Source: Colchester City Council

Colchester City Council in the UK has launched a new initiative offering residents and businesses the opportunity to trial electric bikes and cargo bikes before making a purchase. The ‘try before you buy’ scheme, introduced in late March 2025, allows participants to borrow an e-bike or e-cargo bike for up to one month at a low weekly cost, aiming to promote active travel and reduce reliance on cars.

With rising fuel prices and increasing interest in environmentally friendly transport alternatives, the scheme is designed to help individuals explore the practicality and benefits of electric cycling in their everyday lives. Participants can test a range of electric bikes, including standard models, longtail cargo bikes, two-wheeler box bikes, and tricycles—accommodating a variety of transport needs from commuting and shopping to carrying children or goods.

The initiative has already received positive feedback. One local resident, Jose, trialled a longtail e-cargo bike equipped with an extended rear rack for carrying his daughter; he said. “There’s something undeniably refreshing about starting the day with a bike ride. This daily routine has become one of my favourite parts of the day; it is more than just a commute: as we pedal along, we bond over shared moments and the simple joys of being outdoors. I am grateful for the Colchester City Council short-term hire scheme for the opportunity to rent before investing. Having the possibility to rent the bike for a few weeks is a great way to ‘try before you buy’: this equipment is pricey and without this scheme I would not have considered getting a cargo bike myself.”

The scheme is offered at a rate of £12 per week, and bikes must be securely stored at the user’s home or workplace. To ensure safe and confident use, the council also provides a free induction session for participants.

Councillor Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Planning, and Sustainability, described the scheme as an important step towards encouraging active travel and cleaner air in the city. “This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for residents to explore sustainable transport options before committing to the upfront cost of purchasing an e-bike. We hope that by giving people the chance to try electric bikes, we can encourage more active travel choices, improve the air we all breathe, and make Colchester a healthier and happier place to live.”

This initiative forms part of Colchester City Council’s wider strategy to reduce urban pollution, increase accessibility to low-emission transport, and support a shift towards greener, more active ways of getting around.