Colchester City Council has introduced a ‘try before you buy’ scheme for electric bikes and electric cargo bikes, providing residents and businesses with the opportunity to test them out before making a purchase. This initiative allows participants to borrow a bike for up to one month, helping them determine how it might fit into their daily lives as a transport option.
With rising fuel costs and a growing interest in sustainable travel, the scheme offers a straightforward way for people to explore whether an electric bike could meet their needs. By trying out an e-bike or e-cargo bike, users can assess the potential savings on travel expenses, incorporate more physical activity into their routines, take advantage of routes where cars aren’t permitted and reduce their carbon footprint.
Colchester resident Jose, who has been trialling a longtail electric cargo bike with an extended rear rack to carry his daughter, said: “There's something undeniably refreshing about starting the day with a bike ride. This daily routine has become one of my favourite parts of the day; it is more than just a commute: as we pedal along, we bond over shared moments and the simple joys of being outdoors.
“I am grateful for the Colchester City Council short-term hire scheme for the opportunity to rent before investing. Having the possibility to rent the bike for a few weeks is a great way to 'try before you buy': this equipment is pricey and without this scheme I would not have considered getting a cargo bike myself.
“The whole process was very simple, and after applying online, I collected the bike in a couple of days!"
The scheme includes a variety of electric bikes, such as standard e-bikes, long-tail cargo bikes, two-wheeler box bikes, and trikes, catering to different needs and abilities, whether it's for commuting, shopping, transporting children, or just getting about. To ensure a smooth experience, the council recommends that participants take a free induction course designed to build confidence and comfort in using the bikes.
The ‘try before you buy’ scheme is offered at a cost of £12 per week for up to a month. During the trial, participants are required to store the bike securely at their home or workplace.
This initiative is part of Colchester City Council’s broader efforts to make active and sustainable travel more accessible and to reduce air pollution within the city.
Councillor Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Planning, and Sustainability, said: “This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for residents to explore sustainable transport options before committing to the upfront cost of purchasing an e-bike. We hope that by giving people the chance to try electric bikes, we can encourage more active travel choices, improve the air we all breathe, and make Colchester a healthier and happier place to live.”
Pictured above: Resident Jose with his daughter, using an e-cargo bike provided by Colchester City Council as part of the 'try-before-you-buy' scheme.
Page last reviewed: 28 March 2025