TWO organisations in Stroud are working together to launch three e-bike loan pilot projects across the district. 

In collaboration with local climate action networks, community groups and cycling enthusiasts, the pilots will see the establishment of e-bike loan hubs run by local communities, enabling residents to loan out bikes at affordable rates to decide whether they would like to make the switch from car to e-bike.

There will be a reservation deposit of £10 a day for the e-bikes, refundable upon their safe return, and a recommended donation of £10 to £50, depending on the duration of hire.

Loans are available from one day to two weeks, and all e-bikes will come with full security and safety equipment for the cyclist and any extra passengers.

E-bikes will be ready to pick-up and return to community hubs located in Stonehouse, Minchinhampton and Brimscombe.

Transition Stroud’s Jess Farr said: “After a lot of hard work and planning by a huge number of people, we’re delighted to announce our community partners for our new e-bike loan pilot projects, due to be launched next month in time for the summer cycling season.

"Volunteers from Stonehouse Town Council, Minchinhampton Community Hub, MinchCAN, BisCAN, ChalCAN and Brimscombe and Thrupp Parish Council are all supporting Transition Stroud and The Bike Drop to open up loan hubs in Stonehouse, Minchinhampton and Brimscombe for their local communities.”

“E-bikes are a great, healthy way of getting around that are also good for our shared environment.

"They are really well suited to Stroud District’s hilly terrain and these pilots will offer more people the opportunity to find out for themselves how useful and versatile they can be.

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be training up our community volunteers, testing out our online booking system, and getting ready for our first bookings in April.

"We’re open for enquiries already – just email us on admin@transitionstroud.org with your details, and we’ll let you know as soon as bookings are open.”

For more information, including how to volunteer, please visit - tinyurl.com/4px2p9d3