Electric delivery bikes may be introduced to Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight Council has invited organisations to bid for grants of up to £30,000 to support the introduction of e-cargo bikes reports Isle of Wight County Press.

It is hoped the bikes will replace van delivery for smaller goods across the Island, reducing congestion and harmful emissions.

The initiative is funded by the council as part of its Sustainable Transport Access Fund from the government – a programme of sustainable transport interventions being delivered through to April 2020.

Cllr Ian Ward, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “We are inviting organisations to come forward for the chance of competitively winning a grant to support the introduction of electric cargo bikes on the Island.

“Aside from the environmental benefits, the cost savings for using an electric cargo bike or trike to replace other modes making short ‘last mile’ deliveries can be substantial. I would encourage interested organisations to apply.”

The council says it is keen to engage with organisations to share information on the opportunities for zero emission commercial deliveries.

They will welcome a wide variety of proposals from organisations, ranging from a single cargo bike operation to support an existing business or service, or a new business or service operating with multiple cargo bikes.

The project is linked to a separate £2 million fund set up by the Department for Transport to help organisations invest in electric cargo bikes to fulfil last mile deliveries.

Applications for the funding must be received by 4pm on July 31.