Plymouth City Council is to submit a bid of up to £200,000 to the Energy Saving Trust for a fleet of electric cargo bikes and it’s looking for companies to get involved.
Companies could get up to £4,750 towards the cost of an eCargo bike - which is a robust bike with a sturdy box at the front which costs almost nothing to run, does not emit any pollutants and unlike vans and cars, helps contribute to cleaner air.
The grant is provided by the Department for Transport and managed by the Energy Saving Trust and aims to support the adoption of eCargo bikes by businesses as a more sustainable transport option for deliveries.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure said: “Over the last three years 26 companies have enjoyed a two-month, free trial of an electric cargo bike. The feedback has been great and we really want more companies to try this great alternative to vans.”
If the bid is successful, up to 40 more eCargo bikes could be on the roads in Plymouth by the autumn, supporting the Council’s Climate Change Emergency Action Plan and the city’s efforts to achieve net zero carbon by 2030.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and the Environment said: “This is a great idea and we really want local businesses to team up with us to help make a difference. We want to be greener as we grow as a city and we know that small changes by as many people as possible can really add up to a big deal.
“Better air quality, reduced CO2, cheaper running costs and less congestion - that’s got to be better for business as well as the rest of us!”
Companies interested should contact the Council’s Sustainable Transport Team and ask for an information pack at at plymotion@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 305514. There’s not much time - the deadline for applications to the Council is Wednesday 18 March.