Free e-cycle scheme gives Sheffield residents and NHS staff a ticket to ride 

This summer, charity Cycling UK has been helping NHS staff in Sheffield discover the cost, health and environmental benefits of e-cycling regularly.  

Since providing free e-cycle loans to NHS employees in Sheffield through the Making cycling e-asier scheme, bikes and skills and confidence sessions have been snapped up by those looking to save money during the cost-of-living-crisis and whizz to work with confidence. 

The loans and opportunities to try e-cycles isn’t just limited to NHS staff. Cycling UK is inviting communities across Sheffield to celebrate Cycle to Work Day on Thursday, 3 August by signing up to the scheme, which is available across several locations in the area. 

By driving less and cycling more, NHS staff have cut down on shorter journeys to and from work, which previously they might have driven, and in doing so made the daily commute more enjoyable.  

Sarah Ellison, sustainability lead at Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, said:  

“Making cycling e-asier is giving staff at Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust the chance to try e-cycling instead of driving for short everyday journeys.  

 “Cycling regularly has so many mental and physical health benefits and supports our mission to combat climate crisis. E-cycles open these benefits to more people than ever. 

“We have heard lots of great stories of people enjoying their free loans and sessions, getting active at times they wouldn’t have previously and sometimes even taking the plunge and buying their own.” 

Jenny Box, deputy director of Making cycling e-asier said: 

“The success and interest in our e-bike loans from NHS staff in Sheffield shows how a bit of an electric assist can be for everyone – whether you’re looking to save money, time, get fit or make your commute a bit greener.  

“The loans and skills and confidence sessions are completely free and available to everyone over the age of 18. As people struggle with the impact on the cost of living and look for greener ways to travel, we hope we can help many more people to consider e-cycling as an everyday affordable mode of transport.” 

Sheffield residents can access free one-month e-cycle loans from Evans Cycles, alongside loans and skills and confidence sessions which are available at Making cycling e-asier community hubs of Sheffield Manor Lodge at The Green Estate and Shipshape.  

Funded by Department for Transport, people can sign up and find more information about the scheme via Cycling UK’s website. 

One month e-cycle loans are based on a first come first serve basis with limited availability.  

For more information, please visit cyclinguk.org/making-cycling-e-asier.