Staff at a finance sector company are enjoying cycling on electric bikes.

Ten of them have been delivered to Zurich International’s headquarters in the Isle of Man Business Park off the Cooil Road, on the outskirts of Douglas.House.

Bosses at the insurance company say that staff are using the e-bikes for team building activities and are encouraged to go on bike rides during lunch hours.

The bikeshop, cafe, and fitness centre, Cycle 360, currently operates as a ’pop-up’ bikeshop in Eden Business Park and is due to move to its permanent location at the Isle of Man Business Park this month, across the road from Zurich House.

Zurich International boss Peter Huber said: ’The health and wellbeing of our employees is very important to us and we are committed to making Zurich International a fun, dynamic and enjoyable place to work.

’We hope that our employees are able to make the most of this exciting opportunity. By encouraging the use of these e-bikes, we hope to get more employees out of the office during their lunch hour, exploring the surrounding countryside with their colleagues!

’Not only do e-bikes have many health benefits, they allow people of all ages to travel quickly and easily with the added benefit of no carbon emissions, making them great for the environment too.

’The initiative is part of a long-term plan to achieve a happy, healthy and stress-free workforce.’

Mark Horsthuis, boss at Cycle 360, said: ’We’re a cycling hub dedicated to inspiring and influencing healthier communities and it is fantastic that Cycle 360 is able to assist Zurich in instilling the importance of health and wellness in its employees.

’E-bikes are making a major impression across the UK because they make cycling more accessible, so it makes sense to introduce them to Zurich’s diverse workforce.

’Office workers often find themselves sitting for long periods of time, so it’s great for them to be able to take a break outside.

’E-bikes use what is called pedal-assist, which means they use a small electric motor to boost the power created by your own pedalling, therefore the trick to making an e-bike a fitness tool is to use the motor just enough to keep going!

’It is important for us to create and develop long-lasting relationships with the business community, and we hope this initiative starts to help us achieve our overall mission â?? to get more people cycling!’

E-bikes can travel up to 50 miles at 15mph, and can be recharged for as little as 2p.