Exmouth e-bike delivery project raises more than £10k in 28 days on Crowdfunder

An Exmouth electric bicycle delivery project has raised over £10k in just 28 days on Crowdfunder.

'ExeCargo' was set up by Transition Exmouth as a more eco-friendly way for local businesses to make collections and deliver their products, and was trialled in the town earlier this year.

Transition Exmouth successfully raised £10,060 for the scheme, double their initial target of £5k thanks to significant match funding from Devon County Council's #backthefuture climate action competition.

Secretary Carol Jay said: "We are overwhelmed by the support.

"We had pledges ranging from £3, right up to the #backthefuture match funding of £5k."

Vanessa Dubuisson, a senior manager with Crowdfunder, said: "It's clear that this project has the community behind it with over 60 supporters pledging over £5,000 in less than 4 weeks. This is a clear indication that it is something the community feel they could benefit from."

Donations came from across the community, with a few notable mentions being Sundowners Cafe on the Strand, The Bicton Inn, The Letting Centre, Exmouth Town Council, Extinction Rebellion, Plastic Free Exmouth, and one individual donating money he had originally planned to spend on his birthday party.

Donations were also made across party lines, with politicians and councillors from multiple different parties giving money towards the scheme.

Mayor of Exmouth Steve Gazzard said: "ExeCargo really is a brilliant example of what can be done when all tiers of local authority work together with the local community."

How can I hire the e-cargo bikes?

The e-cargo bikes will be available for local businesses, community groups or individuals to hire to make deliveries and collections.

They have not yet been bought, and Transition Exmouth are now working with Exmouth Chamber of Commerce to see what kind of electric bike would be best.

It will reportedly cost a 'nominal' rate to hire them. Initially, they will be stored in Exmouth Indoor Market and available for hire via Exmouth Cycles.

Jim Hill from Propeller Hub Exmouth said: "We hope that having the e-cargo bikes will inspire someone to set up a local delivery service.

"We are setting up a website, Ordaloca.com, which will be all about doing your online shopping with local businesses, and ExeCargo would be the perfect delivery method."

Transition Exmouth has said that it may spend some of its budget on training and support for people wanting to set up a delivery business using the bikes.

If you would like to get involved with setting up ExeCargo, or use the e-cargo bikes for your business, community group, or yourself, email [email protected]