AN e-bike hire scheme has proved so successful in its first year in Dundee that its sponsorship is being extended.

Embark Group said the initiative had been of immediate value since its launch, with almost 16,000 users who travelled a combined 117,488km (73,000 miles), saving an estimated 95,400 cubic metres of carbon emissions.

And its impact continues to grow with the usage rate increasing each month.

The Dundee-based company, which employs 130 people locally, is marking the first anniversary and extension of the scheme with a children’s design competition and charity ride for Dundee Foodbank and Mission Christmas – Cash for Kids.

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Embark Dundee gives residents and visitors access to eco-friendly, cost-efficient transport and is part of the firm’s commitment to the local community.

Embark and Ride On – the operator of the e-bike scheme – have launched a competition for children between the ages of five and 16 to submit a Christmas design to appear on one of the e-bikes.

The winner will also receive a £250 voucher for a new bike.

Those taking part in the charity ride on December 12 will see participants start at Discovery Point in Dundee city centre and travel along the picturesque cycle path by the waterfront to Broughty Ferry and back.

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All costs for using the e-bikes on the day will be given to the nominated charities.

Embark Platform CEO, Peter Docherty, said: “We’re delighted to continue to be a part of this scheme that helps develop the local infrastructure of Dundee and reduce carbon emissions across the city.

“We look forward to raising funds for these vital charities and to another successful year of the e-bike scheme ahead.”

Brian Bellman, Ride On’s Dundee City manager, added: “We are thrilled to have been able to work alongside Embark over the last year to launch the e-bikes scheme in Dundee, providing an eco-friendly method of transport to the city.”