Innovative help for the NHS by Dan Parsons, Director of Operations, Fully Charged on 30-Mar-2020

Our mission is to make a positive impact on people and our planet using incredible technology, says Dan Parsons, Fully Charged Director of Operations. Electric bikes bring countless benefits and in the current crisis our focus is on supporting the country's key workers - namely NHS staff who are going above and beyond to help those suffering at the hands of COVID-19.

Bicycle stores have been excluded from the Government's list of mandatory closures amid the COVID-19 crisis. This is a reflection of the importance of cycling as a viable alternative to using public transport, as well as the benefits it offers to people's health and well-being, particularly at a time of self-isolation and social distancing.

With cycling exhibitions cancelled, many demo bikes are going unused. We are grateful to our business partners for enabling us to get these eBikes into the hands of NHS workers for their use during such difficult times. We hope that NHS staff will seize the offer and, moreover, we are calling on the rest of the industry to help provide more support for doctors and nurses in this way.

We are grateful to Gocycle as our first partner in this project and hope that other suppliers follow their example and generous commitment, allowing us to increase the offering to NHS workers in due course.

"We've all seen the images of packed tubes in the capital in the last few days. With far less traffic above ground, and the reduced number of trains being made available, eBikes are probably the best solution for essential NHS workers to move around the city," said Richard Thorpe, Gocycle's Founder and Designer. "The last thing frontline staff need after a long day saving lives is being confined within a crowded train carriage or bus or to be stuck standing in a long queue."

"Bicycles are part of the solution, but tired legs will appreciate the benefits of an electric motor to assist them home with less effort. It's a tough time for everyone being on lock down and very hard for small businesses everywhere. We really appreciate the chance to help London's frontline NHS staff, however small our role might be."

"Cycling is playing an important role in this crisis, enabling essential workers to travel without using public transport," said Steve Garidis, Executive Director of the Bicycle Association. "This role will be equally important when we come to restart the economy without restarting transmission."

"The cycling industry has a strategically vital role in keeping Britain cycling and it's fantastic to hear the stories of businesses pulling out all the stops to help essential workers."

Interested NHS workers, as well as cycle industry businesses keen to offer their support to the project, can register their interest via the Fully Charged website: https://promo.fullycharged.com/nhs-support

return to BW briefs