The trial of pedal-assisted electric bicycles, or e-bikes, is being rolled out across ACT government workplaces where workers can choose to use the bikes for short trips instead of cars or taxis.

Eight e-bikes will used at workplaces along the Northbourne-Civic corridor, where it is expected there will be high usage for short trips between ACT government offices. The bikes will be shared across four government directorates.

"Not only will e-bikes help to reduce Canberra's greenhouse gas emissions, they will reduce transport-related costs including taxi fares, car parking and fleet car running costs," Environment Minister Simon Corbell said.

The bikes are similar to regular bicycles so riders still need to pedal although the electric motor makes it easier.

Environment and Planning finance and operations director Bruce Fitzgerald said the bikes would be fitted with GPS tracking to monitor how they are used, which will inform future policy work.

"We've set some pretty significant targets on carbon neutrality by 2020 so [we're] showcasing how easy it is to move from cars and taxis through to more active forms of transport," he said.

"It's an opportunity to not only innovate, but also to look after staff wellbeing because having a more active working life is actually really beneficial to our staff."

He hoped that the bikes would be used more than 1000 times over the next year.

"Particularly between the Dickson and Civic precincts. It's only four kilometres and in most situations, you'll find it's actually much quicker to get on a bike and get down to Civic as opposed to getting in a car and having to find parking or waiting for a taxi," he said.

The trial would also have significant health benefits for public servants, Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris said.

"E-bikes are relatively easy to use and will enable ACT Government employees of all ages and fitness levels to give a bike a go when travelling to and from meetings or appointments," she said.

"The ACT government remains committed to delivering active travel opportunities for Canberrans and leading by example when it comes to finding new ways for our workforce to be productive."

The trial was welcomed by Pedal Power ACT executive officer John Armstrong, who described it as a fantastic idea.

"We're highly supportive of exactly this type of thing and this is just one initiative the government's really got to follow through on to ensure they do genuinely foster active travel and where else but within their own workplace," he said.

"Of course, they've got to build the appropriate infrastructure so people feel very comfortable about hopping on their bikes in order to travel from one destination to another, but we're strongly supportive of it (the trial)."

The e-bike trial is part of the government's Healthy Weight Initiative.