Decarbonisation Initiatives Fund helps community eco-bikes cut emissions with upgraded pedicab fleet

28 Jul 2025

A funding initiative designed to modernise and decarbonise local infrastructure has enabled EcoCarriers BSE to enhance their energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

EcoCarriers BSE work with local businesses and individuals to offer local drops using pedal power instead of petrol. They were one of 29 community groups that submitted proposals for funding from the Decarbonisation Initiatives Fund (DIF), a scheme supporting community groups to reduce carbon emissions and play their part in tackling the climate emergency.

From a share of the DIF funding of over £200,000, deliverable projects received a share of the available grant, with the community groups also contributing to their own decarbonising projects.

The successful application enabled EcoCarriers BSE to upgrade their fleet of five pedicabs with new electric motors, making their services more accessible and attractive to the wider community, including local businesses and residents.

Libby Ranzetta, founding director of EcoCarriers BSE, said: “Thanks to the DIF, we have been able to upgrade our fleet of five pedicabs in advance of launching a community PedalCab service for the Howard, Mildenhall and Priors estates. This service will provide free rides to health and other appointments, and at the same time, promote Wellbeing Suffolk public health messages.

“The upgraded PedalCabs, as we call them, will comfortably carry two passengers at a time, including up hills, using a combination of pedal power and an electric motor. We are delighted to expand our zero-emission activities, and using the community PedalCab service is an exciting addition to our school bike train and bike library projects, as well as our commercial e-cargo bike delivery service.”

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “The DIF is designed to empower communities and organisations to be part of the solution, and the EcoCarriers BSE is a great example of how local organisations can innovate for sustainability while improving service delivery. The upgraded pedicabs will allow for a smoother ride and for the organisation to expand the area in which they help the community.”

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of the Council, said: “"Supporting low-emission transport options is key to building a more sustainable town for the future. EcoCarriers BSE play a vital role in reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions and promoting cleaner air. They offer an important and practical alternative to car use, especially for local deliveries and short trips. I was pleased to support their application and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our community."

Examples of other projects that have used the DIF to decarbonise community assets include converting floodlights on sports fields to light-emitting diode lanterns (LED), and solar panel installations in community centres.

Find out more: Environment news

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