Ebike Centres | Electric Bike Shop | Leicester, East Midlands UK

Ebike Centres | Electric Bike Shop | Leicester, East Midlands UK

0116 254 0888 | info@ebike-centres.co.uk

News

Jobcentreplus helps Leicester Job starters with electric bikes

New scheme to help those with no transport get into employment

New job starters in the city are being given the chance to acquire an electric bike to help them get to work as part of a government scheme. The electric bike scheme is a new initiative by Jobcentreplus in association with Ebike Centres, Clockwise Credit Union and Leicester & Leicestershire Wheels to Work.

It is aimed at job seekers who have a firm offer of work but are prevented from accepting the job because of lack of transport. The scheme, whereby people can apply for a grant towards the cost of an electric bike, was launched following a national survey. It found two thirds of job seekers restrict their search to areas they can walk or get public transport to – and half would definitely consider widening their job search if they had transport.

Of those who responded to the survey, 56% said they would never apply for night or shift work when there are no buses available. A further 55% said they would consider using an electric bike to get to work.

Tim George, Senior Partnership Manager for the Department of Work and Pensions, said “If this brings more employers within their reach and supports local growth we will see that as a great outcome.”

Once job seekers have been offered a job, Jobcentreplus will consider providing a deposit of up to £250 towards the purchase of an electric bike from Ebike Centres, in Granby Street. The rest of the cost will be paid by the new employee over two years, using a low cost finance scheme.

Liam Dunphy, Managing Director of Ebike Centres, said: “I know many people who don’t drive struggle to get around due to restricted and sometimes costly public transport. Electric bikes are cheap to use and no driving licence, road tax, MOT or insurance is needed, unlike cars and motorbikes. They are easy to ride and can reach speeds of 15 mph without much effort to pedal being needed. I hope the scheme will help to reduce unemployment in the city and make people realise they don’t need to rely on public transport to be able to get to work.”

Yasin Macci, Business Development Manager for the city’s Clockwise Credit Union, said “We are delighted to be able to assist people overcome any financial barriers in their effort to get back to work. As the credit union for Leicester and Leicestershire, we are committed to improving the financial wellbeing of our community.”

In cases where an applicant is unable to obtain 0% finance or a loan, they can be referred to Wheels to Work, who will consider them for a short-term bike rental.

Printed by Leicester Mercury 19/08/15