A London bike shop, called Fully Charged, has partnered with Gocycle, a British maker of premium folding electric bicycles, to supply medical staff with a safer and more comfortable mode of transportation. For free!
The initiative aims to provide e-bike access to NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic, so they don’t have to take public transit – which is now over-crowded due to the reduced number of trains being made available.
Richard Thorpe, founder, and designer at Gocycle said:
We’ve all seen the images of packed tubes in the capital in the last few days. With far less traffic above ground and the reduced number of trains being made available, eBikes are probably the best solution for essential NHS workers to move around the city.
The last thing frontline staff need after a long day saving lives is being confined within a crowded train carriage or bus or to be stuck standing in a long queue. Bicycles are part of the solution, but tired legs will appreciate the benefits of an electric motor to assist them home with less effort.
It’s a tough time for everyone being on lockdown and very hard for small businesses everywhere. We really appreciate the chance to help London’s frontline NHS staff, however small our role might be.
As of Monday, March 30th, 2020, over 20 of the Gocycle (GS model) e-bike (usually retailing at £1,999) have been given to the retailer Fully Charged and are available for a free three-month loan. The branches that have these bikes include the premises at London Bridge and Silverstone in Northhamptonshire. Many more will be added to the supply in time.
Dan Parsons, director of operations at Fully Charged, said:
Bicycle stores have been excluded from the Government’s list of mandatory closures amid the COVID-19 crisis. This is a reflection of the importance of cycling as a viable alternative to using public transport, as well as the benefits it offers to people’s health and wellbeing, particularly at a time of self-isolation and social distancing.
At Fully Charged, given we’re able to remain operational, our focus is on supporting the country’s key workers – namely NHS staff who are going above and beyond to help those suffering at the hands of COVID-19. With cycling exhibitions canceled, many demo bikes are going unused. Fully Charged is grateful to our business partners for enabling us to get these eBikes into the hands of NHS workers for their use during such difficult times.
We hope NHS staff will seize the offer and, moreover, we are calling on the rest of the industry to help provide more support for doctors and nurses in this way. We are grateful to Gocycle as our first partner in this project and hope that other suppliers follow their example and generous commitment, allowing us to increase the offering to NHS workers in due course.
Gocycle’s are pedal bikes that come equipped with electric motors for assistance, as well as all the commuting essentials such as mudguards, lights, and a lock. Doctors and nurses in the capital can rent an E-bike at no cost for the next three months by signing up HERE. Fully Charged mechanics will assemble the bikes and carry out pre-delivery inspections when an application is submitted.
