The Zero Emissions Network is helping delivery riders and businesses save money and reduce pollution with a new grants scheme
The new Scooter Switch grant is available to delivery riders and businesses in Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Islington to help them purchase or lease an electric scooter or electric bike, thanks to funding from the Mayor of London's Air Quality Fund.
A petrol delivery moped costs approximately £1800 a year to run, insure and service, as well as being a source of air and noise pollution. In comparison, an electric scooter costs around £670 a year to maintain and an electric bike even less, at approximately £400.
On top of the annual saving of up to £1400, the Scooter Switch grant will give riders and businesses £200 towards each electric scooter or e-bike, as long as they’re replacing deliveries currently being made by petrol scooters. As well as the grant, there’ll also be the opportunity to test out an electric scooter or e-bike with a free two day trial.
"Improving air quality is a priority for Hackney and we are working hard to make it as easy as possible for residents and businesses to make greener choices. The Council has increased the number of electric vehicle charging points across the borough and is rolling out an innovative scheme to adapt street lamps, which will give more residents easier access to low emissions charging locally.
By taking advantage of the new Scooter Switch grant, Hackney businesses will not only be able to reduce pollution but they will also save money in the process."
Councillor Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Transport and Parks
Andy, a local rider for Deliveroo and Uber Eats recently trialled an e-bike through the scheme and was delighted by the experience and range. He said: "I absolutely love it. It's so much better than I expected. I did around 25-30 miles on it last night and the battery was at just under half, so not bad, although I did keep it on full power most of the time, simply to be easy and efficient for delivering."
ZEN is also working with electric scooter and e-bike manufacturers and dealers to provide further discounts.
To register your interest in the scheme, complete this short online form