Jackie’s first taste of an ebike came when she borrowed her friend’s for a ride. It was then that she realised how much easier she found it than a regular bike.
As someone living with epilepsy and long term knee problems, Jackie wanted to be able to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of cycling, while making sure she could do it with ease and pain-free. An ebike was the obvious answer.
In search of the right ebike
After experiencing her friend’s ebike, the search was on for Jackie’s ideal model. A lover of the outdoors, she wanted to make sure her bike would also be suitable for forest trails. Luckily, she was able to take part in a free ebike trial for a week at the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park who had received funding for the ebikes through Energy Saving Trust’s eBike Grant Fund. Her next stop was her local retailer in Callander, where she opted for a hybrid ebike to ensure both on and off road suitability.
Support when needed
Having heard about Energy Saving Trust’s eBike Loan, Jackie wasted no time and completed her application form online. The cost of the ebike meant that she would have been unable to buy it upfront otherwise. With the funds received and the ebike delivered, Jackie has never looked back. The freedom of her new ebike means she is now able to cycle to the next village rather than taking a taxi, saving money and enjoying precious time outdoors.
Jackie is now also able to go out for recreational cyling with her husband Bob. This not only helps her fitness but means they can enjoy cycling together, something that was previously difficult. Bob is helping Jackie become confident on the road so that soon she will be able to cycle to work eight miles away.
“Using the eBike Loan has given me independence and the ability to improve my health and wellbeing.”
Jackie
Interest-free loans for ebikes, including cargo and adapted cycles, are available from Energy Saving Trust. The eBike Loan, funded by Transport Scotland, aims to make cycling as accessible as possible to everyone in Scotland.