People told to get on e-bikes
Two new funds are being announced to encourage more people to start using electric bicycles, particularly for shorter journeys.
The Low Carbon Transport Loan Fund will have £500,000 available for interest-free loans of up to £3,000 to help individuals and businesses purchase e-bikes and e-cargo bikes.
The E-bike Grant Fund will allocate £700,000 for local authorities, public sector agencies, community organisations, colleges and universities to encourage large-scale e-bike adoption. It is expected grants will fund e-bike pools, secure cycle parking and safety equipment.
A further £100,000 will be available through the E-bike Grant Fund to let members of the public test ride e-bikes at Home Energy Scotland advice centres, active travel hubs and community centres.
The funding was announced by Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing at the Scottish Transport Summit in Glasgow on Thursday June 14.
‘These funds are the latest in a range of measures the Scottish Government is introducing to encourage sustainable and active travel,’ said Mr Ewing.
‘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.’