Leicestershire e-bike scheme

How safe are e-bikes?

For yours and others’ safety, you should only ride legal e-bikes that have been made according to UK regulations and have not been tampered with. Safer cycling is the responsibility of the rider. We only advise on legal e-bikes for Leicestershire residents who are using it for leisure or transport, and not for business.

Do I need to know about e-bikes before joining the course?

No – our course is for everyone, from bike beginners to keen cyclists.

Just like conventional bikes, there are many kinds of electric bike available: from hybrid and commuter bikes to folding bikes, cargo bikes, road and mountain bikes. You don’t need to know which one you prefer before joining our session – it’s for you to discover what suits your lifestyle best. The Choose How You Move guide can help you decide which type of bike is right for you.

Who can book onto a course?

Everyone in Leicestershire over the age of 16 can book onto the Leicestershire e-bike scheme. Unfortunately this does not cover Leicester city residents.

I need a specially adapted bike to cycle. Are these available?

CHYM cannot provide a specially adapted bike, but by attending the course a resident can get £600 reimbursed from the purchase of an adapted e-bike. Alternatively, Wheels for All has a specifically adapted cycle course – find out more information on their website.

Do I need to have ridden an e-bike before?

You don’t need experience in riding an e-bike before – you just need to be able to independently ride a bicycle on your own, and safely navigate cycling when on a road.

I am keen cyclist. Can I still join the course if I’ve ridden an e-bike before?

You can join even if you know your stuff. This course is a chance for you to get advice and try out different e-bikes to see what suits you.

What happens if I can’t make the session?

Please let us know 24 hours before the session so we can offer your place to someone else. If you’re happy for us to add you onto our waiting list, you’ll be contacted when new sessions become available.

How do I get onto the waiting list?

Please get in touch with our team to be added onto our waiting list by contacting choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk.

How does the reimbursement work?

Our reimbursement scheme allows attendees to get £300 reimbursed if they purchase an e-bike after the session (£600 if buying an adapted bike).

Residents have to attend the session in order to qualify. You can then send us evidence of your e-bike purchase by contacting the Choose How You Move team. We will then contact you to reimburse you.

Please note: reimbursements are limited and subject to availability.