E-bike subsidy is spent in less than a month

A total of 366 have been bought as a result of the private/public partnership between Environment & Infrastructure and local retailers.

The scheme, which received £100,000 of funding via the Integrated Transport Strategy, was designed to promote the use of electric cycles as an alternative to the car.

E&I worked with retailers to secure a 25% discount on purchases up to the value of £1,500.

Of that, 20% was being offered by the committee with the shops contributing the remaining 5%.

‘The committee is ecstatic that so many people have taken the opportunity to buy an electric cycle,’ said E&I president Deputy Barry Brehaut.

‘It is hoped the subsidy scheme will help reduce traffic congestion on our roads and help owners enjoy the many health benefits that come with increased activity.

‘The anecdotal feedback we have heard from e-bike users is that they are delighted with their new form of transport and are enjoying the freedom and ease of use that they bring, so we look forward to seeing the results of the surveys in the future.’

The three most popular brands sold during the initiative were Raleigh, Scott and Whisper.

Initial indications show that 46% of new owners are women.

Electric cycles sold for between £650 and £3,000, attracting varying levels of subsidy discount.

The maximum was £375 per e-bike – £300 funded by the committee and £75 funded by the bike shop.

Owners who have purchased a new bike with the help of the initiative will be sent three surveys during the first 12 months of ownership. They will ask e-bike owners for information on how they are being used.

This will allow the committee to determine whether the initiative succeeded in shifting people away from the car or helped improved the health of owners.

Once the surveys are completed and the results are analysed, they will be made available on www.gov.gg.

Until the results of the survey are known, the committee said it had no plans to extend the scheme.