Sudbury Town Council backs electric bike rental scheme proposal from Babergh’s Sustainable Travel Working Group

An electric bike rental scheme could be on the cards for Sudbury in the hope of improving options for active travel in the area.

Babergh District Council’s Sustainable Travel Working Group confirmed the availability of funds for a potential installation of a new e-bike service in the town.

The concept received the backing of Sudbury Town Council at last week’s meeting after it was presented by Cllr Tim Regester, a member of the Babergh working group.

The scheme would see users pay to access an e-bike – a bicycle with assistance from an electric power unit – from a dedicated cabinet.

Once in use, the bike has a range of between 60 and 80 kilometres before it must be returned to its pod in order to re-charge the power unit.

Cllr Regester told the town council meeting that the Kingfisher Leisure Centre had been identified as the preferred location due to its proximity to the town centre, bus and railway stations and the Valley Walk.

He also indicated that rental company Eezybike, which runs a hire service in Bury St Edmunds, would be brought on board to deliver the Sudbury scheme.

“As part of the sustainable travel working group, we considered what funds there were for active travel in Sudbury,” said Cllr Regester.

“One of the options, using residual funding from a previous fund, is to install a two-bike rental system in a secure cabinet with power.

“The bikes are extremely reliable and extremely powerful. They are extremely rugged, with big, fat tyres so they won’t puncture.

“They can carry about 310 pounds, so you could do your whole weekly shop, or if there are parents with younger children, they could have them ride on the back.

“We’re aiming for tourists, but also people having a day out. That’s the theory. It’s not going to cost Sudbury Town Council a penny.”

Cllr Regester also explained that, as the bike’s speed is limited to around 26 kilometres per hour, it is legally distinct from an electric motor vehicle, meaning a user does not require a licence or insurance to ride it on the roads.

Town councillors voted in favour of moving the proposal forward.

Cllr Nigel Bennett added: “If you put it by the Kingfisher, that makes sense for visitors. It’s ideal to be close to the Valley Walk.

“What would be great is if that then led to an improvement of the path across Friars Meadow.”