Electric bikes hit the streets of Inverness this week thanks to the launch of the Carbon CLEVER Cycles.
The collaborative project between SSE, Highland Council and Co-wheels will allow people to rent an electric bike (e-bike). An e-bike is a bicycle which can be powered by electricity as well as propelled by pedals.
Each e-bike has an integrated electric motor which can be used for propulsion and delivers power assisted speeds of up to 15mph.
And first to test them out were [pictured left to right] Cllr Ian Brown, Inverness City Leader, Cllr Drew Hendry, Leader of Highland Council, and George Baxter, Head of Development Strategy, SSE.
George Baxter said he hoped the bikes would be a hit with people in Inverness: "I used them myself for the first time on the day of the launch to get from the middle of town out to the SSE HQ at Longman Industrial Estate and back - and I was hugely impressed. It just makes it so easy to get around.
“There are lots of nice touches too: a nice large display showing speed and power available, enclosed chain so no worries about getting trousers caught in it; high-visibility top and helmet supplied; easy to use lock; and spacious pannier bags. Now that I've tried them I will certainly choose them as my first choice of transport in Inverness from now on.
“My priority for today is to set about arranging an SSE membership to the scheme so that all staff in Inverness, and those visiting from other offices - can access them. Look out for that announcement soon!"
You can find out more about the scheme at www.co-wheels.org.uk/ebike.