Welsh Government to pilot e-bike schemes

The Welsh Government will fund pilot schemes to accelerate the uptake of electric bikes and electric cargo bikes, as an alternative, greener transport network.

International examples have shown that e-bikes are a practical alternative to the car for some people. The schemes, which seek to deliver a culture change in how people get around in Wales, therefore adds to a range of Welsh Government policies that look to tackle congestion and get people more active.

The pilots will see four e-bike ‘hubs’ established in Rhyl, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Barry, offering low cost hire and long-term loan of e-bikes for local residents.

Two e-cargo bike ‘libraries’ will also be established in Aberystwyth and Swansea, offering free trials of e-cargo bikes as well as advice and training for local businesses and residents. E-cargo bikes offer the potential to reduce van traffic, for example being used for last mile deliveries.

It is envisioned the schemes, which will run over two years, will be open to the public and businesses in the summer.

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, commented: “We want to give people more options of how to get around, and in particular we want to make greener forms of transport more convenient and accessible. Sustainable travel requires a culture change and the pilots are another step towards delivering our goal.

“There is a strong link between e-bikes and active travel as more people get used to being on bikes. There are also specific benefits in rural communities where longer distances are more common, with e-bikes making cycling viable for more people. These pilots will be used to gather evidence and inform policy, with a view to a wider rollout in the future.”