8 million of investment to the ‘cycling made e-asy’ scheme, which is run by Cycling UK. The primary goal is to make e-bikes accessible to those who do not have access to, or would not consider, cycling as a form of transport.

Confirmed ‘Cycling made e-asy’ partners, supporting the delivery of the initiative, include Evans Cycles, Raleigh Bikes, Specialized, Tier Mobility, Islabikes, Cycling Projects, Bikeworks, Fusion Media, Modeshift, Cyclescheme, Cycle Confident, Big Issue e-bikes, Bicycle Association, and Transport for Quality of Life.

The program delivers a part of the ‘Cycling and Walking Plan (Gear Change)’. The plan was created with the ambitious vision of half of all journeys in UK urban areas being walked or cycled by 2030.

Cycling UK is a well-established organization in the UK, holding extensive experience in engaging with underrepresented groups and breaking down societal barriers. Utilizing a network of over 400 community cycling organizations will allow the scheme to rapidly engage with non-regular cyclists who may be interested in e-bike commuting.

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive said:

“The project is a unique opportunity for Cycling UK to offer free and easy loans of electric cycles to communities across England. Each of our chosen locations will have a variety of e-cycles available to suit a variety of participants’ needs. At Cycling UK, we understand that taking the first step to start cycling can be a difficult prospect for many people. This project will allow them to access an e-cycle without obstacles holding them back, to help them make real changes to their travel habits.”

Cycling minister Trudy Harrison said:

“The £8 million we have provided for this scheme will help make cycling the natural first choice for many journeys – a key Government commitment from the Prime Minister’s Walking and Cycling plan. I’m grateful to Cycling UK for delivering this scheme on our behalf, giving people across the UK the opportunity to try something new whilst doing good for the planet.”

Find the Cycling Made E-asy website here.