A new electric bike hire scheme which launched in Inverness yesterday can get more young and old people into cycling, according Highland Council’s leader.
Carbon CLEVER Cycles is a new local authority-led initiative with the target of a carbon neutral Inverness in a low carbon Highlands by 2025.
It is a collaborative pilot project between Highland Council, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Co-Wheels Car Club.
The plan could branch out if the pilot is a success.
Initially there will be 12 bikes and two hire points with six lockers at each. The bike comes with a helmet, hi-visibility vest, baskets, bike lock, and a pump in each locker.
The two hire points are at Highland Council HQ on Glenurquhart Road and on Falcon Square in the city centre.
Council leader Drew Hendry, who has signed up to the scheme, said: “This is a fantastic way to encourage younger people to think of healthy ways to get around. We have the challenges of tackling health inequalities and issues like obesity, so we need to make sure young people are trying new things.
“It’s also a great way to get older people back on a bike after not using one in a while. It’s like being on a flat surface when you are going up hills but at the same time you are getting the required exercise. And you are away quicker from junctions – so it’s safer too.”
The scheme will be operated by Co-Wheels and an hour’s rental will start at £1.75. Inverness people will be able to use the bikes all day for a cost of £10 and tourists will pay £20.
A total of 25 councillors have signed up to the scheme and users can now register via the Co-Wheels Car Club website to hire a bike.
An e-bike can be powered by electricity as well as propelled by pedals. Each bike has an integrated electric motor which can be used for propulsion, allowing people to tackle hills or headwinds with ease.
To engage the motor, cyclists simply have to press a green button on the handlebars and a display will light up.
A fully charged battery will last between 30 and 35 miles but the council will also provide portable chargers to be used when people stop off for a coffee or lunch.
SSE will contribute £40,000 to the scheme and will lease the bikes to the council at a cost of £15,000 per year.