NORTH-East-based electric bike company Ride Electric is calling on the public to donate what they can and has launched a Crowdfunding campaign in a bid to help with the growing demand for its e-bikes from frontline workers.

The campaign aims to provide electric bikes free of charge for NHS staff who are currently faced with the risks of public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to travel safely to and from work.

In the wake of the UK-wide lockdown, Tynemouth-based Ride Electric has been inundated with appeals from key workers. Now, after five weeks of providing free e-bikes from their own stock, it is calling on the generosity of the public to help bring new bikes into circulation and protect the region’s vital services.

With many key workers being forced to rely on walking and traditional pushbikes as a result of the outbreak, electric bikes can provide a safe, fast and low-effort mode of transport to ease the load of the daily commute, especially for those working long and exhausting shifts.

Ride Electric managing director Craig Goff-Cooper said: “The NHS and other key public services need our help more than ever.

“We have been, and continue to be, overwhelmed with requests form key workers who are no longer able to use public transport. Timetables have been reduced, with some services being cancelled, and the risk of infection from using buses, trains and the metro service is simply too high.

“Even key workers who are commuting by traditional bicycle are finding their commute difficult to handle due to the length and intensity of their working days.”

The Crowdfund Campaign is now open for donations and The Ride Electric team appeal to the public to give what they can and help get the NHS safely on the road.

Calling on the support of the public, Craig added: “Since the launch of this scheme, we have been providing as many bikes as possible to the people who need it most, however, we’re now reaching the limits of our resources.

“The NHS and other essential key workers are doing so much to protect us, so please, can you help us to support them?”

Since its formation in 2017, Ride Electric has been quick to establish itself in the region as one of the top suppliers of industry-leading electric bicycles

Founded by avid cycling fans and experienced business leaders, David Anderson and Craig Goff-Cooper, Ride Electric is on a mission to enable businesses to improve their environmental footprint and bring the exciting new technology to both commuters and cycling enthusiasts alike.

If members of the public would like to donate to the Crowdfunder Campaign, they should visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/helpnhs

If NHS workers would like to loan a bike as part of Ride Electric’s commitment to help staff get to and from work safely, they should visit: https://www.rideelectric.co.uk/help-for-nhs/ebikes-for-nhs-staff/

For more information about Ride Electric visit: www.rideelectric.co.uk