Businesses must be encouraged to invest in the sustainable future of e-bikes – McGahon

Businesses across Ireland should consider investing in e-bike schemes for employees to ensure a sustainable future, according to a Fine Gael Senator.

Senator John McGahon, Fine Gael Spokesperson on Climate, Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, noted the significant increase in e-bike use cross Europe and urged commuters and businesses to rethink their modes of transport.

Senator McGahon said, “The transport sector, which accounts for around a fifth of our overall carbon emissions, plays a crucial role in the national decarbonisation effort. E-bikes are an integral part of this goal to achieve zero-emission mobility by at least 2050.

“We’ve seen County Councils encourage e-bike schemes such as ‘TIER’ launched in Fingal, the first fully carbon-neutral provider of micro-mobility. Dublin Bus and ESB also committed to reducing the number of car journeys made by their employees by launching a dedicated e-bike scheme.

“Multi mobility app Free Now recently announced that e-bikes will be available to book through its taxi app. Climate change is a serious issue and we all need to play our part, more companies should follow this lead.

“A report from The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry estimates that sales of e-bikes in Europe topped five million for the first time last year and it predicts double digit growth every year until 2030. Businesses need to embrace this major transformation in transport.

“I look forward to seeing the passage of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, likely to progress to the Report Stage in September. This clarifies the legal position of e-scooters and high-powered e-bikes, and I hope it will kickstart increased use of these climate friendly modes of transport”, concluded Senator McGahon.