£2 million fund opens to support sustainable delivery in England

The Department of Transport  has opened a £2 million fund to help companies invest in electric cargo bikes to fulfil last mile deliveries.

The eCargo Bike Grant Fund is now live and available to limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, charities and not-for-profit organisations operating across England. It comes as there is increasing interest in electric bikes to facilitate short-distance deliveries, with supermarkets among those already embracing the technology.

The funding available is conditional on recipients signing up to a robust code of practice developed in association with the UK Cycle Logistics Federation and the Bicycle Association and includes cycle safety best practice.

Matthew Eastwood, Head of Transport at Energy Saving Trust said: “Funding to support the adoption of ecargo bikes by businesses in England and enable low carbon Last Mile Delivery across the country is a positive step in improving local air quality, tackling road traffic congestion, and reducing transport operating costs. Applicants can benefit from grant funding for up to 20% of the cost of a new ecargo bike up to the value of £1,000 per bike.”

Department for Transport’s Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman said: “This new fund for ecargo bikes will help to cut congestion, improve air quality and encourage companies to play their part in creating a cleaner, greener future.

“Supporting more sustainable deliveries is just one of the positive steps this government is taking towards a zero emission world,” he added.

Applications for funding will be assessed on a first come, first served basis and businesses are invited to submit their applications for consideration.