NHS Case Study with Scope 3 Emissions

NHS Case Study with Scope 3 Emissions

[NHS Case study]

Scope 3 Active Travel Data

+ 8x extra parking spaces for patients and staff

24th Ocober 2025 – 

BF Energy partner with Solarcycle to enhance NHS cycle shelters with 100% Solar powered e-bike chargers in Oxford.

24th October 2025 BF Energy, the specialist energy consultancy are helping Oxford’s NHS Hospitals acheive green the hospital’s Active Travel and Green Plans. BF Energy specified Solarcycle’s NHS Approved e-bike chargers due to their affordability, proven NHS experience and data reporting features.

The latest E-bike charging facility in Oxford marks the 5th NHS site to join Solarcycle’s expanding network of 100% off-grid E-bike chargers and data is proving it to be a huge success.

BF Energy is the Oxford based energy specialist consultancy who have been advising, specifying and implementing leading sustainable solutions within the NHS for nearly 20 years and have contributed to over 1150 mWh’s being saved across the region. Solarcycle impressed BF Energy with it’s award-winning, off-grid, modular e-bike chargers which offer green, renewable energy for e-bikes, safely installed away from buildings and people.

The collaboration between BF Energy and Solarcycle directly addresses the growing switch to active travel in the UK. This partnership avoids the need for charging E-bikes inside buildings, which has proven problematic with some insurers and landlords. Solarcycle’s accessible e-bike charging, provides businesses and organisations like the NHS, with an innovative, safe, and environmentally sustainable solution. And the detailed CO2 analysis for scope 3 emissions reporting has helped inform both Solarcycle and the hospital of staff needs here and elsewhere in the country.

The hospital chose BF Energy to provide the double quarter shelter with Solarcycle’s e-bike charging at NHS Witney Hospital for its immediate environmental benefits and minimal disruption. With a solar-powered and off-grid operation, the charging of e-bikes requires no mains connection or trenchworks and ring-fences energy costs, whilst providing free e-bike charging for all staff.  The collaboration between the two NHS suppliers showcases Solarcycle’s pioneering innovation to evolve as many NHS Cycle shelters affordably into e-bike charging cycle hubs and support businesses like BF Energy and similar organisations in their decarbonisation plans.

The Solarcycle charger and flexible solar panels seamlessly integrate into the curved shelter to provide secure parking AND green energy for upto 28 standard e-bike charges every week. Using Solarcycle’s software dashboard, this data equates to around 840 miles of carbon emitting transport erased from the roads every week. According to Nimblefins ltd, a typical gasoline car produces around 216g of CO2 per mile in the UK, which means NHS staff at NHS Witney Community hospital are set to eliminate thousands of tons of CO2 this year.

With Solarcycle’s unique Reporting Function tracking the kWh of free, 100% renewable solar energy dispensed, it enables organisations to estimate how many carbonless miles have been generated by the organisation. As the only off-grid solar e-bike charging system with this feature, and numerous customers across UK and Europe, Solarcycle sets itself as the market leader.

Understanding the Benefits of Active Travel

Cost Savings for NHS Staff

The average cost of maintaining car is around £319 per month in the UK, plus an average price of between £100and £1000 for leasing/purchasing a car. From fuel costs to parking fees and congestion charges, commuting by car can be a significant financial burden for both employees and employers. In contrast, the ongoing costs associated with e-bikes, such as electricity for charging and periodic maintenance, are just 1p per mile. Moreover, initiatives such as the Cycle to Work scheme provide tax incentives and cost-effective financing options for employers looking to facilitate e-bike adoption among their staff. For example, the lease or purchase cost of an e-bike, compared to a car, is as low as £67 per month through organisations such as the “Green Commute Initiative“.

Cost benefits to the business include the well-being impact of active travel with increased productivity and reduced number of sick days. Absenteeism costs employers £258 per day and the average worker takes 4.5 days off a year, compared to 2.4 days for people who cycle. Regular exercise, even in the form of commuting, has been linked to reduced stress levels and better overall health. Encouraging employees to embrace active travel, particularly through e-bikes, can significantly improve their physical and mental well-being.

Meet CO2 Objectives

Commuting alone contributes to 98% of an individual’s work-related carbon footprint. As many as three million commuters travel as little as two kilometres to work, making an uptick in active travel one of the most actionable ways to drive down corporate emissions.
Businesses dedicated to creating sustainability reports can now easily prioritise assisting employees in switching to e-biking. This becomes particularly crucial with Scope 3 Contractual Emissions Reporting, which encompasses employee commuting, significantly influencing companies’ bids for new work.

E-bikes, when charged with Solarcycle, are the zero-emission mode of transport, emitting no greenhouse gases during operation. Solarcycle stands out in the market with its unique Reporting Function, which tracks the free-to-use, 100% renewable solar energy discharged in kWh and number of Kilometres travelled with zero emissions. This feature empowers organisations to monitor their progress towards sustainability goals and accurately measure their carbon impact.

Planning an E-bike Scheme?

Use our Business Case Kit packed with the latest facts and tools to help you build an internal brief or apply for funding.

How to specify off-grid e-bike charging at your Workplace

How to specify off-grid e-bike charging at your Workplace

[Downloadable PDF]

How to Specify
Off-Grid E-Bike Charging for Your Workplace

Paul Straford, Solarcycle

By Paul Stratford

October 2025

As UK organisations continue to prioritise sustainability and active travel, the demand for reliable e-bike charging infrastructure has never been higher. For Transport Managers and Facilities teams, the challenge lies not just in providing charging stations, but in doing so safely — without overloading existing grid connections or falling foul of insurers and landlords.

That’s where Solarcycle comes in.

Why Off-Grid Matters

Off-grid solar e-bike charging allows organisations to support active travel initiatives without relying on the existing electrical grid. By using lightweight solar panels, intelligent power management, and long-life energy storage, Solarcycle delivers dependable charging that’s 100% renewable — ideal for campuses, business parks, NHS trusts, and local authorities aiming for Net Zero operations.

What our customers love:

  • Zero grid impact – no costly grid upgrades, trenchworks or disruption

  • True resilience – charging continues during power outages

  • Measurable carbon savings – CO2 reduction and data reporting, with realtime ROI.

  • Rapid deployment – fully modular, relocatable units with zero groundwork.

Understanding Your Requirements

When specifying an off-grid e-bike charging scheme, there are several factors to consider:

  1. User Demand & Load Profile
    Estimate daily usage patterns — how many riders, how many ebikes, and average dwell time. Solarcycle provides demand modelling to optimise your solar and battery sizing.

  2. Site Conditions
    Solar exposure, shading, and local topography influence design. Our modular systems can adapt to rooftops, car parks, or existing cycle hubs.

  3. Security & Accessibility
    Consider security, and inclusive access for all riders. Solarcycle integrates smart access control, 600kg resilient locking, all powered by the same off-grid system.

  4. Monitoring & Reporting
    Public sector procurement increasingly demands transparent performance data. Every Solarcycle installation includes online monitoring dashboards for energy generation, usage, and CO₂ savings.

  5. Compliance & Quality Standards
    UK public facilities must align with clear standards for solar installations and off-grid systems. Solarcycle’s design and build process exceeds every relevant criteria set out in Quality Assurance Off-Grid Solar at Public Facilities, developed in partnership with the World Health Organisation.

You can download that reference document below:

E-bike charging in your workplace ?

Download the “Quality Assurance Off-Grid Solar at Public Facilities” guide to help plan an off-grid installation at your workplace

This guide provides useful terminology, technical definitions, and procurement criteria for facilities teams planning solar-powered infrastructure across campuses and public spaces.

Solarcycle: Setting the Standard

Solarcycle’s newest and largest UK campus installation was developed using these same principles — and demonstrates that sustainable, scalable, and fully autonomous e-bike charging is not just possible, but already here.

Every Solarcycle system is:
✅ Independently verified to meet and exceed the UK public-sector standards
✅ Designed for modular expansion as e-mobility grows
✅ Built using the most advanced, secure and sustainable solar technology
✅ Supported by our dedicated operations and maintenance team

For public bodies and campus managers, this means future-proofed infrastructure that’s genuinely off-grid, fully compliant, and visibly sustainable.


Ready to Get Started?

Solarcycle offers full feasibility studies, concept design, and turnkey delivery for off-grid e-bike charging solutions.

Contact our Technical Team at https://solarcycle.uk/free-survey/ to discuss your project.

E-bike charging in your workplace ?

Download the “Quality Assurance Off-Grid Solar at Public Facilities” guide to help plan an off-grid installation at your workplace

UK E-bike Market Perspective 2026

UK E-bike Market Perspective 2026

[PERSPECTIVE]

The UK E-bike Market 2025-26

Paul Straford, Solarcycle

By Paul Stratford

October 2025

Firstly a warning. I haven’t used AI. Apologies for any grammatical errors – although, it may add an element of “spot the error” for the grammar police, and positive data for everyone else.

This week I shared some data with MP, Fabian Hamilton in Portcullis house, London. Whilst there, I learned that visitors by e-bike are on the increase in Parliament and that, like everyone else I meet, our solar-powered e-bike charging would really solve the problem of charging for them. Fabian, a cycling advocate and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, told me “Cycling saved my life”. It’s almost certainly why he’s regularly seen aboard his Estarli folding e-bike. Fueled by this positive meeting and so many other encouraging signs within our own data, I felt compelled to share a view on the market, that feels different to mainstream media. Some perepective.

And growth… Ahead of some major updates at Solarcycle, driven by strong customer demand, I’ve assembled some facts behind our successes – from within the Solarcycle e-bike charging network, but also, initially other sources, which are hard to ignore…

The Size of the E-bike market

Continual growth, despite challenging conditions within other industries.
There are few industries I speak with enjoying growth this year. But, according to Future Market Insights, the global micro-mobility charging infrastructure market is forecast to grow from USD 9.1 billion in 2025 to more than USD 62 billion by 2035 — a 22.5% CAGR.
 In the UK, this growth is also strong, with a 21.5% CAGR driven by legislation and rising e-bike usage, in both public and private sectors.

Solarcycle’s own data

As the world’s leading network off-grid, cloud-connected e-bike chargers, we’re seeing strong behavioural shifts.

  • In 2025, we installed a record number of e-bike chargers. This included sites within the NHS, Large Campus‘s and Councils and Leisure / Tourism. 
    ⁃ The Solarcycle network of e-bike chargers is now the widest spread in the industry, with coverage across the UK and into Europe.
    ⁃ Our enquiries and Purchase Orders are up. Due I would say, to increasing levels of e-bikes arriving at customer sites with nowehere to top-up on energy.
    ⁃ The number of ‘sessions’ or people ‘regularly charging at a Solarcycle Charger’. This is the main metric our cloud connected chargers provide and it has increased in regularity AND in consistency. Behaviours are definitely changing and providing us with unique patterns and insights.
    ⁃ This year, a whopping increase of over +1200% more energy was dispensed from our network of chargers to e-bike riders. And it’s growing. Through this regular, tracked data, we’ve been able to determine what the average user requires in kWh’s weekly, and how to help future customers predict what they need and design accordingly.

In addition to Solarcycle’s own proprietary data, I wanted to highlight other tangible signs (beyond just new e-bike sales);

  • The volume of e-bikes on the roads and in conversations everywhere, is more visible and vocal than ever, across all generations.
  • The Sales of quality, second-hand e-bikes is now has an actual, verified second-life marketplace thanks to Autotrader’s e-bike category
  • The UK Ride2Work (salary sacrifice) cap was recently lifted, enabling more employees to now make better quality, affordable purchases
  • APPWCG conducted a report this summer, coining the phrase ‘fake e-bikes’, to help everyday people distinguish between safe, regulated e-bikes and modified, illegal e-bikes causing so much negative press. This is a very welcome change to help the media report more accurately.
  • I see more and more high-end features now available on low price e-bikes. This includes integrated batteries, theft protection and automatic gears – which used to be reserved for £4k+ e-bikes.
  • Shared e-bike trips from users of Lime and Forest in the City of London have quadrupled since 2020, now accounting for 1 in 6 total trips into the city

The Transport revolution to save businesses, the planet and people’s wellbeing:

  • A study from the University of Leeds found that e-bikes could cut car emissions in England by up to 50% if they replaced car travel for some journeys, which is approximately 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
  • E-bikes produce significantly fewer CO2 emissions than cars, with an average of around 4.9g of CO2 per mile compared to approximately 274g for ICE cars
  • Power those e-bikes with a Solarcycle Charger and that figure goes to zero
  • People who cycle, report 40% less sick days. To businesses, this represents a cost of £100bn+ annually.
  • As of 2024/25, the total cost for mental health services to the NHS in England is £18.99 billion. The UK Chief Medical Officers suggest 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and cycling is an easy way to achieve this, with benefits including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and boosting mood and overall wellbeing.

As the founder of Solarcycle, I believe the picture we’re seeing of e-bike behaviour in the UK, is the most proven map of positive growth. And, I welcome conversations with anyone who is looking for a clear (and positive!) perspective on the growth of E-bikes.

A bit about Solarcycle’s award winning off-grid e-bike chargers…

With the right product, every problem fits.

With enquiries still flooding in, I feel compelled to share some of the positivity. I believe it’s because we proved e-bikes powered by solar is viable in the UK, using our own empirical data. We developed a product around the needs of our users – the NHS, councils, and campus’s – always with affordability in mind. Solarcycle has never been a vanity project.

  • Safer – Install anywhere, away from buildings
  • Affordable – no groundworks
  • Versatile – fit’s all bike brands
  • Award winning and NHS Approved
  • Greener – CO2 Data Reporting included

Our success has also extended beyond the UK – with demand from many areas of Europe. This demonstrates we have a world leading product, saving the same problems worldwide.

Solarcycle is just one piece of the puzzle though. All this demand we experience, reflects the countless conversations I have with facilities teams, indicating more e-bikes arriving in more workplaces and city centres. So, helmets off to you. All you innovative, radical riders. I hope we look back in ten years’ time and feel proud to have played a part of the same shift in culture …

Please do contact me at Solarcycle if you want any more info…

Planning an E-bike Scheme?

Use our Business Case Kit packed with the latest facts and tools to help you build an internal brief or apply for funding.

Unleashing the Power of an E-Bike Demo Day

Unleashing the Power of an E-Bike Demo Day

[E-bike demo day Service]

Unleashing the Power of an E-Bike Demo Day

26 March 2025 – At Solarcycle UK, we’re passionate about transforming the way people move—literally moved by the environment.

Our mission to champion sustainable and active travel takes centre stage at an e-bike demo day, where we showcase the incredible potential of electric bikes alongside our innovative solar e-bike charging solution. Recently, we’ve brought this vision to life at NHS trust sites and corporate campuses, partnering with leading e-bike brands like Brompton, estarli, and Hygge, and leveraging schemes like the Green Commute Initiative. These events aren’t just about test rides—they’re a catalyst for change, proving that e-bikes can revolutionise commuting, boost well-being, and slash carbon footprints.

Why an E-Bike Demo Day Matters

Picture this: a crisp morning at Basingstoke NHS Hospital, where staff gasp, “Are these even allowed to be this good?” That’s the magic of demo days—moments of revelation that turn sceptics into believers. For NHS workers and corporate employees alike, e-bikes offer a practical, eco-friendly alternative to car commutes. They’re not just bikes; they’re a gateway to healthier lifestyles, reduced congestion, and cleaner air. By hosting demo days, we give people the chance to experience this firsthand—feeling the effortless glide of a Brompton, the sleek agility of an estarli, or the minimalist charm of a Hygge e-bike.

“It makes my day when I see people light up with the ‘e-bike grin’ of pure joy as they try one for the first time. They instantly get it, opening up a world of possibilities as they consider how an e-bike can change their lives”

Andy Whincup, Sustainable Travel Manager |

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

E-bike demo day events break down barriers.

For those who’ve never considered cycling to work—perhaps due to distance, hills, or the dread of arriving sweaty—an e-bike demo day is a game-changer. With motor assistance, commuting becomes accessible to all fitness levels, making sustainable and active travel a reality for more people. And when paired with the Green Commute Initiative’s Cycle to Work Scheme, which offers up to 47% savings on e-bikes with no £1,000 cap, the financial incentive seals the deal.

Solarcycle’s Solar Charging Solution: Powering the Future

What’s an e-bike without a charge? At Solarcycle UK, we’re proud to demonstrate our solar e-bike charging solution at these demo days. Powered entirely by renewable energy, our charging stations provide a seamless, guilt-free way to keep e-bikes rolling. Imagine NHS staff or corporate teams plugging in their Brompton, estarli, or Hygge e-bike during a shift, knowing the energy comes straight from the sun—no fossil fuels, no emissions. It’s sustainable travel at its purest.
Our charging solution doesn’t just impress with its green credentials—it delivers measurable impact. With our unique reporting function, organisations can track the kilowatt-hours of solar energy dispensed and calculate their carbon savings. For NHS trusts, striving to meet net-zero goals, or corporate campuses aiming to boost sustainability, this data is gold. It’s proof that small switches—like swapping a car for an e-bike charged by Solarcycle—add up to big environmental wins.
The Brands That Bring It to Life
Demo days are a showcase of innovation, and we’re thrilled to partner with e-bike brands that share our vision. Brompton’s iconic folding e-bikes dazzle with their portability—perfect for NHS staff hopping between sites or corporate commuters pairing cycling with public transport. Estarli’s lightweight, stylish designs turn heads and make every ride a breeze, while Hygge’s Scandinavian-inspired e-bikes blend form and function for a ride that’s as enjoyable as it is efficient. Together, these brands prove there’s an e-bike for every need, whether it’s navigating hospital grounds or zipping across a sprawling corporate campus.

Benefits That Hit Home

The perks of e-bike demo days ripple far beyond the event itself. For NHS England and Wales, they’re a lifeline for staff who need safe, reliable transport without relying on crowded buses or costly cars. Our recent demo day at NHS Basingstoke saw Chief Exec Alex Whitfield trialling an e-bike—his smile said it all. Healthier staff mean fewer sick days, sharper focus, and a morale boost that’s priceless in high-pressure environments.
For corporate campuses, demo days align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Employees who switch to e-bikes cut their commute emissions dramatically—e-bikes emit just 22 grams of CO2 per passenger-km compared to 271 grams for cars. Add Solarcycle’s solar charging, and that drops to zero. Plus, with the Green Commute Initiative, employers save up to 13.8% on National Insurance contributions while employees enjoy tax-free e-bike access. It’s a win-win that enhances well-being and the bottom line.

Moving Forward, Moved by the Environment

An E-bike demo day is more than a showcase—they’re a call to action. At Solarcycle UK, we’re committed to making sustainable and active travel the norm, not the exception. By bringing our solar e-bike charging solution to NHS trusts and corporate campuses, alongside stellar brands like Brompton, estarli, and Hygge, we’re sparking a movement. The Green Commute Initiative amplifies this impact, making e-bikes affordable and attainable for all.

So, whether you’re an NHS leader looking to green your workforce’s commute or a corporate sustainability champion ready to rethink transport, let’s talk. Contact paul@solarcycle.uk to bring a demo day to your site. Together, we can move people—and the planet—forward, one pedal at a time.

Planning an E-bike Scheme?

Use our Business Case Kit packed with the latest facts and tools to help you build an internal brief or apply for funding.

Denbies Wine Estate – Solar E-Bike Charging for Sustainable Transport

Denbies Wine Estate – Solar E-Bike Charging for Sustainable Transport

[Case study]

Solarcycle & Denbies Wine Estate

Pioneering Off-Grid Solar E-Bike Charging for Sustainable Transport

18 September 2024 – As the UK’s first Net Zero wine producer, Denbies Wine Estate is a leader in sustainability.

Spanning 265 acres, Denbies is a major player in the English wine industry and a trailblazer in green tourism. Known for its award-winning wines, Denbies earned B Corp accreditation in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility. To further its eco-friendly initiatives, Denbies partnered with Solarcycle to promote sustainable transport options for visitors through its innovative solar-powered solution.

Surrey-based Solarcycle, specialising in modular solar charging solutions, was the perfect partner for this initiative. Together, they aimed to install Surrey’s first commercial off-grid, solar-powered e-bike charging station—providing free, 100% renewable energy for e-bikes at Denbies’ scenic location along the SHNL Greenway Trail.
.

“Our 100% off-grid chargers are perfectly placed at Denbies Wine Estate. This project encourages more people to cycle safely, away from traffic, while enjoying the beautiful Surrey Hills.” added Paul Stratford, CEO of Solarcycle

Planning an E-bike Scheme?

Use our Business Case Kit packed with the latest facts and tools to help you build an internal brief or apply for funding.

Objectives

  • Promote sustainable tourism – by offering free, renewable energy-powered e-bike charging to Denbies visitors.
  • Encourage eco-friendly travel – along the Surrey Hills’ Greenway Trail, reducing car usage and emissions.
  • Support local initiatives – like the SHNL Greenway Trail, Cycling UK, and Surrey County Council’s push for greener transport.
  • Help meet sustainability goals – and set a benchmark for other businesses in the area.

Project Details

In August 2024, Solarcycle completed the installation of Surrey’s first commercial off-grid solar-powered e-bike chargers at Denbies Wine Estate. The project was partially funded by Surrey County Council’s “Your Fund Surrey” Small Community Projects initiative.

Key components of the project include:

  • Solar-powered, off-grid charging station – providing free energy for e-bikes, reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly travel.
  • Strategic location – on the SHNL Greenway Trail, a 15km off-road route created by Cycling UK, enabling cyclists to safely enjoy the beauty of the Surrey Hills.
  • E-bike hire – offered at Denbies through Just-Pedal bike hire, allowing visitors to try out e-bikes and experience green travel firsthand.

Key Features and Benefits

  • 100% Renewable Energy: The e-bike charging stations use solar energy, providing free and sustainable power for e-bike users.
  • No Mains Connection Required: The system is entirely off-grid, eliminating the need for trench works or mains electrical connections. This feature significantly reduces installation disruptions and costs.
  • Environmental Impact: Solarcycle’s unique Reporting Function tracks the kWh of solar energy dispensed, allowing organisations to estimate the carbonless miles generated. This transparency helps organisations monitor and report their sustainability progress.
  • Cost Savings: By generating its own energy, the system incurs no ongoing energy costs, providing a cost-effective solution for e-bike charging.

Challenges

Denbies wanted to not only provide a green alternative for visitors but also reduce road traffic and emissions in the area. As the local roads in Surrey often struggle with high volumes of cars, encouraging visitors to use the Greenway Trail and e-bikes was seen as a key way to minimise the estate’s environmental footprint.
Additionally, the installation needed to align with Denbies’ existing commitment to sustainability, including their recent certifications for Net Zero and B Corp status.

Outcome

The project was a significant success, with the new solar-powered e-bike charging station officially opened by Hazel Watson, Liberal Democrat Surrey County Councillor. This installation has made a meaningful impact in several ways:
Reduced carbon footprint: The off-grid charging station provides 100% renewable energy, helping cut emissions from transportation.

Boost to eco-tourism: The charger encourages visitors to explore the Surrey Hills by e-bike, reducing road traffic and emissions while supporting green tourism.

A model for future installations: Solarcycle’s modular solar charging solution is scalable and adaptable, offering a blueprint for future e-bike charging installations across the UK.

“This is a fantastic facility which will enable e-bikes to be used more easily particularly on the Greenway Trail.” said Hazel Watson, Liberal Democrat Surrey County Councillor

Impact and Future Plans

The installation of these solar e-bike chargers supports Denbies’ ongoing green initiatives, further cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. It also demonstrates the potential for solar energy to power transport solutions, contributing to local efforts to reduce emissions and promote healthier, eco-friendly lifestyles.

Denbies’ primary motivation for partnering with Solarcycle is its 100% renewable energy solar-powered technology, aligning perfectly with their sustainability goals. They will incorporate data from Solarcycle’s reporting feature into their annual impact report, further enhancing their environmental accountability. As a Net Zero certified organisation, Denbies meticulously tracks all aspects of their operations, and Solarcycle is a key addition to their ongoing efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Solarcycle aims to expand its off-grid solar charging installations to new locations, with a strong focus on supporting green initiatives and helping organisations achieve their sustainability goals.

“This new facility complements our existing infrastructure, and we look forward to both locals and visitors making full use of it.” added Chris White, CEO of Denbies

Planning an E-bike Scheme?

Use our Business Case Kit packed with the latest facts and tools to help you build an internal brief or apply for funding.