Canberrans are to have another year to trial electric bikes and accessories for free, to help make the switch to zero emissions transport.
Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said that since the Electric Bike Library launched in September last year, 82 per cent of people who had borrowed a bike reported that they saw themselves purchasing an electric bike in the near future.
“Participants in the program have also reported that, on average, they used the bikes to replace between 10 and 50km of car trips per week, allowing them to ride further and move heavy items without arriving at the destination tired and out of breath,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges that our community faces, which is why we’re so pleased to be offering this service that helps people take meaningful action in their day-to-day lives,” he said.
“No matter where you live in Canberra, you can borrow an e-bike for a week and test how it works for you when commuting, grocery shopping, or even on a school run.”
Mr Rattenbury said the bikes could play a role in supporting people’s physical and mental health and help them save money on fuel and parking.
The Minister said the library, run by SEE-Change and supported by the Territory, offered electric bikes and electric cargo bikes fitted out with accessories such as child seats, grocery baskets and bags to ensure Canberrans with varying needs could participate in the trial.
“The program was so popular over its first year that we’re adding new electric bikes to the library as part of this extension, so more Canberrans can participate,” he said.
Further information on the bike library can be accessed on SEE-Change’s website at this PS News link.
