Almost £1m awarded to support e-bike projects across Scotland

Almost £1m has been awarded to support e-bike projects across Scotland.

It is part of efforts to help improve people’s health and air quality as well as protecting the climate.

A total of £825,000 has so far been provided by the Scottish Government for 36 innovative projects.

The eBike Grant Fund has been backed by Transport Scotland and is delivered by Energy Saving Trust.

In the latest round of the fund, 216 e-bikes, 56 e-cargo bikes and 34 adapted cycles were delivered.

Across four years of the fund, over £2.8m has been provided to support over 170 projects across Scotland with 996 e-bikes.

Minister for active travel Patrick Harvie indicated that the funding will help bring about a “transformational shift” in reducing car journeys.

“I am delighted that our funding for e-bikes is unlocking sustainable travel options for communities across Scotland,” he said.

“E-bikes offer real advantages when it comes to moving cargo, tackling tough hills or longer distances – making it easier to choose cycling instead of car use.

“We’re committed in Scotland to building an Active Nation, where many more people choose to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.

“To support this, the Scottish Government has committed to providing record sums of over £320m a year by the end of 2024/25.

“This funding will help us bring about the transformational shift that we need to help meet our 20% car kilometre reduction target whilst protecting our climate from damaging transport emissions.

“Many of the successful projects are widening access for disabled people, placing inclusivity at the heart of their approach and I look forward to seeing the success of these schemes in action.“