Bike Hub Nelson has launched a new project designed to make it easier for more people to experience the benefits of e-cargo bikes and trailers.
The ‘Trial Me’ scheme allows businesses to borrow a brand-new, high-quality Tern e-cargo bike and custom-built trailer on a koha-basis to see whether investing in such kit would work for them.
The project has been supported by Nelson City Council with funding of $8,970 through its Climate Change Business Grants. It’s also being supported by the team at The Bike Station who are storing the bike and trailer between loans and offering discounts to customers who decide to get an e-cargo bike of their own.
Bike Hub Nelson coordinator Matt Lawrey says that by providing local businesses with the opportunity to trial e-cargo bikes and trailers, they are breaking down the barriers of cost and uncertainty and demonstrating the practicality and efficiency of this eco-friendly mode of transport.
“Initial feedback has been excellent. We’ve had several people borrowing the bike and trailer as part of pre-launch testing and already one customer has gone and bought an e-cargo bike of their own,” Matt says.
“E-cargo bikes are truly awesome things, but they’re not cheap. Our project is designed to make it easy and affordable for people to find out just how brilliant and fun these machines are and just how much of a difference they can make.”
One of the first people to borrow the bike was Cawthron Institute’s laboratories sustainability coordinator Sacha Astill, who used it to deliver seafood waste to Victory Community Garden and Sealord.
“It’s very user-friendly. It’s easy to manoeuvre and you can fit lots on there. The cargo capacity is great.”
Brendon Mathews from The Bike Station says he encourages any endeavour that gives Nelsonians mobility options other than a car.
“Hundreds of families in our region use e-cargo bikes every day, helping to normalise this mode of transport. This project allows those people considering investing in one the chance to truly prove the concept for themselves with no risk.”
Businesses are welcome to borrow the bike and trailer for up to a week. To book or for more information email BikeHubNelson@gmail.com
