Ebike loan scheme launches in Kirriemuir

The project has been set up by Sustainable Kirriemuir, which has initially provided a small fleet of four e-bikes – two step-through, one cross bar and one cargo – which can be hired for a maximum of four weeks at a time on a ‘try before you buy’ basis.

The scheme aims to encourage active travel and less car use in Kirrie for shorter journeys, which might otherwise have been walked or cycles, one of Sustainable Kirriemuir’s objectives.

A spokesperson said: “We had a lot of interest from the general public. It was lovely to hear from people who were considering getting rid of their car and purchasing an ebike for getting to and from work as well using it for shopping and leisure.

"We had people from all walks of life come down to Kirrie Connections on Saturday ranging from family groups who tried out the ECargo bike, which is designed to hold two children, to retired folk who were mindful of their carbon footprint and hoping to ditch the car.

“We were able to offer support to people who hadn't been on a bike for a very long time and heard inspiring stories from people who already had an Ebike and how this had transformed their life as they could now go out to the shops and not have to worry if they would make it back up the Roods!”

Active travel can lead to a more active, healthy, happy lifestyle, as well as improving the natural environment by reducing emissions. Walking, cycling or wheeling has many benefits such as improving concentration, giving people a sense of independence and responsibility as well as creating stronger community connections.

Although there is no cost for borrowing the ebikes, Sustainable Kirriemuir will welcome donations for maintenance, servicing and storage. Funding for the scheme came from the Energy Saving Trust and The National Lottery.

To find out more, email Amandla at [email protected] or visit www.sustainablekirriemuir.co.uk.