
An Islington grocery store and takeaway has made the switch to an electric bike. Oriental Food on Junction Road, N19 made the switch with the help of a £200 Scooter Switch grant from ZEN. The delivery riders were able to test the bike out in advance through a free trial. Thanks to the grant, the shop has transferred some of its 20-30 deliveries a week onto the zero emission electric bicycle.
'The electric bike looked so cool when we received it! After using it, we really feel it will be very useful. As the e-bike uses only battery power to ride, it can be very environmentally friendly. In addition, the e-bike is more flexible to use than cars and scooters when the traffic is terrible. The efficiency of using the e-bike for our short-distance deliveries is also better than scooters. Our customers like our e-bike as well. It can be the icon of our shop and is recognised easily. Our shop really appreciates this offer that has helped us have our own e-bike.' Simon - Owner, Oriental Food
In addition to the e-bike, Oriental Food has one petrol scooter. The shop plan to trade it in for an electric scooter later this year; further reducing pollution and avoiding the high maintenance costs that come with running a petrol bike. Any delivery business or rider in Islington, Hackney or Tower Hamlets can apply for a free trial and grant to help switch to electric bikes. Please register your interest here and the ZEN team will be in touch.