Elf turns electric rickshaw into sleigh to deliver Christmas presents to kids in Edinburgh

A woman whose biz was hit by covid-19 is turning her rickshaw into a sleigh and delivering presents to kids in the city – dressed as an Elf!

Lissa McIntyre turns Joy Rides into Elf delivery service

Lissa McIntyre runs Joy Rides Edinburgh, a venture taking people in care homes out for a spin on her trishaw, a customised electric bike.

Since the rides have been put on hold due to covid-19 restrictions Ms McIntyre decided to dust down her Elf costume and deliver Christmas presents on a donations basis so no kids miss out. The 40-year-old youth worker is also offering kids a festive ride on Betsy the bike.

After launching the Elf Christmas joy rides on Thursday Lissa has been inundated with bookings.

She said: “Christmas will be different this year - kids will miss visiting Santa in his grotto. Joy Rides is offering a special delivery service in Edinburgh, with a "pay what you can afford" service, so no children will miss out on meeting Lissa Elf, receiving their presents and, if they want, getting a ride on Betsy Bike!

"I’ve got spare time now and thought it would be nice to cheer folks up, so many can’t get out to do the usual Christmas fun. I really wanted to do something especially for young kids, who have been affected by the restrictions but they don't know what covid-19 is. They will still expect Santa! Since I put it on Facebook I’ve had over 10.000 views. Who knew people liked to see adult sized elfs!”

Starting from next week Lissa, from Shandon, will be delivering selection boxes or gifts from parents to homes around central Edinburgh. For those who live outside the centre Lissa will offer rides in the Meadows. She added: “There’s room on the bike for two so I can take a kid or parent an join in as well. I’ve put up a special hood to comply with elf and safety! There’s room for a parent to go for a joy ride, or they can go for a coffee while I take a wee one round on Betsy the bike. I hope this brings people a bit of cheer, it’s been a tough year.”

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