Community Bikes Culter is a sub-group of Culter Community Council. In 2023, we applied to the Just Transition Fund and were awarded £14,126 to help us set up our community bike hub. Since then, we have purchased four cycles and secure storage, which has been installed and is successfully in use. We chose a variety of cycles with the aim of providing a library of bikes that are free to borrow for members of the community. With only a small fleet, it is difficult to be inclusive of everyone, but we have chosen bikes with step-through frames and two three-wheeled cycles that offer more stability with the aim of providing cycles that are accessible and comfortable for most users. Flick through our bike profiles to find out more about each model! We hope to have an extra standard e-bike joining our fleet soon.

Who can borrow the bikes?

Our bikes are free to use for members of the community. As per the law, it is illegal to use an e-bike for anyone under 14 years old. Therefore we have made the decision that users must be over 16 to be signed off to use the bicycles alone, but 14 & 15 year olds may use the bikes if accompanied by an adult. Our e-cargo is suitable for carrying four small children – check our the bike profiles to find out more.

“Do I have to be a cyclist?”

When we think of the word “cyclist”, most people think of middle-aged men in Lycra, but anybody can be a cyclist! In fact, this project is perfect for anybody who hasn’t ridden a bike for a long time or would love to but doesn’t have their own bike. You do have to be a competent rider but confidence comes with giving it a go. Most people have never ridden a cargo bike so everyone is welcome to have a go (middle-aged men in Lycra included!).

How do I book a bike?  

Email cargobikes@cultercc.org.uk or text/ call 07988 057364.

One of our volunteers will meet you at the bike shed and show you how to operate the bikes. Once we’ve seen that you are confident, we will sign you off so that next time you book you can help yourself.

How long can I book the bike for?

The bikes are available for day hire or you can borrow them for up to a week at a time. Currently we don’t have power in the shed, although we are looking into options for this. Therefore, if using an electric bike you must take it home to re-charge the battery after you’ve used it (or at least remove the battery and take the battery and charger home). If you are unable to do this, please just let our volunteers know so that they can charge the bike after you’ve used it. Most people don’t have space to store a cargo bike at home, so you’ll most likely need to return this to the shed after borrowing it. If storing the bikes in our shed overnight, you’re better to book day hire. If taking a bike home, you can book for multiple days. Please keep in mind our fleet is small, so please only book for multiple days if you plan on using the bike every day – otherwise someone else could have been using it.

Where can I use the bikes?

The Deeside Way is ideal for cycling and connects Culter to Aberdeen and all the way out to Ballater! Find out more here: The Deeside Way: Former Railway now Cycle & Walking Trail. The old railway line is mostly smooth into Aberdeen so is suitable for all of our bikes. Going west from Culter some parts get more bumpy so it is not recommended to take our 3-wheelers on these sections. If you aren’t confident on the roads, most of the bikes have a “walk assist” mode that you could use getting to the railway line.

If you are confident, you can absolutely use our bikes on the road. Make sure to dress is in appropriate safety gear so that you are visible. If using the cargo bike or tricycle, take up the full lane to avoid the camber on the side of the road and to encourage cars to use the other side of the road to overtake you. With the electrical power assist, you’ll find that you can travel quite fast so you almost flow with the traffic.