OREANDA-NEWS. Staff based in SSE's Inverness office used their pedal power to test out one of the new electric bikes which will soon be available for hire in the city.

Carbon CLEVER Cycles is a collaborative project between SSE, Highland Council and Co-wheels, which will allow people to rent an electric bike (e-bike). An e-bike is a bicycle which can be powered by electricity as well as propelled by pedals. Each e-bike has an integrated electric motor which can be used for propulsion and delivers power assisted speeds of up to 15mph.

Marianne Townsley, who works in SSE's Inverness office, said: “The Carbon CLEVER Cycles project is a great way to help Inverness reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral and we are delighted to be supporting it.

“Some of the staff from our Inverness office were treated to a sneak peak of the bikes. It was a great chance to test out the newest form of pedal power to come to the Highland capital.”

SSE is providing funding towards two charging points and lockers in the city. Each individual locker will contain an e-bike, helmet, bike lock, hi-visibility vest, pannier and 13 amp portable charger.

The initiative, which will be launched in the summer, is part of Carbon CLEVER, a wider initiative which aims to make Inverness carbon neutral by 2025.