AN ELECTRIC bike pilot scheme, running over two years, will include Barry.

The scheme, E-Move has received more than £775,000 of funding from the Welsh Government to help businesses, community organisations and residents swap their cars for an electric bike in communities across Wales.

The scheme is run by walking and cycling charity Sustrans; e-bikes have electric batteries which assist pedalling, boosting speeds up to 15.5mph.

E-cargo bikes, designed to carry cargo, reduce emissions generated by the delivery of goods and services. By offering an alternative means of transport, this project aims to improve local air quality and will support businesses to go ‘net zero’.

Sustrans are working with community organisations to provide 30-day electric bike usage for residents in Barry, along with Aberystwyth, Newton, Rhyl, and Swansea.

Director at Sustrans Cymru, Christine Boston, said: “E-Bikes and e-cargo bikes have the potential to transform the way people think about active travel.

“By working directly with communities, we will gather valuable data from participant feedback including journey patterns, barriers and network development needs.

“This will help inform Welsh Government of the potential that e-bikes hold in decarbonising transport.”

E-Move's collection of e-bikes have panniers, stowage trays and seats to carry children of various ages. The bikes are available through organisations supporting the community.

A small number of bikes will be available directly to people living in an area listed in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation in which loan schemes are situated.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with a responsibility for transport, Lee Waters, said: “We want walking and cycling to become the normal choice for shorter journeys because active travel is not only better for our environment, but also for our health and economy.

“We know that this will involve a huge cultural change and that’s why we’re investing in schemes like the e-bike pilot to help people who have never cycled before to make a change to the way they travel in an affordable and sustainable way.”

For more information visit www.sustrans.org.uk/cymru-e-move