E-Mobility
Introduce a holistic e-mobility policy including electric bikes
The Scottish and UK governments are rightly promoting a move away from fossil vehicles (FVs) but unfortunately they are demonstrating the silo-thinking we are so used to. The publicity, the financial incentives (e.g. OLEV grants), the speeches: everything is solely about FV->EV.
Instead, I propose a holistic ‘e-mobility’ policy whereby members of the public and businesses are presented, yes, with EV information and incentives, but also with the option of e-bikes and cargo-bikes, and incentives to adopt them – as Oslo, for example, has done. Not hiving off e-bike responsibility to a separate ‘cycle department.’
For many people and businesses in urban areas, especially when combined with car club, this is a realistic, healthy, cheap solution which they would not otherwise even have thought of. With far lower manufacturing and running costs, less pollution (e.g. no particulate pollution from tyre and brake wear) and less congestion this is also great for the city and the planet.
People who’ve tried it love it. “Effortlessly pedalling up Edinburgh’s steepest streets,” said Alastair Dalton, the Scotsman’s transport expert, on his first e-bike ride.
It’s time the Scottish and UK governments – and Scotland’s councils – gave everyone the opportunity, with an e-mobility policy.