The Scottish Government has put an extra £700,000 into a loan scheme to encourage more people to purchase and use an eBike.

The interest free loan is administered by the Energy Saving Trust.

The eBike loan is for up to £6,000 with a repayment period of 4 years and covers the following (per household):

• 2 x ebikes capped at £3,000 each
• 1 x family ecargo bike capped at £6,000
• 1 x adaptive ebike capped at £6,000

For more information about ebikes, to request an application form, or to learn more about the full terms and conditions please call Home Energy Scotland free on 0808 808 2282.

The Scottish Government has also put in an extra £350,000 to The Social Housing Partnership Fund for Improved Cycling & Walking Facilities. Housing associations can apply for grants of up to £25,000 for a range of infrastructure proposals including cycle parking shelters, street furniture such as seating, litter bins, bollards and planters as well as improvements to access points and lighting.

The fund has already awarded over £820,000 to 155 sites improving the amenities for  62,000 residents. It is hoped that the facilities provided by the fund will encourage more people to walk and/or cycle in those communities.

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity in the Scottish Government said:

“This additional allocation from our active travel budget will enable even more providers to take part, supporting our ambition to develop an active nation where more people across Scotland can enjoy the benefits of walking, cycling and wheeling than ever before.”

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