Funding has been announced by the Scottish Government to encourage more use of E- bikes which can be too pricey for most people to afford.

The Low Carbon Transport Loan Fund will have £500,000 available for interest-free loans of up to £3,000 to help individuals and businesses purchase E-bikes and E-cargo bikes.

The second fund is for Local Authorities, public sector agencies, community organisations, colleges and universities. It has allocated them £700,000 .

A further allocation of £100,000 has been put aside for individuals who would like to test out E-bikes  at Home Energy Scotland advice centres, active travel hubs and community centres.

The average price for an E-bike is about £1,000 with many far exceeding that price. You can find cheaper folding versions for £500 and second hand ones.

Having a go on an E-bike Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity in the Scottish Government said:

“We want more people, who undertake shorter journeys, to leave their cars at home and go by bike for the benefit of their health and our environment.

“E-bikes can be a great way of getting started with active travel as they offer as much assistance as the rider needs. They also make it easy for people to take heavy bags with them using panniers, trailers or by opting for an e-cargo bike in the first place.”

You can find out more about the fund here: E-Bike Grant Fund

Application documents will be available from Friday 22 June. For further information about the scheme, email or call 0131 555 7920