Cornwall e-cycles pilot evaluation

An impact evaluation evidencing the potential benefits of schemes which familiarise people with e-bikes and encourage them to purchase one.

The Cornwall E-Cycles Pilot (2021-2022) ran demonstration roadshows and loaned e-cycles to individuals and businesses across Cornwall – aiming to give people a taster experience, encouraging them to purchase their own e-bike and get cycling more. It was the precursor to the National E-Cycles Programme.

The impact evaluation showed that the pilot was successful in:

• Bridging the cycling gender gap – with similar participation levels from women and men
• Attracting interest from a younger age profile – as many e-cyclists are typically 60+
• Getting more people cycling – as a quarter of participants were not cyclists

The companion report Cornwall E-cycle Pilot Evaluation: Learning for Practitioners shares lessons learnt and case studies from the pilot.

This project was completed in partnership with the University of the West of England’s Centre for Transport and Society.