1st July 2024 – In a groundbreaking effort to promote sustainability, Falco UK  has teamed up with Solarcycle UK  to introduce 100% renewable solar energy e-bike charging stations within their cycle shelters. The inaugural installation of this innovative system has been completed at NHS Wales Ystradgynlais Community Hospital, aligning with the hospital’s Active Travel and Green Plans.

Falco UK is the UK’s leading manufacturer and installer of secure cycle hubs, cycle shelters, bin stores, and street furniture. Solarcycle stands out with its award-winning world-first, off-grid, ‘solar-in-a-box’ e-bike chargers, offering green, renewable energy for e-bike charging. The collaboration between Falco UK and Solarcycle directly addresses the growing demand for accessible e-bike charging, providing businesses and organisations with an innovative, safe, and environmentally sustainable solution. 

NHS Powys Teaching Health Board chose the FalcoLok shelter with Solarcycle’s e-bike charging system at Ystradgynlais Community Hospital for its immediate environmental benefits and minimal disruption. With its solar-powered and off-grid operation, the system requires no mains connection or trenchworks and generates no ongoing energy costs, providing free e-bike charging for all staff.  The collaboration with Solarcycle showcases Falco UK’s dedication to pioneering innovation and constant evolution of its cycle hubs to support businesses and organisations in their decarbonisation efforts.

As the manufacturer Falco UK was able to work with SolarCycle to seamlessly integrate the PV array on the roof of the FalcoLok, then to connect the SoloarCycle charging pillar into the cycle parking area.

Solarcycle’s unique Reporting Function tracks the kWh of free, 100% renewable solar energy dispensed, enabling 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, Solarcycle sets itself apart in the market.

“As we deliver our Health Board’s strategy for a Healthy Caring Powys, it is important as ever to measure, analyse and minimise the impact of our business on the biodiversity and sustainability within our operating areas. The recent installation of the Falco Solarcycle solar powered e-Bike charging points fits perfectly in with our values and commitments surrounding clean energy and also ensures that we remain at the forefront of new, green innovations. To be able to install these charging facilities without the need for any enabling works or mains electrical connections was also a real bonus for us from an operational standpoint and it’s been great to see our cyclists charging their bikes using 100% clean energy.” said Lloyd Morgan, Capital Programme Manager, Powys Teaching Health Board.

Rob Harper, Managing Director of Falco UK said: “At Falco, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our partnership with Solarcycle underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning seamlessly with Falco UK’s mission and strategic objectives. We do a lot of work in areas where grid constraints can pose challenges, and we are developing cycle hubs to support sustainable travel and tourism, so the off-grid nature of Solarcycle’s system stood out as a pivotal factor in our decision. Together with Solarcycle, we’re not just building cycle hubs; we’re shaping the future of sustainable transportation infrastructure.”

Paul Stratford, Founder and CEO of Solarcycle stated:

“Solarcycle designed e-bike chargers with versatility and affordability in mind. A product that transforms existing cycle shelters into e-cycle shelters and encourages more employees to enjoy active travel. With Falco’s sustainable product line and credentials, it made sense to join forces and help organisations reach NetZero. The result is a scalable product-line packed with reporting features for all organisations and budgets. As cyclists we’re excited to see Falco’s cycle shelters in more train stations, hospitals and workplaces. The data generated from these will help evidence the positive impact of e-bikes.”

The annual CO2 savings from carbon-free commuting with e-bike travel and Solarcycle charging are substantial. An organisation with 25 employees and a 15% e-bike adoption rate can save 3,252,000g of CO2 annually. This saving increases to 16,260,000g of CO2 for an organisation with 100 employees and reaches a staggering 731,700,000g of CO2 for an organisation with 4,500 employees.

Falco UK is a proud member of the NHS Shared Business Services Framework Agreement to provide cycle parking facilities to the NHS and public sector bodies. The framework is free to access for UK Public Sector organisations and provides a quick, simple, and compliant procurement route to market for sustainable Transport and Infrastructure solutions for the NHS and the wider public sector.

Falco UK and Solarcycle UK are setting a new benchmark in sustainable travel with their solar-powered e-bike charging solution. This innovative partnership addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly commuting, offering a cost-effective and disruption-free system that benefits both the environment and employees. By harnessing 100% renewable energy, organisations can track their sustainability progress and make a tangible impact on reducing carbon emissions. Falco and Solarcycle’s collaboration is a game-changer, driving the future of green transportation infrastructure.

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