Tree inspectors at Milton Keynes Council have clocked up almost 1,000 carbon-free miles after making the switch to e-cargo bikes in 2021.
The council was successful in securing funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to purchase 21 e-cargo bikes last year and has since started using them to deliver cleaner and greener public services.
After donating three bikes to charity and setting 12 aside to lease to local businesses, the remaining fleet is being used by the council’s tree inspectors to carry out their day-to-day duties.
The team has now completed almost 500 fully electric site visits and tree inspections throughout the city. The council estimates that the e-cargo bikes are travelling around 20 miles during a typical day.
With a storage weight capacity of up to 150kg, the e-cargo bikes can safely and securely transport all the equipment inspectors need for an entire day – including secateurs, loppers and handsaw – and all-but removed the need to use a car or van.
Jenny Wilson-Marklew, cabinet member for climate and sustainability, said: “Milton Keynes is known for embracing green technology and we’re proud to be playing our part in showcasing cleaner transport alternatives to deliver council work.
“We want our city to be carbon neutral by 2030 and we’ll only get their by making changes and innovations like this. We must all play our part and each small change can make a big collective difference.”
Milton Keynes was one of the first places to receive government funding to purchase e-cargo bikes in 2020. Its success has been recognised and the DfT has recently announced details of a new £400K e-cargo bike funding scheme.
Read more: West Yorkshire local authorities secure e-cargo bikes grant for sustainable deliveries
