Councils’ e-bike partnership receives national recognition

18/09/26

A partnership between Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and e-bike provider Eezybike has been shortlisted for two national awards, recognising the innovative work done in the districts to create active and sustainable travel options.

At the 2026 Modeshift National Travel Awards, the partnership has been named in the final shortlist for both the ‘Partnership of the Year’ and ‘Excellence in Active Travel’ categories.

The awards are an industry-recognised marker of quality and showcase work taking place across the UK to inspire people to make their everyday journeys not only healthier, but more enjoyable.

Since first partnering with Eezybike in January 2024, the councils have introduced Eezybike pods in Needham Market, Sudbury, Lavenham and Stowmarket, helping residents and visitors experience the benefits of e-bikes without the significant upfront cost of buying one.

Not only is it an affordable option – with the hire cost being £10 for half a day or £18 for a full day – but it has also been set up in rural communities where traditional cycle hire schemes are less common, filling a need for alternative travel options outside of urban areas. The councils worked with local communities and stakeholders to identify suitable locations, with Eezybike providing and managing the e-bikes and hire pods.

Three of the four hubs use innovative solar-powered pods, which securely store and charge the bikes without requiring a mains electricity connection, also allowing the hubs to be relocated and trialled in different communities.

Cllr Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “It’s good to see our partnership with Eezybike recognised with two national award nominations.

“When establishing this project, we wanted to find a practical way of making active travel more accessible in our rural communities and the response to the scheme has shown there is real interest in giving e-bikes a try.”

Cllr Helen Davies, Babergh District Council cabinet member for climate change, nature recovery and biodiversity, said: “We’re proud to have been trailblazers in bringing this approach to Suffolk and to see the partnership recognised on a national stage.

“It’s a great example of what can be achieved when councils and local partners work together to provide healthier and more sustainable ways for people to travel.”

Si Cooper, Eezybike director, said: “We’re delighted that our work with Babergh and Mid Suffolk has received this national recognition.

“Together, we have shown how solar and electric e-bike infrastructure can give residents and visitors another practical and sustainable way to travel around rural communities.

“Being shortlisted for two awards is a wonderful recognition of the councils’ support and the strength of our partnership. We hope the success achieved here in Suffolk can inspire similar projects elsewhere.”

The winners of the Modeshift National Travel Awards will be announced at a ceremony held at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester on Wednesday 11 November.

In the meantime, residents and visitors to Babergh and Mid Suffolk can find out more and book an e-bike by visiting the Eezybike website.