Energy Saving Trust announced today that the deadline for applications to the eCargo Bike Grant Fund Local Authority Scheme has been extended until 27 March 2020. Available for ecargo bikes operating in England only, the scheme is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Energy Saving Trust. Local authorities are invited to bid for up to £200,000 each with a total of £1,200,000 available for local authorities to purchase ecargo bikes in their area. The money can be used to support up to 100% of the cost of ecargo bikes operating in for local businesses, as well as to fund ecargo bikes for use within local authority fleets.
Tim Anderson, head of transport at Energy Saving Trust, said: “There has been considerable interest from local authorities in the eCargo Bike Grant Fund. A recent webinar supporting applications to the fund was oversubscribed and it became clear there is significant demand. With up to £200,000 available to each successful authority, we believe the extended deadline of 27 March will enable sufficient time for a greater number of strong applications.”
“We welcome a broad range of submissions exploring the implementation of ecargo bikes as a low carbon transport solution. Ecargo bikes are becoming increasingly prevalent, offering significant benefits which include fuel cost savings and improving air quality in our towns and cities.”
Gary Armstrong, training manager for the European Cycle Logistics Federation added: “We welcome the extension of the deadline and encourage local authorities to consider how ecargo bikes could be implemented in their region. The scheme has potential to facilitate businesses to fully explore the implementation of ecargo bikes across a wide range of uses. In addition, they help reduce congestion in urban areas and can play a valuable part in reducing carbon emissions on England’s roads.”
Applications are invited from local authorities by the submission deadline of 27 March 2020. Energy Saving Trust will assess applications in April 2020, with grant offer letters distributed by the end of May 2020. Local authorities will have six months from the time the grant offer letter is issued to drawdown the funding. Funding is only available to local authorities implementing ecargo bikes in England but Scottish and Welsh authorities can apply if they meet this criteria.
The eCargo Bike Grant Fund eligibility criteria, code of practice and application forms are available to download.
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Email media@est.org.uk in the first instance. Lindsey Taylor, Senior PR & Communications Manager lindsey.taylor@est.org.uk 07753 779179
Notes to editors:
Energy Saving Trust
Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as the UK transitions to net zero.
We empower householders to make better choices, deliver transformative programmes for governments and support businesses with strategy, research and assurance – enabling everyone to play their part in building a sustainable future.
eCargo Bike Grant Fund
Funded by the Department for Transport, the £2 million eCargo Bike Grant Fund is available to:
- Local authorities- Up to £200,00 of funding is available to local authorities from the eCargo Bike Grant Fund Local Authority Scheme to purchase ecargo bikes in their area. The money can be used to support up to 100% of the cost of ecargo bikes for local businesses, as well as fund ecargo bikes for use within local authority fleets.
- Limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, charities and not-for-profit organisations operating across England- public, community or third sector organisations are also eligible providing they meet the eligibility criteria. eCargo Bike Grant funding covers up to 20% of the total cost of an ecargo bike, up to a maximum of £1,000 per bike for a maximum of 200 ecargo bikes. To be eligible for funding, an ecargo bike must have minimum 125 litre cargo volume capacity and minimum 130 kg weight capacity (combined rider and cargo weight). Case studies of successful applicants Peloton and Ride Clean are available on the project web page.
All eCargo Bike Grant Fund support is conditional on recipients signing up to a robust code of practice, which includes cycle safety best practice, developed in association with the UK Cycle Logistics Federation and the Bicycle Association.