New free electric bike loan scheme launches on the Isle of Wight

Beryl, the company behind the e-scooter trial on the Isle of Wight, has launched a new scheme providing limited free access to electric bikes (e-bikes) for Island residents who regularly travel between Newport and Cowes.

Over the next six months the e-bikes will be made available in Newport and Cowes, with, they say, “a focus on underrepresented groups”.

That’s people who might not normally be able to afford an electric bike, or would not think of using one.

Get paid to ride
Those taking part in the scheme will be able to use the bikes free of charge for one month.

They will also be incentivised through mileage payments of 60p per mile, up to £50 for the month.

Jordan: Confident the trial period will be a great success
Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet Member for Highways PFI, Transport and Infrastructure added,

“I am especially delighted that the Island is running an e-bike scheme and confident the trial period will be a great success.
“I’m sure many people will want to take advantage of these fantastic modes of sustainable travel and I look forward to further expansion of the e-bike scheme around the Island in the not too distant future”

Older man cycling on a e-bike through a park

Objectives of the scheme
Delivered in partnership with the Isle of Wight council and the Department for Transport, the scheme has a number of key objectives:

Providing those who may not currently have access to an e-bike with an opportunity to try one.

Reducing single occupancy private car journeys between Newport and Cowes. The two towns are connected by the Red Squirrel Trail, a former railway line which was closed as a result of Beeching cuts in the 1960s. The trail is just over 5km in length, and offers an attractive traffic free cycling experience.