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A FREE-trial eCargo bike scheme was launched in 2022, and will run until at least 2027. The scheme is aimed at encouraging businesses, organisations, community and voluntary groups across Stratford-on-Avon District to use electric bikes instead of cars and vans for local deliveries and everyday transport.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council's eCargo bike scheme has seen the District Council buy ten e-Cargo bikes – five EP2 e-Cargo bikes and five ALECS e-Cargo trikes, after securing £60,000 in Government funding.
The District Council has provided match funding of £60,000 over a five-year period (2022-2027) to cover the ongoing costs for maintenance, servicing, repairs and induction training.
The scheme allows local businesses and organisations to have the bikes on trial for free for up to three-months; meaning they don't have to make a financial commitment to purchase their own e-Cargo bikes until they have seen whether they will benefit from them or not.
The scheme was set up in collaboration with the Energy Saving Trust and local company, Pashley Cycles who are providing the e-Cargo bikes. Local businesses, organisations and community/voluntary groups are being encouraged to sign up to the scheme and FREE-trial.
The E-Cargo Bike Grant Fund scheme is partly funded by the Department of Transport and is being delivered by the Energy Saving Trust.
Our fleet of 5 bikes and 5 trikes combine the ease of use of an electric bike with a significant load capacity. They are now available to businesses, organisations, community and voluntary groups, helping encourage and enable greener delivery practices.
You can view more information on the specifications of the bikes and answers to some frequently asked questions below.
*NOTE: as of 9/9/25, there are 1 bike and 4 trikes still available.
Are you a business, organisation, community and voluntary group interested in taking part in the free trial scheme? Please send your enquiries to ecargobikes@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
The E-Cargo Bike loan form can also be found here if you are ready to apply. Please send this form to ecargobikes@stratford-dc.gov.uk.
E-Cargo bikes have recently been loaned to Emma Hills, Upper Lighthorne Community Champion (top) and SWFT NHS physiotherapists (bottom)
It is completely free. You will need to be a registered business and show proof of public liability insurance before borrowing the bike.
It is aimed at encouraging businesses, organisations, community, and voluntary groups across Stratford-on-Avon District to use electric bikes instead of cars and vans for local deliveries.
No deposit is required.
The plan is for the business to borrow the bike for 3 months, but dependant on how busy the scheme becomes, that may be negotiable.
You will have to pay an excess of £200.
The loan of the bike, a lock, and some initial awareness training. The bike will be maintained appropriately and there will be support during the normal working week for any routine repairs/punctures etc.
Unfortunately, we do not deliver, the bike will need to be collected and returned to the Pashley depot in Stratford where a basic familiarisation will be given.
Distances vary bike to bike and in different conditions (heavy loads / hills etc) from 20-50 miles. See the answers in the specific bike details but if you have any further technical questions do let us know - we're here to help.
We do have to ensure that our insurance conditions are met for every trial as the bikes are very valuable. However, do get in touch with your specific circumstances and we'll do our best to help work out a solution for you.
The bikes have been chosen because they are robust, and all bikes are serviced before going out. However, no tyre is completely puncture-proof and mechanical issues can happen. Stratford District Council will fund the servicing and maintenance of the E-Cargo bikes on loan. If any repairs are deemed to have caused by damage or neglect, the business loaning the bike will be liable to pay as agreed in the Terms and Conditions.
Anyone who cycles regularly can usually ride an e-cargo bike. In the beginning you might have to get used to the size of the bike; however, most people adapt to this within 5 minutes.
The bikes are insured against theft and damage provided that the contractual requirements have been met.
The bikes must be stored within a secure location overnight such as in a locked garage. When in use and left unattended the bikes must be locked to an immovable object (such as a Sheffield bike stand) through the frame using the lock we have provided and must not be left unattended overnight. Any damage or theft must be reported to us within 24 hours and in the case of criminal damage or theft must also be reported to the Police and a crime number taken. If in doubt, contact us for guidance.
Any business "borrowing" the bike will need to provide their own Public Liability insurance. There is the potential that your businesses public liability insurance will cover the use of the bikes. Before the bike is handed over, Stratford District Council will need evidence that you have suitable public liability insurance.
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