Making cycling e-asier offers free electric bicycle (e-cycle) skills and confidence sessions and one-month loans through workplaces, education centres and Evans Cycles e-hubs across England.
At Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Making cycling e-asier is open to all staff, including contractors and agency staff.
Please note, Making cycling e-asier participants must be aged 16 or over, except for e-hubs at Evans Cycles where participants must be aged 18 or over.
You’ll find the Making cycling e-asier Luton Hospital e-hub at the entrance to the multi-story car park on Lewsey Road.
If you’re not employed by Luton And Dunstable University Hospital, find out how you can access a free e-cycle loan or skills and confidence session in Luton and Dunstable.
It’s free to take part in the scheme.
The maximum speed of our TIER e-cycles is 15.5mph (25 km/h). The e-cycle will go faster if you pedal harder; however, the electric motor won’t assist you above 15.5mph.
Yes, the e-cycles need to be pedalled and the motor can be used to assist you.
The TIER e-cycles we offer at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital can be pedalled for a maximum of 30km before they need recharging. Please note, the range is affected by rider weight and weather conditions.
We recommend returning your e-cycle to the Making cycling e-asier team to be recharged regularly.
For the workplaces cycles, we have created a zone around the hospital of around 10 miles, after which the electric assistance will stop. This ensures you don’t cycle too far from the hospital and will have enough battery power to return on your journey.
We have a range of e-cycles suitable for most heights. The e-cycles have a weight limit of 250lb (130kg), which includes luggage.
No, TIER e-cycles are fitted with lithium-Ion batteries that are charged by our team via a main power charger.
Our dedicated team at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital will be on hand to charge and swap your e-cycle battery. Just drop off your e-cycle before you start work and we will have it fully charged ready for you collect by the time you finish your shift.
Please drop the cycle off before 1pm (Monday-Friday) at the same location as collection, at the entrance to the multi-story car park on Lewsey Road.
If you plan to use the e-cycle at the weekend, please ensure you get a battery swap on Friday to give you a full weekend’s charge.
Every TIER e-cycle has an integrated lock that can be unlocked using the NFC card you will be provided with. The lock is inserted through the rear wheel, which immobilises the e-cycle.
You can park your bike anywhere that there is appropriate cycle parking. The e-cycle can be locked to itself and is very secure. Please be mindful not to cause an obstruction to pavements or to park inconsiderately.
Our cycles can be loaned for a maximum of one month, as it is part of a national trial scheme. Once you have taken out a one-month loan with us there are various routes to continue your journey into using an e-cycle, and these will be discussed with you when you sign up.
Bookings can be made online through our booking page. Please note, we do not have an e-cycle hire app and the TIER e-cycles we offer to staff at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital cannot be found on the TIER app.
Staff at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital will have access to TIER e-cycles. These are robust city bikes that will comfortably carry you on your journey. With features such as a phone holder, a small front basket and an adjustable seat post, these are ideal e-cycles for short- and medium-distance trips.
If you wish to use an alternative model of e-cycle, please visit the Making cycling e-asier homepage to access the scheme through Evans Cycles or a community hub in Luton and Dunstable.
All TIER e-cycles are the same size and have easily adjustable seats meaning they suit a wide range of heights.
Helmets are optional and will be provided on collection if requested.
An e-cycle can be loaned for one month.
The scheme is limited to one e-cycle loan per person.
Please note that children’s cycles are not provided as part of the programme and that minimum ages apply for renting an e-cycle: 16 years at all e-hubs except at Evans Cycles shops where it is 18 years.
Yes, you can attend as many of the sessions as you need.
Each e-cycle loan comes with a complementary digital three-month Cycling UK membership. You’ll be joining 70,000 other Cycling UK members in receiving free third-party liability insurance which protects you for up to £10m if you accidentally cause injury to another person or damage their property while you are on your e-cycle. It also includes access to our specialist legal advice and support if you’re involved in a crash.
Membership also includes a digital version of Cycle magazine every two months, subscription to CycleClips, Cycling UK’s weekly e-newsletter, and discounts at a range of cycling, leisure and outdoors-related retailers. View our member benefits.
The collection of your e-cycle will automatically activate your Cycling UK membership. You will receive a welcome email within five working days which will ask you to create an online account so you can access all your benefits and gain more information about what Cycling UK does and how we can support you to ride.
The e-cycle and accessories (helmet) must be collected in person at the time and date specified in the booking.
You will need to provide proof of your identification (NHS/company ID card, passport, driving licence, residence permit, bank statement) and proof of address (utility bill, council tax bill, bank statement) on collection of your e-cycle or prior to participating in a skills and confidence session. You will also need to agree to our terms and conditions.
For skills and confidence sessions, there is no need to bring anything else, just suitable clothes for cycling.
A helmet will be provided if requested.
You must be able to cycle independently. When you collect your e-cycle we will show you how to use the e-cycle controls.
Our expert team at the skills and confidence sessions will provide cycle training, advice and guidance to build confidence around usage of the e-cycles.
We will signpost participants for more bespoke or formal training if required.
The e-cycle and any 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-cycle must be returned clean so the next person can also enjoy their free e-cycle loan.
The e-cycle must be returned to our Luton and Dunstable University Hospital e-hub at the entrance to the multi-story car park on Lewsey Road.
To cancel or change a loan or a cycling and confidence session please email us at bookings.makingcyclingeasier@cyclinguk.org and provide your full name and booking reference number.
To return an e-cycle early please contact us at bookings.makingcyclingeasier@cyclinguk.org so we can confirm necessary arrangements.
Our TIER e-cycles at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital are robust, with airless tyres and simple mechanical parts. Your cycle shouldn’t experience a mechanical issue while on loan.
If the e-cycle has a mechanical problem, a screen display issue or becomes severely damaged, please contact us at bookings.makingcyclingeasier@cyclinguk.org to confirm the arrangements.
E-cycle loans within the Making cycling e-asier scheme come with a free three-month Cycling UK membership. This includes third-party liability insurance which protects you if you accidentally cause injury to another person or damage their property while you are on your e-cycle. It also includes access to our specialist legal advice and support if you’re involved in a crash.
Personal accident insurance is not provided.
If your e-cycle is stolen then you must report the theft to the police as soon as possible and request the crime number. If possible, please take photographs of where the e-cycle was stolen and any possible evidence (broken door, broken lock and so on). Email us at bookings.makingcyclingeasier@cyclinguk.org to inform us of the theft, the crime number and the circumstances and any photographs available.
Your e-cycle has an integrated lock in the rear rack. The lock must be used when the e-cycle is left unattended.
To make sure the e-cycle is safe and in good condition for all our participants please do not add or attach accessories or trailers. Also please do not dismantle or tamper with the e-cycle as you may be liable for damage caused.
The e-cycle loans do not come with the option of a trailer.
The e-cycles available will have some capacity to be ridden in traffic-free environments, including canal tow paths and gentle parkland. We don’t advise their use in mountain biking terrain.
TIER e-cycles have easily adjustable seats to suit a range of heights.
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 enjoyable.
All e-cycles provided will have a set of front and rear lights.
