Community charity Transition Stroud has expanded its popular Pedal Power e-bike scheme by adding two new bikes and is celebrating a major funding extension from Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), which keeps the project rolling through 2027.
Volunteers and team members met on September 2 with local project partners — who include GCC, The Bike Drop in Brimscombe, and The Bike Shack in Stonehouse — to welcome the two new additions, which expand the community fleet to 18.
One of the new bikes is an accessible e-trike, based at Stratford Park. Built for anyone with balance or mobility challenges who might not feel comfortable on a standard two-wheeler, it packs plenty of power for local hills and comes with safety gear, insurance, and friendly, hands-on support to help users increase their confidence.
“Getting around Stroud’s famous hills just got a little easier — and a lot more accessible. We’re really hoping this opens up cycling to more people in our district who could benefit from an e-bike instead of taking the car,” says Carol Mew, Transition Stroud Director.
The e-trike costs£140 per month to hire (£70 concessions).
The second new addition is a converted e-mountain bike, based at Stonehouse.: This classic mountain bike was reconditioned by social enterprise The Bike Drop, then fitted with a motor and battery by Shay Parker at The Bike Shack.
“When I moved here from a flat city, converting my old bike was the only way I could tackle the local hills,” says volunteer Emily Howgate. “We created this option so people can try out a converted bike for themselves. It’s such a realistic, affordable way to keep using a bike you already love.”
This bike costs£50 per week to hire from The Bike Shack on Stonehouse High Street
Since launching in 2024, the community e-bike scheme has seen almost 100% of its bikes booked out during the warmer months, making it the most successful community bike project in the county.
“We’re so pleased to extend funding for the scheme through to 2027,” says Cameron David from GCC’s Active Travel team. “Transition Stroud has shown what’s possible when running a community project like this, delivering fantastic results. We know this model is genuinely helping more people try e-bikes instead of driving.”
The 18-strong community fleet includes solo Gazelle e-bikes, family-friendly cargo bikes (capable of carrying one or two children), the new e-trike, and the converted mountain bike. Bikes are available from pickup spots in Stratford Park, Stonehouse, Horsley, Rodborough, and Brimscombe Mill.
Every hire comes fully insured with all the necessary kit: helmets, sturdy locks, pannier bags, and child seats. Hires run from one to three months, with monthly rates between £70 and £140 (£30 for job seekers).
Residents can get more information at www.pedal-power.bike, from hello@pedal-power.bike, or by sending a message on WhatsApp to07579 048505.
