A new pilot is set to give people in Greater Manchester access to electric cars and e-cargo bikes, as an alternate to private vehicles.

The year-long eHUBS trial will offer residents in Chorlton, Whalley Range and Ancoats access to a number of electric cargo bikes for hire.

Common in cities across Europe, they are available from dedicated bike parking bays in Chorlton, Whalley Range and Ancoats and have a battery range of around 60 miles.

The bikes, which can carry a heavy load, have a large open compartment which can be used as storage or to safely carry children.

The app-based scheme is run by Cargoroo, which already runs successful e-cargo bike services in the Netherlands and Belgium, and will be operated and maintained by local business, Manchester Bike Hire.