Rural communities in North Yorkshire could soon benefit from a boost in sustainable transport options as plans are developed to implement shared mobility schemes.

A comprehensive study to assess the business case for e-bikes, scooters and electric vehicle car clubs across North Yorkshire has concluded there is a substantial demand for personal electric transport schemes in Eastfield, (Scarborough), and in Catterick, (Richmondshire).

The review by independent consultants Cenex, on behalf of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, North Yorkshire County Council, Richmondshire District Council and Scarborough Borough Council, reported that personal electric transport schemes would bring environmental and social benefits to small towns and communities with poor transport networks.

Beth Morley, Mobility and Human Insights Specialist at Cenex, said: “Cities are at the forefront of shared mobility schemes but small towns should not be left behind in this modal shift.

“Cenex has identified key locations where shared mobility can have the biggest impact and developed a business case for regions where operators may be hesitant to deploy vehicles due to misconceptions about potential returns.

“The business case we’ve developed can be replicated in other rural regions giving more places the opportunity to see carbon and social benefits from their introduction”.

Richmondshire District Council’s spokesman, Councillor Philip Wicks, said: “This scheme will deliver reduced emissions and congestion, health benefits from cycling and outside journeys, and more opportunities to access jobs and education further away. It is a very exciting project for the county – and for us in Richmondshire.”

Councillor Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff, Scarborough Borough Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for the environment and sustainability, added: “Our plan for the mobility scheme for Eastfield was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement.

“It would provide a substantial boost to transport options in the area and, ultimately, it could save 350 tonnes of CO2 over 10 years.

“Our commitment to involving residents and businesses in the transition to net zero means we now have a strong business case to use to attract funding. I am also pleased to confirm a similar scheme is in development for Whitby.”

David Dickson, Chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Infrastructure & Joint Assets Board, said: “The support shown in this study for sustainable transport options helps to build a case for future funding. That’s great news for these communities and can help the region become a greener, fairer, and stronger economy.”

Cenex investigated two sites in each district using a newly developed critical success factors tool, weighted for environmental impact and equitability, and outcomes from local focus groups, Cenex recommended deployment of an e-car club vehicle, 8 e-bikes and 16 e-scooters at Eastfield, and an e-car club vehicle and 19 e-bikes at Catterick.

The Local Authorities will be seeking to secure £200,000 (60% of total cost) to help realise these ambitions, which could enable the shared mobility to be online by Spring 2024. This will support York and North Yorkshire’s ambition to be England’s first carbon negative region.

A report, ‘Local E-Motion North Yorkshire: Pilot Schemes to Deliver Affordable Personal Electric Transport’, released today, summarises the key findings and outputs of the work, including the personal electric transport options and the business case put forward. 

People interested in finding out more about the research can register for the launch event, to be held virtually on Friday 14th October, 10:00-12:30.  

This project has received £89,100 from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.