Three London boroughs have teamed up to offer support to courier firms in a move to encourage the switch to e-bikes.
Launched by Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Islington Councils, the Scooter Switch Toolkit has been developed by independent transport consultants Steer and provides help for courier firms switching from mopeds to e-bikes:
- Ensuring the e-bike model is compliant with UK legislation
- Health and safety measures including riders completing Level 3 Bikeability cycle training
- Advice on appropriate equipment such as high visibility clothing and information on helmet safety standards and bike lock ratings
- Fuel cost savings comparison between mopeds and e-bikes
- Maintenance schedules and costs.
The launch of the toolkit follows growing interest in e-cargo bikes from fleet operators including the Co-op and Sainsbury’s in partnership with e-cargobikes.com while fleets can also now sign up to receive a share of a total £2m funding for the acquisition of e-cargo bikes, in a move to support greener last-mile deliveries.
The toolkit is part of the Zero Emissions Network (ZEN); a tri-borough project from Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets Councils, part-funded by the Mayor of London and intended to help businesses and residents save money, reduce emissions and improve air quality by making changes in transport.
Commenting on the toolkit, Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We’re committed to ambitious and pioneering work to improve London’s poor air quality, which can have a negative impact on the health and life expectancy of our residents. This innovative toolkit will help businesses make the switch to e-bikes, cutting emissions and providing more sustainable transport.”
