E-bikes on loan to promote sustainable travel

Anyone living in Gloucestershire will be able to rent an electric bicycle for up to three months

People are being given the chance to try out riding an e-bike with a new loan scheme.

The Pedal Eazy project makes it possible for adults living in Gloucestershire to hire an electric bicycle for up to three months for £70 a month or £30 per month for jobseekers.

The aim is to promote sustainable travel in the county and if you decide to purchase a bike, the hire fees can be refunded in the form of a voucher to encourage continued cycling.

"E-bikes enable people to travel further than by conventional bike," said Councillor Cate Cody, leader of the Green Party at the council.

“Many people have never used an e-bike and this excellent scheme gives the opportunity to try one," she added.

The scheme is funded by Gloucestershire County Council's Thinktravel team to encourage people to use a healthier and greener mode of transport.

Councillors David Gray and Chloe Turner launched the Pedal Eazy scheme

According to recent UK-wide data collated by the cycling and walking charity Sustrans, although 36% of respondents said they cycle, only 15% do so at least once a week.

The charity said that while electric bikes can be regarded as "cheating", for many people they make travelling by bike far more accessible and help them to bring more exercise into their daily routine.

Bookings for the Pedal Eazy scheme can be made through Gloucestershire Bike Project or Transition Stroud.