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Trail an e-Bike
Residents of Nairnshire can now discover how e-cycles can make everyday journeys easier with a month-long loan of an e-bike.
Calling all future e-Bike riders!
Have you always wanted to give an e-bike a try? Now’s your chance.
We've made a number of e-bikes available to Nairnshire residents to try out. You can test one out for yourself and see how e-cycling can change your life.
The scheme is open to any Green Hive member living in an IV12 postcode and is over the age of 18, so why not discover how e-cycles can make everyday journeys easier.
Membership is just £20 for the whole year and comes with a load of perks and benefits!
What are you waiting for?
E-bikes make travelling around hilly areas much easier, and are brilliant if you have limited mobility, or if you’re simply a less confident cyclist.
They are also a great option to replace the car for shorter journeys, or to use for the commute to work without getting quite as hot cycling into the office.
E-bikes are very similar to a regular cycle with the addition of a motor to assist your progress up to around 15mph and you can ride an e-bike anywhere you’d ride a normal bike: on the road, on a cycle path or shared-use path, or on a bridleway or byway.
Download Terms and Conditions
Download Return Preparations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an e-bike trial? Am I eligible?
Trial an e-bike' is a Green Hive Active travel project offering people the chance to try electric bicycles. E- bikes can be borrowed as a one-month loan, from the Green Hive Community Hub in Nairn. The scheme is open to residents of Nairnshire who are over the age of 18 and have a Green Hive Membership.
How much does a one-month loan cost?
To access the trial an e-Bike scheme, Nairn residents must hold a Green Hive membership which is £20 annually. After that there is no hire cost.
What is the maximum speed of your e-bikes?
The e-bike will go as fast as you can pedal it, however the electric motor won’t assist you above 15.5mph.
Do I have to pedal?
Yes, the e-bikes need to be pedalled and the motor can be used to assist you.
How far can I travel on an e-bike?
The range of each e-bike varies and the achievable range on a full battery depends upon several factors such as the terrain, weather conditions, the load on the e-bike. The range of each e-bike is provided at the point of booking.
Are there any size or weight restrictions for using your e-bikes?
Our e-bikes are suitable for pretty much all heights. In terms of weight, 250lb (130kg) is the maximum weight that our e-bikes are designed for.
Does the e-bike get charged as I am pedalling?
No, e-bikes are fitted with a lithium-ion battery that is charged via a mains powered charger. You must only use the charger supplied with the e-bike to charge the battery.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
If the battery is completely flat, it will take around four to six hours to fully recharge. However you can top up the charge at any time. For optimum performance, it is better not to let your battery go completely flat.
What type of e-bike can I borrow?
The Batribike Gamma S Step-Through Electric Bike, powered by a high-torque 250W centre-mounted motor boasting an impressive 100Nm, this e-bike ensures smooth and powerful rides on any terrain. Equipped with an efficient 8-speed Shimano Altus gear system and shifter, you can easily navigate through various terrains with precision and ease.
For enhanced safety and control, the Gamma S features Shimano hydraulic disc brakes both at the front and rear, providing reliable and responsive stopping power. Enjoy a comfortable and stable ride with the inclusion of suspension forks, minimizing the impact of bumps and uneven surfaces.
Are helmets available to loan as well?
Helmet use is highly encouraged but is optional and will be provided if requested on collection.
How long can I loan the e-bike for?
An e-bike can be loaned for one month.
What is the minimum age for loaning an e-bike?
The minimum age for an e-bike loan is 18 years.
Can I loan more than one e-bike?
The scheme is limited to one e-bike loan per person. However, a family can use more than one e-bike, but each e-bike must be hired by each family member individually.
Please note that children’s cycles are not provided as part of the programme.
Do I need to collect the e-bike in person or is it delivered?
The e-bike and accessories (bike lock, helmet, charger and so on) must be collected in person at the time and date specified in the booking.
What do I need to bring with me to collect an e-bike on loan?
You will need to provide proof of your identification and proof of address on collection of the e-bike. You will also need to agree to our terms and conditions.
The following documents may be used as proof of identification: passport, driving licence, non-UK national ID card, UK Biometric Residence Permit or Asylum Registration Card.
As proof of address the following documents can be provided: utility bill, council tax bill, bank/mortgage/credit card/ P45 or P60 statement or a letter from HMRC or DWP. To be a valid proof of address, the document must have been issued within the last three months.
Please note all documents must show your name or name and address, with the name and address matching across documents provided. Proof of identification and address must be unique; for example, a driving licence cannot be used twice.
A helmet, lock pannier and lights will be provided.
Do you offer any support or training?
You must be able to cycle independently. When you collect your e-bike we will show you how to use the e-bike controls.
Do I need to return the e-bike in person or is it collected?
The e-bike and accessories must be returned at the time and date specified in the booking so they can be prepared for the next booking. Late returns may incur a penalty fee. The e-bike must be returned fully charged and clean so the next person can also enjoy their free e-bike loan.
The e-bike must be returned to the Green Hive Community Hub. The e-bike must be returned fully charged and clean so the next person can also enjoy their e-bike loan.
How do I manage the battery and charger?
Guidance will be provided when you collect the e-bike.
Am I covered if I’m in an accident?
Third party and personal injury insurance are not included in your loan. It is up to you whether you choose to take out an insurance policy to protect you in the event of an accident.
Green Hive do not endorse any specific policy or supplier and recommend shopping around for the right policy for you should you wish to take out insurance.
How do I keep the e-bike secure?
All e-bikes are issued with an approved lock. The lock must be used to secure the e-bike to a fixed object when left unattended, and whenever possible it should be stored indoors.
Can I fit my own kit to the e-bike?
To make sure the e-bike is safe and in good condition for all our participants please do not add or attach accessories or trailers to the e-bike. Please do not dismantle or tamper with the e-bike or in any way attempt to do so as if you do, you may be liable for any damage.
Can I loan a trailer for my child/dog/shopping?
The e-bike loans do not come with the option of a trailer.
Can the e-bikes be ridden on and off road?
The e-bikes available will have some capacity to be ridden in traffic free environments, we wouldn’t advise their use in mountain biking terrain, however they will be suitable for off-road use in terms of canal tow paths and gentle parkland.
Can I adjust the seat height?
All e-bikes have easily adjustable seat heights.
What clothes do I need to wear?
You can wear everyday clothes to cycle in, no specialist clothing is required, although comfortable footwear and less restrictive clothing can make cycling more comfortable. Dressing according to the weather can also make the experience more pleasurable.
Do the loan e-bikes come with lights, and can I ride them at night?
All e-bikes provided will have a set of front and rear lights.
E-bike fire safety and advice
Following widespread reporting in the media, we understand many people have concerns about electric cycles causing fires.
The e-bike trial scheme works with reputable manufacturers who carry out stringent safety tests on e-bike batteries and chargers before they become available to the public.
Cases of e-bike chargers from certified manufacturers causing a fire are very rare, and to date, Green Hive has had no reports of this happening to the e-bikes we offer through the scheme.
Reportedly issues usually arise when e-bikes are tampered with or e-bike adaptation kits of dubious quality bought online from overseas suppliers are fitted, with fires happening when charging.
We would always advise people not to change the factory settings of their e-bike and only to use adaptation kits if purchased from a reputable vendor and fitted by a competent bike mechanic. Additionally, we would advise not to leave your e-bike charging overnight, and when charging to keep soft furnishings away and only use the charger provided by the original manufacturer.
For more information, please see the Fire Industry Association’s guide to reducing fire risks when charging e-cycles and e-scooters.