New residents of social housing on Strandeiland and Centrumeiland will soon be able to try out an electric bike for free for 2 months.
The municipality of Amsterdam, the Transport Region Amsterdam, and housing corporations aim to make cycling more attractive in these new, car-free neighborhoods. This is a trial specifically for this part of IJburg.
Cycling in a car-free neighborhood in IJburg
Strandeiland and Centrumeiland are 2 new islands of IJburg that are fully under development. Cars are deliberately given little space. The focus is on greenery, walking, and playing. This creates a calm, pleasant living environment, but also means that other means of transport become important.
Quick and flexible movement
A regular bike is not a practical alternative for everyone, especially not against the wind on the open stretches along the IJ. Cycling 10 kilometers to Amsterdam Central is not easy for everyone. An electric bike offers a solution: residents can move quickly and flexibly through the city without being dependent on a car or public transport.
Second-hand e-bike with everything included
In the coming 3 years, a total of 1,100 social rental homes will be added to these 2 islands. New tenants will have the opportunity to try out a second-hand e-bike upon moving into their home. This way, they can discover if electric cycling suits them.
The bike comes with insurance, roadside assistance, and accessories such as bike bags or a child seat. After 2 months, residents can purchase the bike at an attractive rate.
For those who are truly dependent on a car, limited parking space is available. But with this offer, the municipality, corporations, and transport partners provide a good alternative that fits the setup of these sustainable, green neighborhoods.
Electric bike as a logical alternative
The Transport Region Amsterdam sees the electric bike as a logical means of transport in these neighborhoods. Many workplaces in the region are not within regular cycling distance, but are well accessible by e-bike. A move is also a natural moment to encourage new travel behavior.
Councillor Melanie van der Horst (Traffic) also sees the e-bike as an important part of mobility in IJburg: “To ensure good accessibility, we provide shared transport, public transport, and now also electric bikes. The e-bike is by far the cheapest way to travel. Previous trials have shown that people are happy with their electric bike. That’s why we are offering this to all social tenants now. If it works well, we will expand it to all over 4,000 social rental homes that will be built here in the next 15 years.”
Trial on Centrumeiland: more than half buy the bike
The approach was previously tested on Centrumeiland. In 2023, 19 new tenants participated. One third ultimately took over the bike. In 2024, that share was higher: of the 26 participants, more than half purchased the e-bike.
Photo for illustration