UK councils expand Wheels to Work scheme to include electric mopeds

Two UK councils have revised their Wheels to Work scheme to include electric motorbikes.

Wheels to Work offers transport hire and training for individuals that need reliable transport to get to work, college or an apprenticeship.

Wheels to Work schemes have now been altered to include both electric and petrol mopeds. 

Mopeds can be hired for up to 12 months from £60 per month, with the payment including CBT training, road tax, insurance, service and maintenance costs and a helmet, gloves and high-vis vest.

Users must live within the counties implementing these schemes, be over the age of 16 years, and hold a firm offer of work for 16 hours a week or more.

North Lincolnshire Council has added 18 new electric mopeds to its current fleet of 10.

The scheme was originally launched with five petrol mopeds, but with new additions to the fleet and the rising popularity, the current scooters have already clocked almost 16,000 miles.

The scheme offers a range of electric motorcycles, including models from Super Soco UK, such as the TC Max (pictured).

The implementation follows on from Tees Valley Combined Authority’s trialling of an Integrated Transport Programme.

The trial project will help people who do not have access to a car or bike, or who cannot make the journey by bus or train to work/college.

The scheme offers electric motorbikes, or e-bikes, to eligible users and provides the necessary safety equipment and training, similar to North Lincolnshire’s scheme.

So far the scheme has been used by over 150 people since early 2018.

TVCA has secured funding of £840,00 to continue a further three-year period and begin transitioning to an all-electric fleet.

During the launch of the extended fleet in North Lincolnshire, Scunthorpe MP Holly-Mumby Croft said: “It was brilliant to go along with my neighbouring MP Andrew Percy and have a look at the new mopeds that North Lincs Council are rolling out.

“The clean, green and affordable mopeds can be rented by eligible North Lincs residents to help them get to work or college.

“Being unable to get about can be one of the biggest barriers, especially for younger people.”