Cumbria Tourism has selected 10 Renault Twizy electric vehicles to form a core part of its 'See More' sustainable travel programme, which is being delivered in partnership with Cumbria County Council and the Lake District National Park Authority.

Under the scheme, which is run in association with Co-wheels Car Club, the Twizys are available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis from eight different locations in Keswick and Ullswater.

With the ultimate aim of encouraging visitors to leave their own cars at home, the availability of the Renault Twizys offers those arriving in the area by coach or train the option to easily experience picturesque parts of the Lake District that are unreachable by public transport.

The car-sharing scheme is also designed to appeal to motorhome owners staying at local campsites, providing an alternative to taking their vehicles into more confined areas and doing away with the need to tow an additional, more manoeuvrable car that can be used for sightseeing.

The two-seat Twizys have been made even more distinctive with a sheep livery. Each has also been named in traditional dialect (a mix of Westmorland and Cumberland numbers).

All of the Twizys have been specified with optional scissor doors and windows.

Nicola Parker, programme manager for Cumbria Tourism’s See More programme, said: “This new flock of electric Twizys are all about offering visitors a fun, quirky way to experience the unique Lake District landscape – particularly at a time when we need to show visitors that it is still well and truly business as usual after the recent floods.

"The sheep theme is synonymous with the region, so what better way of helping passengers get up close and personal with nature and really savour everything that makes the Lakes so special.”

Richard Falconer, managing director on Co-wheels Car Club, added: “The Twizys were chosen as a light-hearted approach to help visitors think about zero emission driving.

"With their quirky looks and fun demeanour, the Renault Twizys are the perfect choice to attract conversation for visitors and residents alike.

"Cumbria now has a growing network of charge points, and with their ideal placement in campsites, the Twizys have a practical side too, allowing people who arrive in large cars or camper vans to have the freedom to explore the area in a small, silent vehicle.”