Trying e-bikes transforms school runs for Glasgow family
At a Cycling UK event on Glasgow Green, Matthew King and his family stopped to test ride one of the e-cargo bikes on display. With both children on board, Matthew immediately saw the potential
The family had long considered buying an e-cargo bike to replace car trips for school and nursery runs – a 5km journey that often felt too difficult on standard bikes.
Thanks to support from our Connecting Communities programme, Matthew was able to take part in a four-week e-cargo bike loan. The difference was immediate. Journeys that once felt exhausting became manageable, and cycling to school became a realistic daily option.
As the trial progressed, Matthew also borrowed an electric bike to test whether it would work well with the family’s existing trailer and tag-along attachment. Having the chance to compare different bikes proved invaluable.
We always thought about getting an e-cargo bike but there are so many to choose from. They are expensive, and you don’t want to choose the wrong one. It was brilliant to try both an e-cargo bike and an e-bike – it helped us narrow down what we really needed
The family soon realised an e-bike was the best fit for them. Daily school drop-offs, once a struggle, became enjoyable. The children began looking forward to cycling in the morning, and Matthew and his partner noticed a real boost to their wellbeing.
The kids are getting fresh air and are really looking forward to getting out on the bike in the morning, and we get our exercise before heading to work. Although it’s not intense exercise, we can feel the benefit to our wellbeing as a family
The benefits have reached beyond Matthew’s household. At first, other parents questioned whether the family were “mad” to cycle to school. But as the weeks went on, attitudes shifted.
Children at school and nursery began asking about the bike, and other parents and staff showed growing interest.
Matthew and his partner now feel like positive role models in their community, showing that active travel with kids is both possible and enjoyable.
Beyond school runs, the family has expanded their adventures, including a cycling trip to Millport, with plans for camping expeditions and regular visits to the local sports centre.
Along the way, they have picked up practical knowledge about bike maintenance and discovered how handling an e-bike differs from a standard bike due to the added weight.
Most importantly, the loan scheme has given them confidence in making the investment. The family are now in the process of purchasing their own e-bike, certain of what will work best for them.
It was absolutely brilliant being able to loan different e-bikes. The process was really straightforward, with no red tape, and the support from the project throughout was fantastic. We’re now ordering our own e-bike – all down to the opportunity to try before buying
Thanks to funding from SPT, the Connecting Communities programme gave one Glasgow family the chance to trial e-bikes in a supportive, accessible way – opening the door to happier, healthier and greener journeys every day.
