E-bikes are a great alternative to using the car for short journeys. But they can be an expensive outlay, particularly if you don’t know if one will fit into your lifestyle and work for you. In this blog, our Project Officer, Beth Harley-Jepson, writes about employer e-bike trials we’ve been funding.
To help make it easier for people to try out an e-bike and see how it could be a good transport option, we’re funding West Lothian Bike Library to run an employer bike hire scheme in our region. The purpose is to give staff the chance to try an e-bike for everyday use, whether for commuting, errands or leisure. We’re delighted to see that it’s proving a great way to build confidence, reduce car dependency and encourage more sustainable travel choices.
West Lothian Bike Library works directly with employers to tailor the trial to best suit their site and staff. Typically, around six e-bikes are provided for a four-week period, but this can be adjusted depending on the size and needs of the organisation.
Before the bikes are loaned out, staff are offered an induction session covering how to use the e-bike safely. There’s also the option for bike training and confidence-building sessions, which are especially helpful for those who might be new to cycling or unsure about tackling longer or more complex journeys.
During the trial, staff are free to use the bikes however they like – for commuting, popping to the shops, or simply getting out and about. It gives them the opportunity to explore how an e-bike could fit into daily life, and for those considering buying one, it’s a chance to try before committing.
West Lothian Bike Library provides ongoing support throughout the trial, including regular checks and basic repairs. This ensures the bikes stay in good working order and that staff have a smooth, enjoyable experience.
St John’s Hospital in Livingston recently took part and shared great feedback. Staff were enthusiastic, with several saying they’d never considered cycling to work before but now felt inspired to continue. The trial helped overcome practical barriers, like concerns about hills or distance, and gave people the chance to experience the benefits of e-bikes first-hand.
Here are comments from two people who took part:
“This pilot was amazing and really solidified me wanting to buy an e-bike. As someone with health issues I was scared to buy one in case I wouldn’t be able to manage but the e-bike was really great for my needs.”
“It gave me the confidence I needed to make the decision to buy an e-bike to commute to work.”
This kind of impact is exactly what we’re hoping to achieve by funding initiatives such as this. It’s supporting the achievement of two of the objectives of our Regional Transport Strategy:
If you’re an employer in SEStran region, we’d love it if you would consider taking part. The scheme is flexible, well-supported, and offers real benefits for your staff – from improved wellbeing and reduced travel costs to a more sustainable workplace culture. It’s also a great way to show your commitment to environmental responsibility and staff development. And as the initiative is funded by us, there’s no cost to you!
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch and we can put into contact with West Lothian Bike Library. Email: reception@sestran.gov.uk
