Sustrans e-Move Pilot Study

What’s E-Move?

Sustrans is the leading sustainable transport charity in the UK. Our vision is a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone. Our mission is to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.

Sustrans are currently delivering the E-Move project in Denbighshire.

E-Move is an electric cycle loan scheme for residents of Rhyl. The pilot scheme, which has been funded by Welsh Government and consists of 20 eBikes, is helping people who may find the cost of e-bikes a barrier to using them. E-move offers members of the community a free, four-week loan of an eBike and provides a healthy, sustainable and affordable way to travel.

Aims

E-Move aims to reduce carbon emissions by replacing some of the journeys usually made by car.

The project seeks to demonstrate a solution to transport poverty. For those without access to a car, and in situations where public transport is limited (or the cost prohibitive) electric cycles can help make longer journeys possible. This increased mobility can create opportunities for work, education and socialisation.

Another intention is to showcase the potential benefits of active travel, including an increase in both physical health and mental wellbeing.

Additionally, by promoting active travel, the scheme aims to improve local air quality.

Sustrans Cymru work in partnership with the Council as part of the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Scheme on improving the walking and cycling routes in the county.

Eligibility

Residents of Rhyl are invited to apply to loan an electric cycle. Contact Sustrans Project Officer - Jonny Eldridge - to request a welcome pack and application form:

jonny.eldridge@sustrans.org.uk.

To be eligible you will be over 18 years of age and able to cycle safely, a resident of an area within Rhyl and either:

• living in an area listed in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation as one of the 10-50% most deprived wards in Wales. You can check your postcode on their website;
• living in a rural place that can be reached by e-bike with the intention of replacing car trips, or;
• living in a hilly location that can be reached by e-bike with the intention of replacing car trips.

E-Move beneficiaries will need to complete a survey before and after the loan, and may also be asked to undertake a 30-45 minute research interview. This will help us to understand people’s experience of using an e-bike. The survey will look at the challenges of using one, and how people, organisations and places can benefit from electric cycles.

The outcome of this project will help us develop recommendations for future eBike initiatives across Wales.

Events

Sustrans will be hosting a series of events in Rhyl, which will enable members of the community to try riding an eBike in a traffic-free environment. A great opportunity for anyone who is new, or returning, to cycling to build confidence.

The first E-Move event will be taking place at Marsh Tracks Bike Park on Sunday 27^th March.

For more information, and to register your interest, contact Jonny Eldridge at: jonny.eldridge@sustrans.org.uk