Isle of Wight Council

08/02/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/02/2022 03:52

Council vice-chairman gets on board

02 Aug 2022

Isle of Wight Council vice-chairman was persuaded to jump into the cargo bay of a new electric cargo bike used by Island company People Powered CIC to demonstrate the capacity of the machines now being used to deliver cargo for commercial customers.

Councillor Michael Lilley was attending the Going Electric transport exhibition, organised at the Isle of Wight College by Wight Community Energy on Sunday (31 July).

Councillor Lilley said: "This event is fantastic. It's really good to bring all the people involved in electric vehicles on the Island together.

"This council currently uses the electric cargo bike service for some of its internal mail and other similar deliveries.

"It's a genuinely useful service that not only provides excellent value for the taxpayer but also directly contributes to our commitment to zero carbon.

"I've always believed that the Isle of Wight - which is only 35 miles across - is absolutely perfect for an electric vehicle revolution.

"And here we have everyone talking together about how electric vehicles can form part of the future of the Isle of Wight."

Matthew Whittaker, from People Powered CIC, added: "We don't currently have any plans to carry passengers on the road but I'm grateful to Michael for helping us show that our bikes have a surprisingly large load space, and we can carry a lot of cargo in one trip.

"We're currently operating a commercial service delivering a whole range of items for customers, including the Isle of Wight Council. We are delighted to be here at the Going Electric show.

"It's a great opportunity to show off our expanding capability and see some of the other electric solutions that are already available, and coming in the future."