GCI Blog

Unlock a Greener Commute with Solarcycle: Helping Employers Bring More People to E-Biking

Guest Blog from Solarcycle UK

According to the UK Government’s Walking and Cycling Statistics, only 9% of the UK population cycles regularly more than once a week. A whopping 45.1% of UK commuters travel to work by car, with a meagre 2% opting for the eco-friendly alternative – cycling. Surprisingly, as many as 3 million commuters travel a mere 2 miles to work, making active commuting one of the most effective ways to slash corporate emissions. So, how do we get more people to cycle regularly and switch to carbonless commuting?

Without a doubt, employers have a pivotal role to play in encouraging non-cyclists to embrace cycling and e-biking for shorter journeys, improving public health, reducing air pollution, and promoting a more sustainable way of getting around. This shift toward sustainability is not just a moral imperative; it’s also a smart business move.

The Business Case for E-Bikes

For businesses committed to producing sustainability reports, it’s in their best interest to help employees adopt cycling and e-biking. This becomes increasingly relevant with Scope 3 Contractual Emissions Reporting, including employee commuting, playing a major role in companies tendering for new work. In fact, commuting accounts for a staggering 98% of an individual’s work-related carbon footprint!

Moreover, apart from the obvious environmental benefits, evidence indicates that an active workforce is a happier, healthier, and more productive one.

Here’s How Employers Can Drive E-Bike Adoption:

  1. Facilities: Provision of secure and convenient bike storage and reliable charging facilities is paramount. Solarcycle’s lockable workplace charging solution for e-bike batteries, located away from the building, is a shining example. What’s more, Solarcycle’s unique Reporting Function measures the kWh of free-to-use, 100% renewable solar energy dispensed, so organisations can track their progress towards their sustainability goals and measure their carbon impact.

    In their own research, Solarcycle found that the need for better supporting infrastructure, facilities, and free charging were key considerations for 26.7% of those surveyed about switching from cars to e-bikes. Furthermore, good changing and locker facilities can make the cycling experience more appealing for employees.

  2. Financial Incentives: Financial incentives are a potent tool for encouraging carbonless commuting. Employers can implement various initiatives to help staff switch to carbonless commuting with e-bikes. Offering financial incentives, such as tax benefits, subsidies, e-bike leasing, or bonuses for employees who choose to commute via e-bike can make a significant impact. Evidence even suggests that e-bike incentives are over twice as effective as those for electric cars.
  3. Cycle to Work Scheme: The Cycle to Work Scheme is a sustainable, self-funding employee benefit that leverages salary sacrifice to access tax savings. Navigating the scheme’s legislation can be tricky, but specialist providers like Green Commute Initiative (GCI) simplify the process. With GCI, employers can customise their schemes without any limits, making e-bikes more accessible to a broader range of employees.
  4. Cycling-friendly Policies & Promotions: Employers can make e-biking more appealing by allowing flexible work hours to accommodate the needs of e-bike commuters. Partnering with local bike retailers and organisations to hold demonstration days can pique interest. Solarcycle’s research revealed that 41% of people surveyed would love to try an e-bike.
  5. Road Safety: Offer training and support to employees new to e-bikes, including accredited cycle safety training and maintenance workshops.

Embracing e-bikes not only combats climate change, improves air quality, and reduces road congestion but also sets a positive example for employees and promotes a sustainable and cost-effective mode of transportation.

Incentives don’t just make it easier for employees to adopt e-bikes; they also signal the organisation’s commitment to sustainability and employee well-being. By implementing these incentives, employers can cultivate a more productive and engaged workforce while reducing their environmental impact.

If you’re an employer looking to promote e-bike adoption among your employees, it’s time to put the wheels in motion with the right incentives that make the transition smoother and more appealing.

Solarcycle Autumn

GCI’s flexible and sustainable Cycle to Work Scheme, at no cost to the employer, coupled with Solarcycle’s  easy-to-install and affordable workplace charging solution for e-bikes, makes sense for your employees, the environment and your bottom line.

To speak with the team about the benefits of the Solarcycle 100% renewable energy e-bike charging stations to your organisation, get in touch today.

01483 397255 / info@solarcycle.uk

  • 29th September 2023