A TOTAL of 27 organisations and community groups across Scotland are to share more than £462,000 in funding to improve access to electric bikes, or e-bikes.

The second round of the eBike Grant Fund is focused on providing support to community organisations, local authorities, public-sector agencies, colleges and universities.

Among those to receive a grant are Transport for Edinburgh, which now has 37 e-bikes for its shared cycle scheme, and the Shetland Community Bike Project, which has partnered with the NHS to encourage staff, visitors and residents to use 12 new e-bikes.

In St Andrews, an e-cargo bike is being provided to support sustainable transport on campus and deliver local farm produce to the market.

Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This is an incredibly popular fund and I’m proud that this government can support a further 27 e-bike projects across Scotland in its second round.

“There are so many benefits to e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, but for many, the latest advances in e-mobility technology remain unaffordable.

“While we all anticipate price drops in the future, I’m committed to ensuring that people can access and experience e-bikes in their communities, so that we increase opportunities for people to switch to sustainable, affordable and exciting modes of transportation.”