For more information and to make an application, please call Home Energy Scotland on freephone 0808 808 2282.
Location notice
Please note that this page contains information and links most relevant for people living in Scotland.
The eBike Loan is funded by Transport Scotland and can help you purchase a new electric bike, including cargo and adapted cycles.
The popularity of pedal assisted electric bikes or ebikes for short, has been growing year on year. They are a good alternative to a normal bike especially if your route includes hills, is more than five miles long or if you need an extra boost on the road.
If you are considering purchasing an ebike, an exciting funding opportunity is available in Scotland through Energy Saving Trust. We offer an interest-free loan for individuals, repayable over four years, that can be used for:
- 2 x ebikes capped at £3,000 each
- 1 x family cargo bike capped at £6,000
- 1 x adapted cycle (value assessed on a case-by-case basis)
With the exception of an initial deposit, applicants must not make any other payment towards the purchase of the ebike(s) before receiving a loan offer under this programme as funding is not provided retrospectively.
The purchased ebike must comply with the UK Government’s eligibility criteria for Scotland.
How to apply?
Enjoying the freedom of a family ecargo bike
Meet Maria, and her one-year-old son Ruairi. Maria was keen to find an environmentally friendly alternative to a car for local journeys. She purchased her family ecargo bike using the interest-free eBike Loan available from Energy Saving Trust. In this video, she talks about the financial and health benefits she has experienced since making the switch to a more sustainable mode of transport, and the freedom that the ecargo bike has brought to their lives.
Important information
- the eBike Loan is available for up to £6,000 per person
- it is an interest-free loan with no administrative fees
- the repayment period is four years
- excluding a deposit contribution, applicants must not make any other payment towards the ebike before receiving a written offer of a loan from Energy Saving Trust
- the loan cannot be applied for retrospectively, i.e. after the ebike has been paid for in full
- applications are processed on a first come, first served basis all year round subject to the availability of loan funds. We reserve the right to suspend or reject applications in consultation with Transport Scotland on the grounds that there are insufficient funds available in any financial year to provide loans to all applicants
- applications are subject to credit and affordability checks
- the scheme is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Energy Saving Trust, Second Floor, Ocean Point 1, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JH
- Energy Saving Trust is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This loan is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply
Case study
Ruth’s ebike
Mindful of her carbon dioxide emissions, Ruth decided to look for an alternative when she heard about the interest-free eBike Loan.
Case study
Colin’s ebike
Colin Wright knew that with the right ebike, he could use it for trips to the shops, to see friends and family, and on longer tours around Scotland.
Case study
Jackie’s ebike
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.
Case study
Stephen’s ebike
Stephen Farthing was keen to cut his carbon dioxide emissions by using active travel alternatives for local journeys.
Case study
Lisa’s ebike experience in Glasgow
Meet Lisa Peebles and learn about her positive experience trialling an ebike through Home Energy Scotland. The trial was key in her decision to travel sustainably by ebike, as she went on to purchase her own using the interest-free eBike Loan available from Energy Saving Trust.
Case study
Shetland Community Bike Project
The Lerwick-based project provides supported employment and voluntary placements for those in the community facing barriers to employment.
Case study
Maria’s ecargo bike
Maria Kaye-Bardgett purchased a family ecargo bike using the interest-free loan available from Energy Saving Trust.