A new initiative in Gloucestershire is providing residents the opportunity to experience electric bikes through an affordable loan scheme designed to encourage sustainable transport.
The Pedal Eazy project offers adults in the county the chance to hire an e-bike for up to three months, with costs set at £70 per month or £30 per month for jobseekers.
Funded by Gloucestershire County Council’s Thinktravel team, the scheme aims to promote eco-friendly travel and reduce car dependency.
For those who decide to purchase their rented bike, the hire fees can be refunded in the form of a voucher, encouraging long-term cycling.
Debbie Cooper Jones, a 57-year-old RAF veteran, adopted an electric bike five years ago due to health issues. The bike allowed her to regain her independence, offering a more accessible and enjoyable way to travel.
The scheme is part of a broader initiative to encourage healthier and greener transport options across Gloucestershire.
Councillor Cate Cody, leader of the Green Party at the council, praised the programme, noting how it provides an opportunity for people to experience the benefits of e-bikes, which enable users to travel longer distances compared to conventional bicycles.
Recent data from Sustrans, a cycling and walking charity, shows that while 36% of adults in the UK cycle, only 15% do so weekly.
The charity highlights that, despite some considering electric bikes as “cheating,” these bikes make cycling more accessible and help people incorporate more exercise into their daily routines.
For Debbie Cooper Jones, switching to an electric bike was a life-changing decision after health conditions made conventional cycling difficult.
She now rides a recumbent trike, which offers a comfortable and accessible riding position, and regularly cycles along the National Cycle Network in Gloucester.
The Pedal Eazy scheme is available through Gloucestershire Bike Project and Transition Stroud, where bookings can be made. The initiative supports the county’s commitment to promoting greener and healthier travel options for all.
