Local charity Humber and Wolds Rural Action (HWRA) is offering North East Lincolnshire residents who have difficulty commuting the chance to sign up to the Wheels to Work scheme.
The scheme aims to help more people get access to work, education and training, by offering eligible applicants a 49cc or 110cc scooter or electric bike.
A scooter can be loaned for up to 26 weeks for a weekly charge of £26 per week, plus a £110 refundable deposit. An electric bike is £10 per week.
The successful scheme is supported by North East Lincolnshire Council, its regeneration partner ENGIE, and HWRA in partnership with Mark Hargreaves Motorcycles who supplies the bikes as well as providing the repair and maintenance services. Clee Motors Ltd also provides storage facilities on behalf of the scheme.
Insurance, tax and servicing are covered by the scheme. Safety equipment can be given for an additional £45 if required. All eligible applicants are required to successfully complete a basic training course.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible to hire a scooter, the following conditions must be met:
- The daily journeys must be a reasonable distance for a scooter, for example, between 5 and 20 miles.
- No other forms of public or private transport are available.
- Transport must be required to access employment, education and/or training.
- Applicants must live in North East Lincolnshire and hold a valid driving licence and, where applicable, a current CBT certificate.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “The Wheels to Work scheme has helped a lot of people access education, training and employment. If you don’t live or work within close proximity to a local bus route, or do not have a private vehicle, then travelling to work can be both time consuming and expensive. This results in many people unable to access employment and training opportunities, so Wheels to Work offers a good solution.
“I am really grateful for the Wheels to Work team’s hard work during the coronavirus pandemic to remain open for those who need our support.”
Carole Johnson, Wheels to Work Project Coordinator, added: “We are so grateful to work with the council, ENGIE, Mark Hargreaves and Clee Motors to be able to run the scheme.
“Due to COVID-19, our previous supplier was unable to open, leaving us without supply as well as a maintenance and repair service for those working on the frontline. Fortunately, after discussions with Mark Hargreaves motorcycles, they were able to support the scheme, which has allowed us to continue to operate for our keyworkers.
“Changes to the business model of our previous supplier, also resulted in us finding alternative storage facilities. Clee Motors Ltd stepped in to support our storage needs.”
For more information, contact Carole Johnson on (01652) 637700, call or text 07983479362 or email [email protected].
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