E-Cargo Bike trials rolled out in Inverness and Fort William this week

Highland Council this week held two successful and well-attended trial sessions in Inverness and Fort William as part of its new E-cargo bike pilot scheme.

The drop-in trial sessions, which are open to all Council employees, are supported by Sustrans who provide the E-cargo bikes and will provide guidance on how to use them.

This project has been supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland's cargo bike project and delivered in partnership with Highland Council.

This project is part of the Council’s approach to fleet decarbonisation. The pilot aims to trial the use of E-cargo bikes across a range of services within the Council and offers opportunities to reduce transport carbon emissions and transport costs, as well as providing health and well-being benefits for our employees.

Three Highland Council teams are taking part in the pilot and the E-Cargo bikes will be used for business by Inverness Amenities team, Inverness roads team and the Fort William Child Health team. 

Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Cllr Karl Rosie said: “It is so encouraging to see the first trials taking place this week in Inverness and Fort William.

“This is an extremely exciting pilot, one which supports our wider Net Zero agenda and promotes low-carbon, active travel within our communities and the wider region.”

Vice Chair of Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee and Fort William member, Cllr Kate Willis, said: “This is an excellent pilot scheme which will not only help to reduce our fleet emissions, but also provide health and well-being benefits for our employees”.

Sustrans’ cargo bike project aims to change the way we transport goods and reduce the reliance on motorised vehicles. The Scotland-wide initiative brings together knowledge and expertise so both businesses and individuals can take a more sustainable approach and travel actively.

Beth Woodall, Cargo Bike Senior Project Officer at Sustrans, said: “Cargo bikes have a critical role to play in delivering greener, more liveable cities and towns. They’re ideal for a wide range of scenarios, such as transporting children to school, going to the supermarket and supporting with business operations. Get in touch for support and advice on how to make the switch.”