e-Bikes for early education!

In exciting news for everyone who likes to ride a bike, all staff working in early learning can now access the Government’s electric bike scheme.

The electric bike scheme was launched in 2019 and was offered to public sector staff across the country as part of the Government’s plan to reduce transport emissions and support healthier transport options.

The government negotiated bulk-purchase discounts on e-bikes ranging from 10-30 per cent of $300-$1200 off the cost of a new e-bike.

In launching the program last year Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter said e-bikes are increasingly being used as an alternative for short car trips.

“E-bikes are fast, fun and free from congestion and parking worries. Having public sector staff bike to work takes pressure of car parking in places…it reduces congestion, and improves health,” she said.

Early learning staff are able to access discounts on the usual cost of bikes, and there are also discounted service packages, accessories and finance options available to make it easier for people to purchase. 

According to the Ministry of Education, two unique websites for the early education sector will soon be available for you to access product range, pricing, ordering and to ask questions.

In the meantime you can visit the two suppliers Evo Cycles or Sheppard Cycles (My Ride) in-store for more information and to try out an e-bike.

In case you need further convincing, here are ten reasons why you should ride to work, according to Momentum Mag.

1. It is fun

Cycling to work is the best type of fun and is an excellent and exhilarating way to start the working day.

2. It makes you fit

Cycling burns calories and is low impact on the joints making it an excellent option for everyone. Cycling also increases cardio-vascular and aerobic fitness, lowers  blood pressure, boosts energy, builds muscle and improves coordination.

3. It makes you happy

Being stuck in traffic as you drive to work in a car is unlikely to make you happy. Riding to work on your bike may transform your daily commute, reducing stress and alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

     4. Boosts brain-power

Moderate daily exercise may prevent cognitive decline, sharpen memory and learning and improve overall brain performance.

     5. It saves money

Once you have bought a bike, cycling to work will save you money. No more public transport fares or if you drive lower petrol costs.

     6. It saves everyone money

Boosting people’s health and wellbeing through increasing exercise and activity levels can reduce our public expenditure on health care.

     7. Fresh air

Removing cars from the road reduces transport emissions leading to better air quality for everyone. Cycling also gives you a healthy dose of fresh air and sunshine every day.

     8. It is convenient

Dodge traffic and stop looking for parking spots. Cycling to work means you can travel door-to-door with few stops on the best and quickest route.

     9. Safety

The more cyclists there are on the road the safer it is for everyone on a bike.   A 2008 study from the University of New South Wales determined that biking safety is a cycle. As more people ride in a city, the number of collisions between drivers and people riding bikes decreases in absolute terms in that city.

10. Freedom

Bikes offer a new form of freedom and discovery, enabling you to explore your neighbourhood at your own pace, try different routes, stop when you feel like and connect with other cyclists.