Anyone interested in swapping out a vehicle in favour of an e-bike?
BC’s government is increasing e-bike rebates to make electric-powered bikes more affordable for individuals and businesses, according to a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure media release.
"The popularity of e-bikes is on the rise and our government wants to encourage more people to purchase and ride these bikes," stated minister of transportation and infrastructure Claire Trevena. "That's why we are boosting the e-bike rebates for people and businesses. E-bikes are a much cheaper alternative to cars and are a safe way to travel. We look forward to seeing more people using e-bikes for getting around."
Trading in a vehicle to scrap results in access to a rebate of $1,050 toward purchases of any new e-bike, an increase of $200 from the previous year, according to the release. The rebate is delivered through the Scrap-It transportation options program. Provincial Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure ministries provide $1,000 toward the rebate; participating retailers provide the remaining $50.
The province is also introducing a one-year pilot project that enables a rebate of up to $1,700 for business owners toward the purchase of a cargo e-bike, which will provide eligible businesses with up to one-third of the purchase price.
"Through CleanBC, we are helping British Columbians to make the switch to cleaner transportation options," stated Bruce Ralston, minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources. "With access to increased rebates, e-bikes are now more affordable than ever in BC, which will reduce climate pollution and put us on the road to a clean energy future."
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is contributing $750,000 toward the two e-bike rebates over two years.
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources has contributed $750,000 toward the Scrap-It program and $2.5 million toward the Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive Program.
"This CleanBC rebate program increases access to more active ways to get around," stated George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy. "As more people get interested in active transportation, e-bikes are more popular than ever because they are easier for many people concerned about long commutes and hilly areas. Getting people out of vehicles and onto e-bikes reduces emissions, takes old and inefficient vehicles off the road and continues the shift to healthy, more climate-friendly transportation options for residents and businesses across our province."
The additional rebates through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure are available until summer 2021.
