If they wanted to be truly altruistic or, dare I say it, socialist, then they would entitle everyone over say 60 to a massive discount on an e-bike/pedelec. Where I live, in deepest greenest Suffolk, there are many of the older generation who appear to rely on their Powabykes etc. to maintain their independence, as it's not unusual to be at least 3 miles from the nearest shop.
Such a scheme would also have the benefit of increasing the general fitness level amongst the increasingly aged population, hence easing the preasure on the NHS by some degree, win-win as I see it. Considering the billions spent on the failing financial system, I reckon the cost would be less than a drop in the ocean, more like a molecule.