Free loan of electric cargo bikes in Manchester

Electric cargo bikes are being loaned out free of charge to universities, businesses and the hospital in Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor. Departments within the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the central hospital complex and businesses based in the Corridor are being offered the chance to try out electric cargo bikes of different designs and sizes free of charge for an extended period.

"This will give them a great opportunity to learn whether a bike can be integrated into their day-to-day operations on a permanent basis, " says Richard Armitage of Manchester Bike Hire. 

The scheme, which runs for four years, incorporates up-to-date data collection and asset management techniques, using online reservations and GPS tracking, along with digital maintenance and repair record-keeping. Cargo bike users will be provided with cargo bike familiarisation training.

The funding for the loan scheme is through the EU Horizon 2020 programme’s Triangulum project. The scheme aims to "demonstrate that the integration of technologies from the energy, buildings, mobility and ICT sectors within one district leads to a significant reduction of energy demand and carbon emissions whilst at the same time enhancing quality of life and providing the basis for economic growth and development." 

The loan scheme aims to increase the number of electric vehicles and electric bikes being used in the Corridor, reducing the reliance on diesel and petrol vehicles and in turn reducing carbon emissions, traffic congestion and pollution. 

Find out more about Manchester’s electric cargo bike loans scheme at  Cycle City Active City.

www.triangulum-project.eu