E-cargo bike research project announces successful applicants

Energy Saving Trust has announced that 11 organisations have been successful in being chosen to participate in the eCargo Bike Research Project, funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Energy Saving Trust.

The project, supported by the eBike Grant Fund, offers organisations in Scotland the opportunity to trial an ecargo bike for 12 months, free of charge. These trials will allow Transport Scotland and Energy Saving Trust to gather data and user experiences to inform the potential of ecargo bike use for addressing both business needs and the climate emergency.

The successful submissions to the project demonstrated a broad range of applications for the ecargo bike trials. Edinburgh-based Farr Out Deliveries is a cargo bike courier delivery service, whose aim is to make cargo bike deliveries a key element of the city’s green future. Over 3,000 packages have been delivered on ecargo bikes in the three months since Farr Out Deliveries started up, illustrating how businesses and individuals can replace car and van delivery routes with an ebike.

The ecargo bike is well-suited to bulk delivery activities, as it has an increased load capacity, a weather-resistant place to secure the cargo, and allows a longer range of cycling.

Act Now was also successful in its application. The organisation runs several projects aimed at maintaining, enhancing and promoting the coastal and countryside environment in Argyll and the Isles.

Working in partnership with communities, public agencies and private organisations, they design and implement projects that encompass conservation, tourism, and health and wellbeing. The trial ecargo bike will be used by cafes, local manufacturing businesses, nurseries and allotments throughout Argyll and Bute, and will reduce the need for staff, volunteers and members of the public to use their cars.

Ellie Grebenik, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “It is encouraging to see the breadth of applications supported by the eCargo Bike Research Project. The keen interest in the project and the oversubscriptions demonstrate how people are keen to move to more sustainable travel options. eCargo bikes are an attractive zero-emission transport solution that also help to reduce congestion on our roads.

“They offer many benefits, including significant fuel cost savings compared to a vehicle, increased activity levels for the rider, improved local air quality and no carbon emissions. Increasing ecargo bike usage will be a crucial part of Scotland’s transition to net zero.”

Jamie Joyce, project officer at Act Now, said: “The Act Now project is delighted to have been accepted by Energy Saving Trust as part of the eCargo Bike Research Project. We look forward to working with Mid Argyll organisations who can make full use of the ecargo bike as a real sustainable alternative to traditional car and van use.”

eBikes are perfect for last mile delivery and other short-medium length trips for both organisations and individuals. If you are interested in purchasing an ecargo bike, Energy Saving Trust administer an interest-free loan so businesses and individuals can spread the upfront cost of the vehicle over four years.

All successful organisations are listed here.