AN electric bike tour scheme trialled by the national park visitor centre at the Sill has been met with a positive response from the public.

The pilot saw guided tours near Hadrian’s Wall, using electric bikes from Tyneside firm Ride Electric.

The bikes use batteries to make it easier to pedal uphill or against the wind, or for cyclists with issues such as knee pain or exercise-induced asthma.

Duncan Wise, tourism and marketing manager at Northumberland National Park Authority, said that the bikes had proved popular with visitors.

Duncan said: “The Sill is surrounded by beautiful, but hilly scenery, and these eBikes have gone down well with visitors.

“We’re keen to develop new experiences, including a ranger-led tour around the iconic parts of Hadrian’s Wall.

“Ride Electric has been extremely supportive, providing eBikes for our guests here at the Sill, and the feedback has been incredible.

“People of all ages and abilities have embraced the experience.

“Working with Ride Electric has helped us deliver a very enjoyable way for visitors to access our rich heritage.”

Ride Electric has spent the last 12 months bringing eBikes to various areas of natural beauty across the North-East.

The company is hoping that the recent partnership with the Sill will lead to working with the national park again.

Ride Electric director Craig Goff-Cooper said: “We’re delighted that our pilot with the Sill has gone so well and we’re proud to have opened the door for visitors to experience the ancient Roman landscape along Hadrian’s Wall with zero effort.

“EBikes are a whole new mode of transport and provide great fun as well as being hugely efficient.”