Through this project, we’ve been able to provide electric bikes to community hubs across the SEStran region, allowing more people to trial using an e-bike before buying their own. As part of the Go e-Bike project, we are working in partnership with West Lothian Bike Library to run employer trials. Employees can loan an e-bike for a week or longer to experience how it might fit into their daily routine or commute.
Through the trial, we’ve provided e-bikes to Skills Development Scotland staff working in different locations in the region. We were delighted to hear from Ailsa Morgan, who borrowed an e-bike from the West Lothian Bike Library and discovered the joys of a pedal powered commute…
“I just wanted to say a massive thanks to the West Lothian Bike Library and their role in the e-bike trial with Skills Development Scotland – what a revelation!
“I found the Bike Library to be incredibly accommodating and approachable; making the process of collecting and dropping off the bike I trialled very easy (even when I got the day wrong for my return and didn’t even realise – sorry David!). The fact that I could trial the bikes for an extended period made a massive difference as it allowed me a much more realistic span of time to understand when and how I’d use the bike to commute. I was able to trial several different routes until I hit on the one I would replicate and the bike itself was great quality.
“Having access to the e-bike gave me the confidence to try commuting to work where before I’d have felt it was ‘too far’, and that it’d be ‘too hard’ before a day in the office. I soon realised my preconceptions were wrong.
“My journey to and from work was really enjoyable, energising and helped me deal with the mental stresses and strains of the day. I also got to see wildlife and the seasons changing in a way that I definitely would have missed when travelling in my car on the A1/city bypass.
“For me, I’ve come to understand that using a bike to commute to work will be something I can do regularly. I think I can aim to replace one or two car journeys each week with a bike journey – hopefully more in the Spring/Summer. I will be able to build some exercise into my working day and save money on expenses!”