£2 million fund focuses on helping companies invest in electric cargo bikes

The Department of Transport has set up a new £2 million fund to help companies invest in electric cargo bikes to fulfil last-mile deliveries, and the Energy Saving Trust is encouraging applications to come forward.

The ‘eCargo Bike Grant Fund’ is live and available to limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, charities and not-for-profit organisations operating across England.

The funding available is conditional on recipients signing up to a robust code of practice developed in association with the UK Cycle Logistics Federation and the Bicycle Association and includes cycle safety best practice.

“Funding to support the adoption of ecargo bikes by businesses in England and enable low-carbon last-mile delivery across the country is a positive step in improving local air quality, tackling road traffic congestion, and reducing transport operating costs. Applicants can benefit from grant funding for up to 20 per cent of the cost of a new ecargo bike up to the value of £1,000 per bike,” said Matthew Eastwood, Head of Transport at Energy Saving Trust.

Department for Transport’s Cycling and Walking Minister, Jesse Norman, said: “This new fund for ecargo bikes will help to cut congestion, improve air quality and encourage companies to play their part in creating a cleaner, greener future.

“Supporting more sustainable deliveries is just one of the positive steps this government is taking towards a zero-emission world.”

Applications for funding will be assessed on a first come, first served basis and businesses are invited to submit their applications for consideration.