MORE than 500 Islanders have so far experienced riding an e-bike for the first time as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s E-Cycle Roadshow project.

The programme is delivering five projects on the Island, including an e-cycle 'pop up' roadshow, which will provide 1,000 residents with an e-bike taster experience.

The roadshow aims to introduce people to electric bikes, and understand how this initial experience can translate into more regular access to e-bikes.

The roadshow project is delivered in partnership with Island cycle hire operator Routefifty7 and started in September 2021.

It recently welcomed its 500th participant, halfway to the 1,000 target.

It’s great to see that lots of people are considering how they can access e-bikes more regularly in the future. Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Council.

"It’s great to see that lots of people are considering how they can access e-bikes more regularly in the future." Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Council.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: "The council is delighted to have secured external funding from the Department for Transport to deliver these exciting electric bike projects.

"E-bikes have significant potential to change the way we travel, especially for short-distance journeys, contributing to reduced congestion and improved air quality in our towns.

"It’s great to see that lots of people are considering how they can access e-bikes more regularly in the future.

All participants are required to complete a baseline and follow up survey to understand the impact of the project.

After experiencing an e-bike at a roadshow event:

  • More than 90 per cent of participants rated their initial e-bike experience as exceeding expectation;
  • 97 per cent of attendees would like to cycle on an e-bike again;
  • 31 per cent of attendees had cycled more regularly on a pedal bike;
  • 48 per cent of attendees were considering purchasing an electric bike.
The roadshow project is delivered in partnership with Island cycle hire operator Routefifty7. Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Council.

The roadshow project is delivered in partnership with Island cycle hire operator Routefifty7. Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Council.

Claire Compton, RouteFifty7 director, said: “As an established Island cycle hire operator, we have seen demand for electric bikes increase year on year from our customers over recent years.

"The current Isle of Wight Council programme of electric bike pilot projects is providing an opportunity for many residents to experience e-bikes for the first time.

"We look forward to welcoming attendees to the remaining roadshow events over the next four months.”

Roadshow events are free to attend and take place across the Island.

For details of future roadshows, visit www.routefifty7.com/e-cycle-roadshow.