Energy Saving Trust Launches £400,000 eCargo Bike Grant Fund
Organisations across all sectors can access grants towards the purchase of eCargo bikes for their delivery staff in England.
Cargo bikes are cycles specifically designed to carry cargo. They come in a variety of configurations and can be custom-built. A cargo bike with the addition of an electric motor, which assists the rider whilst pedalling, is known as an ecargo bike.
The Government believes that replacing diesel vans with ecargo bikes or electric vans can be a wise business decision, as it can help reduce costs, boost the environmental credentials of the organisation and improve the efficiency of deliveries in congested areas.
The eCargo Bike Grant Fund has been created for the purchase ecargo bikes, supporting businesses and other organisations switching to a sustainable transport solution.
A total funding pot of £400,000 has been made available for this programme. Grant funding will be 40% of the gross cost of each ecargo bike, up to a maximum of £2,500 for two-wheel models and £4,500 for three-wheel models.
Grants will be calculated to cover the purchase costs, including necessary manufacturer options which are essential for commercial use, such as load boxes. The grant covers only the cost of the bike itself and does not cover other costs such as delivery, rider safety equipment, etc.
Limited companies, sole traders and partnerships may apply. Charities, not-for-profit, community and public sector organisations are also eligible provided they are legally constituted. Applications may include more than one organisation.
The scheme is only available for organisations that will implement the measures in England.
The deadline for applications is 14 December 2021.
(This report was the subject of a GRANTfinder Newsflash.)