What happens when you give people the chance to swap traffic jams and train delays for fresh air and two wheels? HM Revenue & Customs teamed up with us to run a two-week e-bike pilot scheme to find out.
Jack found that using an e-bike meant he and his son got an active start to the day. Credit: HM Revenue & Customs.
We recently worked with HM Revenue & Customs in Cardiff to run a two-week e-bike pilot project, giving their staff the chance to try using e-bikes a go on their daily commute.
The idea was simple - see if a small change, like switching to an e-bike, could spark a big shift in how they travelled to work.
Motivations for signing up to the scheme varied, but there were two key reasons: wanting to incorporate more exercise into their day and looking for a more sustainable, low-effort commute.
Whilst some of HMRC’s staff already used sustainable travel options – like public transport – to commute, some were reliant on their cars (even the occasional Uber) to get to work.
What, then, were the results?
Creating a buzz by making travel fun and easy
From the first day, the buzz of excitement was electric – people were surprised by how easy and enjoyable the rides were, especially up Cardiff’s small but sneaky hills.
With a little boost from the pedal assist, what might have been a sweaty slog turned into a breezy, energising start to the day.
When asked what he enjoyed most about the e-bike, Jack simply replied “The freedom!” – he found he could leave when he wanted, avoid traffic, and still arrive at work without being too sweaty or exhausted.
“It made commuting feel less like a chore and more like a refreshing start to the day,” added Jack.
Another colleague, Louis, whose commute includes a really steep descent, shared a memorable moment:
“I actually had to stop and adjust the brakes on the way down, it was that steep!
“But the real surprise was how easy it was to pedal back up on the way home – I never thought I’d say this, but I kind of enjoyed the hill!”
The pilot was all about trying something new, but also re-evaluating what’s possible – imagining what we can do when we change the way we travel.
Widespread benefits that go beyond travelling to work
It wasn’t just the staff themselves who got to enjoy the benefits of trialling an e-bike, as they proved popular with people’s families as well.
Jack, who chose an e-cargo bike, used the scheme to help make the commute more enjoyable for their little one, too:
“Being able to drop my two-year old off at nursery and then head straight to work on the same bike was a game-changer.
“It felt like such a practical, joyful way to start the day – and my toddler absolutely loved the ride, too.
“Trying to explain to him that we had to give the bike back after two weeks was quite the struggle!”
Nimat said, “My mood definitely boosted while using the e-bike, it was great to use my mobility as opposed to sitting static on a bus.
“I saved a great deal of money on public transport by cycling everywhere, and I love supporting sustainability and climate action, so it was great reducing my carbon footprint, too.”
Changing the way we travel changes how we see the world
For Jack, one of the most memorable moments was riding with his son around Caerphilly.
“It was a chance to slow down and really take in our surroundings.
“He started noticing things he’d never pointed out before, because normally we zip past in a car.”
For Nimat, something the e-bike gave them was a reliable and ever-present transport option.
“I took advantage of having the bike and used it to travel everywhere!
“I had many leisurely bike rides, so much so that I think I only had a walking journey twice during the loan!
“I used it to do my weekly shop, meet friends and explore places – it was lovely.”
