A GP OFFICE in the Wee County is leading by example by using e-bikes to attend house visits.

Clackmannan and Kincardine Medical Practice has two pedal-electric, or pedelec, bicycles on loan and the idea is proving popular both with doctors and patients.

The practice's Dr Rachel Mooney is one of the regular users of the bike and spoke of the health and environmental benefits along with GP registrar Dr Alastair McNicol.

Using the electric bike, which assists the rider to a degree by applying a little boost, means staff can get around the town's hilly streets in a environmentally-friendly way and still not be out of breath when turning up at a patient's door.

More than that, it shows the GPs drive in living the healthy lifestyle they preach, highlighting how exercise is important in addressing both physical and mental health issues.

It is understood the local practice was the first around the Forth Valley to trial the pedelec bikes, but there is interest from others as well.

Dr Mooney said: "We used cars for all these journeys that are a mile or half a mile because we haven't got time to walk and walk back, but the electric bike gives us the capacity to travel much quicker without getting [out of breath and sweating]."

Some of the house visits – which are available for the bed-bound, terminally ill, very frail elderly and to nursing homes – are still carried out on foot when near enough to the practice, but the electric bikes offer much more flexibility.

It is also a fun way to travel, providing a bit of stress relief along the journey for the busy staff in healthcare.

One of the bicycles is currently on loan from Stirling Active Travel Hub and the doctors are encouraging local groups and individuals to check out the free e-bike library on offer there as it is open to all.

It only costs around 5p to fully charge the bike's battery and it can provide around 100miles of assistance on the lowest setting.

A second bike is on loan from the Pedal 4th community cycling group with thanks going to both organisations for the opportunity.

The initiative is also tying in nicely with the Saddle Up Clackmannan project, led by Clackmannan Development Trust's Scott Bamford, which is promoting cycling, including on pedelec bikes, for all ages in a bid to keep people active and break down barriers.

Generally speaking, the practice has been looking to become more and more environmentally-friendly. And when they must drive, two of the GPs are already using electric cars.

Dr Mooney added: "It's still early stages and it's a trial for a couple of weeks, but it's been great and we'd hope for the future to get a permanent bike, here [in Clackmannan] and in Kincardine."