The eCargo Bike Grant Find is now live, with £2 million available for businesses looking for a last mile delivery solution.

The Energy Saving Trust is encouraging applications for the new fund, set up by the Department of Transport to help companies invest in electric cargo bikes.

Limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply.

It comes as there is increasing interest in electric bikes to facilitate short-distance deliveries, with supermarkets among those already embracing the technology.

The funding available is conditional on recipients signing up to a robust code of practice developed in association with the UK Cycle Logistics Federation and the Bicycle Association and includes cycle safety best practice.

“Funding to support the adoption of ecargo bikes by businesses in England and enable low carbon Last Mile Delivery across the country is a positive step in improving local air quality, tackling road traffic congestion, and reducing transport operating costs. Applicants can benefit from grant funding for up to 20% of the cost of a new ecargo bike up to the value of £1,000 per bike,” said Matthew Eastwood, head of transport at Energy Saving Trust.

Department for Transport’s cycling and walking minister Jesse Norman added: “This new fund for ecargo bikes will help to cut congestion, improve air quality and encourage companies to play their part in creating a cleaner, greener future.

“Supporting more sustainable deliveries is just one of the positive steps this government is taking towards a zero emission world.”

Applications for funding will be assessed on a first come, first served basis and businesses are invited to submit their applications for consideration.

The eCargo Bike Grant Fund eligibility criteria, code of practice and application form are available at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/transport/ecargo-bike-grant-fund.

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