Are you a business or organisation based in Nottingham? Test ride an eCargo bike to see if one is right for your operation.
What is an eCargo bike?
eCargo bikes offer a sustainable alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles and are specifically designed to transport cargo from A to B with zero emissions. They have a large storage space for cargo at the front of the frame and an electric motor to provide a much-welcomed pedalling boost!
Advantages:
- Lower upfront and running costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles
- Reduced traffic congestion
- Improved workforce health and wellbeing
- Improved air quality
- Make deliveries in congested areas more easily
How can I take part in the scheme?
We are offering businesses, along with voluntary and public sector organisations, in the city the chance to trial one of 15 eCargo bikes, providing first-hand experience of the benefits involved and operational confidence to make a permanent switch.
To take part, please fill out our Expression of Interest form here or click below. One of our Workplace Travel Officers will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Please be aware that although there is no cost to loan the eCargo bike, there is an administrative fee to take part in the scheme:
| Business/organisation | Definition | Fee |
| Sole trader | Run your own business as an individual and are self-employed | £20 |
| Partnership | Two or more persons owning the business | £30 |
| Small enterprise | < 50 employees | £40 |
| Medium enterprise | < 250 employees | £50 |
| Large business | 250 or more employees | £100 |
| Public sector | Public sector includes public goods and government services | £50 |
| Voluntary sector/charity/community interest company (CIC) | Organisations whose primary purpose is to create social impact rather than generate profit | £0 |
How long can I use the eCargo bike for?
The eCargo bike can be loaned from 30-90 days and remains the property of Nottingham City Council throughout the hire period.
Who can use the eCargo bike during the trial?
Due to the nature of the eCargo bike and its use on the road, participants must be proficient cyclists (confident and competent to cycle on the road) and are required to undertake a bespoke training session with Ridewise to ensure that the eCargo bike is used as safely and effectively as possible.
Only approved riders will be insured to use the eCargo bike and the council are funding two training session slots per organisation. Arrangements will be made by the council following the Expression of Interest authorisation.
The training session will include advice and demonstrations on the following:
- Riding the bike itself, looking at the use of electric assist technology
- Pre-use checks, including how to look after the battery
- Charging the battery
- Security, including locking mechanisms and storage of the bike
- Route planning
- Weight load capacity
An assessment will be made at the end of the session to update Nottingham City Council that the rider is approved to take part in the scheme.
What models are available?
| RALEIGH PRO TRIKE XL (x 3) | ||
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 248 x 87 x 122 cm |
|
| Box dimensions (LxWxH) | 107 x 89 x 95 cm | |
| Box capacity | 900 L | |
| Box load capacity | 100kg | |
| Saddle load capacity | 100kg | |
| Brakes | Front and rear disc | |
| Lights | LED lights front and rear powered by battery | |
| Battery | 36V 500Wh 11Ah | |
| Max. battery range | 43 miles | |
| Motor | Yamaha mid-engine, 250Wh | |
| RALEIGH PRO BIKE MM COMPOSITE (x 12) | ||
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 255 x 65 x 110 cm |  
|
| Box dimensions (LxWxH) | 103 x 74 x 63 cm | |
| Box capacity | 350 L | |
| Box load capacity | 80kg | |
| Saddle load capacity | 100kg | |
| Brakes | Front and rear disc | |
| Lights | LED lights front and rear powered by battery | |
| Battery | 36V 400Wh 11Ah | |
| Max. battery range | 37 miles | |
| Motor | Yamaha mid-engine, 250Wh | |
Where do I collect it from?
The scheme is operated from Nottingham Electric Vehicle Services (NEVS), the council’s specialist electric vehicle workshop and eMobility centre.
Address: Nottingham Electric Vehicle Services (NEVS), Eastcroft Depot, London Road, Nottingham, NG2 3AH.
Is the eCargo bike insured?
Yes, the eCargo bike is insured for theft and damage under Nottingham City Council’s insurance policy. There is no cover for theft if the bike-lock and locking mechanism is not in place and if the eCargo bike is not kept somewhere secure when not in use.
What happens if there is a problem with the eCargo bike?
Training on basic running repairs and pre-use inspections will be provided during the Ridewise session. The eCargo bikes will be routinely maintained by the expert in-house team at NEVS, who have received specialist training from Raleigh. If you need any assistance in relation to a fault or breakdown of the eCargo bike, the relevant contact details will be provided in the loan agreement.
What paperwork do I need to complete?
A loan agreement will be sent out in advance of the trial collection date, which will need to be completed and signed by the business/organisation. The agreement will contain more information on all of the above and outline the responsibilities of all parties to the trial. To monitor the effectiveness and results of the scheme, trial participants are required to complete an online survey on a monthly basis.
Is a deposit required?
Yes, a £200 deposit must be paid by card transaction at the handover appointment. The deposit is refundable on the condition that the eCargo bike is returned without damage. If the eCargo bike is damaged, the council reserves the right to withhold the deposit and if any repair work exceeds the deposit value, the business/organisation would be liable for the balance.
If you have any further questions at this stage, please contact the council’s Cycling and Walking Team at cycle@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
