Inverclyde eBike Sharing Scheme
Joint eBike project by Inverclyde Community Development Trust and Cloch Housing Association.
Inverclyde Community Development Trust and Cloch Housing Association are working together to pilot Inverclyde’s first eBike Sharing Scheme. Together, they are working on Community Tracks Inverclyde.
Launching this June, the Inverclyde eBike Sharing Scheme will offer current Cloch Housing Association tenants the opportunity to try out eBikes to travel around Inverclyde – free of charge. The pilot aims to encourage people to consider using less carbon intensive travel options to travel from A to B. The project is being supported by Nesta Sharelab.
Allan Johnstone, CEO of Inverclyde Community Development Trust, said: “At Inverclyde Community Development Trust, the Community Tracks programme has been working on this pilot project for some time, and we are delighted to have found such enthusiastic partners for funding and delivery in Nesta ShareLab and Cloch Housing Association.
“Offering the use of cycling assets to the community fits very well with the wider goals of the trust, while the innovative nature of the programme fits very well with Nesta ShareLab’s philosophy of backing new and innovative ideas.”
Cloch Housing Association’s Chairman Paul McVey said: “Cloch Housing Association is excited to be part of this innovative project to encourage our customers to have a healthy and active lifestyle. This project lets people try out electric bikes and will hopefully open the door to further cycling adventures.
“Our staff are also keen to give the e-bikes a go, and seven of our staff have volunteered to be part of the project, helping to book the bikes in and out and go on active bike rides with customers.
“We are hoping for a good summer and a full programme of cycling events in 2019.”
Nesta’s Programme Manager Kyle Usher said: “ShareLab Scotland’s aim is to explore how collaborative digital platforms can be used to create positive social impact in innovative, scalable ways.
“We are delighted to fund Inverclyde Community Development Trust’s easy to use eBike sharing platform as one of our cohort of collaborative economy projects. Their platform and partnership with Cloch Housing Association will serve as an excellent test-bed for a sharing-economy business model that could be scaled or replicated elsewhere."