Electric cargo bikes come to Milton Keynes for businesses to borrow

A fleet of 21 eCargo bikes has been purchased by MK Council as part of its zero carbon initiative.
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The bikes, which can carry a load of up to 630 litres, will be used by the council’s tree and highway inspectors to get around the borough.

They will also be available to lease to local businesses as part of the city's smarter business travel scheme to help businesses reduce transport costs and emissions.

Three of the bikes will be also available for a local social enterprise.

An eCargo bikeAn eCargo bike
An eCargo bike

The council, which aims for MK to be carbon free by 2030, bought the bikes through funding from the Department for Transport.

Social workers in MK council’s children social care team swapped to electric cars last year, in what was believed to be a UK first. Each social worker travels on average 150 miles per month, and the team shares four cars to make their short journeys around MK.

Highway and tree inspections clock up around 5,000 miles of council travel each year.

Cllr Jenny Marklew, Cabinet member for sustainability said, “We are committed to new and innovative ways to contribute towards our ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. E-cargo bikes are such a fantastic way to help us achieve this, meaning the council staff, social enterprises and local businesses are all able to play a part in reducing our impact on the environment."

"I think electric bikes are the future, and I'm really proud that yet again Milton Keynes is leading the way."

Tim Anderson, Head of Transport at Energy Saving Trust, said: “The Department for Transport eCargo Bike Grant Fund attracted a significant number of applications. The 18 local authorities who have successfully secured funding will purchase a total of 273 eCargo bikes and nine eCargo bike trailers, enabling more businesses to benefit from access.”

MK Council has pledged to continue to explore alternative travel options to generate fuel savings and improve local air quality.