Strandeiland social tenants get free e-bike trial

New social housing tenants on Strandeiland can try out an electric bike for free for two months.

Each participant gets a personal cycling coach and earns money for every kilometre ridden.

The city picked cycling company QicQ to run the trial, hoping residents will change how they travel for good.

IJburg was designed to have little car traffic, which makes cycling the obvious option.

According to the city, an e-bike is usually too expensive for many residents, and the trial should make switching easier.

Participants collect their e-bike at a cycling party, where they also meet their coach, who helps choose a suitable bike and answers questions throughout the trial.

Riders log their trips in an app and earn 5 cents per kilometre.

After two months they can use that money towards taking over the bike, or hand it back at no cost.

Any savings can still be spent on maintenance for 24 months after that.

Strandeiland’s first 349 residents moved into temporary homes on the Makerskade at the start of this year, and the tram now runs onto the island.

If you keep your e-bike, check out our guide to bike repair shops around Amsterdam.

Source: De Brug