A free e-bike loan scheme has helped school staff across Oxford reduce car use, boost their wellbeing and feel more confident about cycling, new figures show.
The short-term pilot trial, commissioned by the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership (ZCOP) and delivered by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (the new name for Sustrans), offered school staff a free 30-day e-bike loan between April and August 2025.
As a large commuter group into the city, school staff were chosen as the target for this pilot to explore how e-bikes could replace frequent short and medium distance car journeys.
The results show strong demand and clear impact:
- 117 people registered their interest, with 25 e-bike loans completed and four extended beyond the initial 30 days
- Participants cycled a combined total of 1,059 miles
- 22 out of 24 respondents said they replaced car trips with cycling, with half (11 people) using the e-bike instead of a car on 4 or more days a week
- 10 participants now plan to buy or lease an e-bike, with another 12 considering it
- More than 90% rated their experience positive or very positive.
Teachers, senior leaders, caretakers, sports coaches, and support staff from a range of schools across Oxford took part in the initiative, which was supported by local business Bainton Bikes. Each participant was offered support including route planning, cycling confidence building, and advice on safe riding and storage.
ZCOP is a partnership of local organisations and businesses across the county working together to accelerate action against climate change, set up and hosted by Oxford City Council. The idea for the e-bike project came from a ZCOP working group of local businesses focused on sustainable travel for employees.
Many participants cited practical reasons for wanting to try an e-bike. One wrote on their application: “I drive in every day and the traffic is always really busy… I would love to try an e-bike to see if the additional power support would mean I have a simple ride to school without overheating. It would also be better for the environment and traffic as I can leave my car at home.”
Another participant reported enjoying the experience: “I started using the bike six times a week and basically abandoned my car. Now the hire is complete, the aim is to purchase a bike and get rid of one of the family cars.”
A third explained “I cycled everywhere…I spent so much more time outside in the sunshine and it totally changed how I commute to work.”
Next steps
Given the popularity of the scheme, ZCOP and its partners will now explore opportunities to repeat and grow the scheme into new sectors, subject to funding.
By enabling more school staff to switch from car to e-bike, the programme helps Oxford and the county get closer to its zero carbon goals by reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Comment
"The response to this pilot shows how much appetite there is among Oxford’s workforce for practical, affordable alternatives to car travel. By giving school staff the chance to try an e-bike with tailored support, we’ve helped people overcome the barriers that often stop them cycling in everyday life.
Given the strong demand and positive outcomes, we’re now looking at options to repeat and expand the scheme, subject to securing funding. Supporting people to shift to low-carbon travel is essential to reaching a Zero Carbon Oxfordshire, and we’re so pleased to have developed a programme to help make that transition easier.”
Philip Sharman, Chair of the Zero Carbon Oxfordshire Partnership
“E-bikes make it easier for people to leave the car at home, especially for everyday journeys like the school run or commute. This pilot shows there’s real demand for schemes that break down the barriers to cycling. We’re pleased to have supported it and will continue working with partners to expand access to sustainable travel in Oxford.”
Cllr Anna Railton, Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council
“Walk Wheel Cycle Trust are delighted to have had the opportunity to lead on this exciting pilot in Oxford. E-cycles are opening up opportunities to cycle for more people- with the ability to cover longer distance and tackle hillier terrain. Supporting local people to travel without having to use a car is at the core of what we do at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, and this was a great pilot project that tapped into the demand for active travel.
With over 1,000 miles travelled by e-cycle during the 25 loans, feedback was positive with 22/24 participants that completed the surveys saying they were considering buying an e-cycle after taking part. We hope to be able to expand this project in the future to more people to give them the opportunity to try an e-cycle for their commute and leisure journeys."
Joe Bigwood, Head of Active Journeys South and East, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
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